Fanney Khan song: Anil Kapoor asks when will his ‘Achche Din’ come?

Atul Manjrekar’s directorial debut Fanney Khan is the tale of a failed singer-turned-taxi driver played by Anil Kapoor. The third song from the film ‘Achche Din’ is a stark look into the daily activities of the character.

The song, sung and composed by Amit Trivedi, begins with what sounds like a trumpet, the instrument played by Kapoor’s character in the film. Kapoor starts his day as a taxi driver, paying tribute to his idols — actor Shammi Kapoor and singer Mohammed Rafi. He ferries customers to their locations, but it’s evident that he is struggling to make ends meet.

He saves money in a piggy bank when he can, he plays the lottery with his friend, played by Rajkummar Rao, and has to balance his household accounts to make sure his daughter’s dream of becoming singer comes true.

Irshad Kamil’s lyrics have a real air of sadness about them. The common man lives his life day-to-day and sees no end in sight. One line, in particular, seems grim. ‘Main khaali khaali tha, main khaali hoon, main khaali khaali khoya sa [I was empty, I am empty, I am lost this way].’ The song's title is an obvious reference and a clever play to the 2014 campaign slogan by prime minister Narendra Modi.

Trivedi then asks, ‘Mere achche din kab aayenge? [When will the good days arrive?]. But despite Kapoor’s seeming dire straits, his character keeps up appearances amongst colleagues and friends.

All in all, the wistful song, suitably composed by Trivedi, sets the mood for his character to make a big change for his life.

Fanney Khan is due to be released on 3 August.

Watch the song below: