When Jacqueline Fernandez Rehearsed 70 Hours For ‘Oonchi Hai Building’ Song Performance In ‘Judwaa 2’

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez is paired opposite Varun Dhawan in the upcoming movie ‘Judwaa 2’. The movie also stars Taapsee Pannu.
Two hit songs from Salman Khan’s 1997 original, ‘Judwaa’, ‘Tan Tana Tan’ and ‘Oonchi Hai Building’, are being recreated.
The original ‘Judwaa’ that released in the year 1997 had Karisma Kapoor, Salman Khan and Rambha and it was a box office hit.
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Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor with their dance steps in Oonchi Hai Building created waves all over the media back then. Now, Varun Dhawan and Jacqueline Fernandez are all set to step into the shoes of the stars in Judwaa 2.
But, Jacqueline told a leading tabloid, it took 70 hrs to get the step right. She said “When you work on the remake of such an iconic film, getting tired is not an option. I think the rehearsals helped us get in the groove. I am sure the hard work will pay off. We are nervous, yet excited, as we want to do justice to the tracks. Varun is a far better dancer, but we get things right together.”

Choreographer Ganesh Acharya, who had worked on the original film, has been roped in for the remake. “He choreographed the songs back in the day and is calling the shots even today. We wanted to maintain the authenticity, yet add new steps to the tracks” she said.
The first schedule of ‘Judwaa 2’ has been completed. The team is back in Mumbai from London. ‘Judwaa 2’ directed by David Dhawan is expected to release by the end of September.

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The Anatomy of Dedication: When Jacqueline Fernandez Rehearsed 70 Hours a Week for ‘Oonchi Hai Building 2.0’ in Judwaa 2

In the glittering, high-octane world of Bollywood, where effortless grace is the expectation, the true measure of an actor’s commitment often lies behind the scenes, far from the spotlight. One such revelation of profound dedication centers on actress Jacqueline Fernandez and her meticulous preparation for the 2017 blockbuster, Judwaa 2. The movie, a remake of the 1997 cult classic Judwaa, came with the enormous pressure of recapturing the original’s magic, particularly in its iconic song-and-dance numbers. For the revamped version of the chartbuster “Oonchi Hai Building,” Fernandez’s commitment was staggering: she reportedly devoted an astonishing 70 hours a week to rehearsals to perfect her performance.

This grueling schedule, equivalent to a 10-hour workday, every day of the week, for an extended period, speaks volumes not just about Fernandez’s work ethic, but about the high stakes involved in recreating a piece of cinematic history. It underscores the immense effort required to deliver what audiences ultimately perceive as two minutes of pure, spontaneous entertainment.

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The Weight of an Anthem: Recreating a 90s Classic

Judwaa 2 was one of the most anticipated films of 2017, directed by David Dhawan, the same maestro who helmed the 1997 original. The sequel featured Varun Dhawan stepping into Salman Khan’s shoes in the dual role of Raja and Prem, alongside Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu. But the true challenge lay in the music.

Two songs from the original Judwaa—”Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Tara” and “Oonchi Hai Building”—were not just popular tracks; they were cultural anthems that defined the late 90s Bollywood dance floor. Recreating them, therefore, was less a creative exercise and more a tightrope walk between paying homage to the past and introducing a modern energy.

• The Original Legacy: “Oonchi Hai Building,” from the 1997 film, was an instant smash, featuring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Rambha. The tune, the hook steps, and the general vibrant absurdity became ingrained in popular memory.
• The 2.0 Challenge: The revamped song, titled “Oonchi Hai Building 2.0,” had to live up to this 20-year-old legacy. It required the new generation of stars—Varun, Jacqueline, and Taapsee—to match the infectious energy of the original while stamping their own identity onto the performance. This pressure was keenly felt by the cast.

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The 70-Hour Commitment: Deciphering the Dedication

The figure of 70 hours of rehearsal per week, a detail confirmed by Fernandez herself, is a testament to the meticulousness of Bollywood song preparation. In a conversation with the press, the actress acknowledged the intensity of the process, but framed it as a necessary part of the project.

Jacqueline’s Perspective:

“When you work on the remake of such an iconic film, getting tired is not an option. I think the rehearsals helped us get in the groove. I am sure the hard work will pay off.”

This quote reveals the internal drive that powered her through the exhaustive schedule. For an actress whose career often involves simultaneous shoots, brand commitments, and travel, devoting nearly every waking moment outside of other work to a single song sequence is a rare show of dedication.

What the 70 Hours Entailed:

1. Mastering the Original’s Essence: The choreography, handled by the veteran Ganesh Acharya—who had also choreographed the iconic songs in the 1997 Judwaa—aimed to retain the original’s authenticity while adding new steps. This meant Fernandez had to study the classic steps and then assimilate the new, complex movements simultaneously.
2. Achieving On-Screen Chemistry: The song features high-energy interactions with Varun Dhawan. The extensive rehearsals were crucial for the lead pair to sync their movements, expressions, and comedic timing, which is vital for a David Dhawan film. Fernandez, while acknowledging Varun as “a far better dancer,” emphasized that they worked together to perfect their coordination.
3. Physical Stamina and Precision: The dance style demanded significant physical stamina. The high-energy, fast-paced nature of the masala track required her body to be conditioned to perform the complex, repetitive steps flawlessly take after take. A 70-hour week of physical training is akin to an athlete’s peak conditioning schedule.
4. The Pressure of Comparison: Replicating a performance originally done by the legendary Karisma Kapoor (for the character Fernandez was largely paired with) adds an extra layer of psychological pressure. The long rehearsal hours were arguably a way to build muscle memory and confidence, ensuring that when the cameras rolled, there was no room for error or hesitation.

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The Role of Choreography: Ganesh Acharya’s Vision

The decision to bring back Ganesh Acharya was a strategic one aimed at bridging the gap between the two generations of Judwaa. Acharya, renowned for his signature masala style and ability to create popular, signature hook steps, was the perfect choice to ensure the song felt like a natural evolution rather than a complete departure.

Jacqueline Fernandez expressed her excitement and nervousness about working with Acharya again (after previously collaborating on “Taang Uthake” in Housefull 3). Her 70-hour week suggests the choreography was demanding, requiring a deep commitment to mastering Acharya’s energetic and often intricate style. The focus was on maintaining the track’s raw, uninhibited spirit, which required the actors to perform with infectious zeal.

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The Payoff: An Instant Chartbuster

The hard work, the grueling 70-hour weeks, and the immense pressure all culminated in a product that the audience immediately embraced. When “Oonchi Hai Building 2.0” was released, it instantly dominated music charts and became a staple at parties and celebrations across the country.

Jacqueline Fernandez was lauded for her performance in the track. She effortlessly blended glamour with the required tapori (street-smart) energy, holding her own alongside the highly energetic Varun Dhawan. The visuals were vibrant, the choreography was catchy, and the energy was electric—a clear vindication of the punishing rehearsal schedule.

Key Takeaways from the Performance:

• Authenticity Met Modernity: The song successfully retained the core spirit of the 90s track while receiving a contemporary musical update by Sandeep Shirodkar, featuring the voices of Anu Malik and Neha Kakkar.
• The Power of Preparation: The final, seamless performance is a powerful reminder that the biggest, most enjoyable dance numbers are often the result of the most strenuous behind-the-scenes work. The dedication paid off by allowing the actors to perform with a freedom that only comes from absolute mastery of the steps.
• Redefining Commitment: Jacqueline Fernandez’s reported 70-hour week has since become an industry benchmark, a viral anecdote symbolizing the level of physical and professional sacrifice top actors make to do justice to their roles, especially when revisiting celebrated cinematic moments.

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Conclusion: The Legacy of a Work Ethic

Jacqueline Fernandez’s preparation for “Oonchi Hai Building 2.0” stands as a significant moment in her career, immortalizing her not just as a glamorous star, but as a dedicated professional committed to perfecting her craft. In an era where remakes are common, the success of the song in Judwaa 2 was proof that you cannot simply rely on nostalgia. It takes a fresh wave of talent, a reverence for the original, and, critically, a Herculean work ethic—one that clocks in at 70 hours a week—to make old magic new again.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

1. How many hours did Jacqueline Fernandez rehearse for ‘Oonchi Hai Building’ in Judwaa 2?

Jacqueline Fernandez reportedly rehearsed for an impressive 70 hours a week to perfect her dance moves for the iconic songs in Judwaa 2, including “Oonchi Hai Building 2.0” and “Tan Tana Tan 2.0.”

2. Who was the choreographer for the song ‘Oonchi Hai Building 2.0’?

The choreography for “Oonchi Hai Building 2.0” in Judwaa 2 was handled by Ganesh Acharya, who had also choreographed the original song in the 1997 film Judwaa. The director, David Dhawan, wanted to ensure the recreation maintained the authenticity and spirit of the original track.

3. What pressure did Jacqueline Fernandez face while recreating the song?

Jacqueline Fernandez faced the pressure of doing justice to an iconic 90s chartbuster that was originally performed by Karisma Kapoor. She mentioned feeling “nervous, yet excited,” and recognized that because the film was a remake of such a classic, “getting tired is not an option.”

4. Who were the lead actors in the Judwaa 2 movie?

The lead actors in the 2017 film Judwaa 2 were Varun Dhawan in a double role, alongside Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu.

5. Was ‘Oonchi Hai Building 2.0’ a success?

Yes, “Oonchi Hai Building 2.0” was a significant success. Upon its release, it quickly became a massive hit, dominating music charts and receiving positive reception for its high energy and modern take on the classic 90s track. The song’s popularity validated the hard work and extensive rehearsals put in by the cast and crew.