In a recent revelation, actor and writer Adivi Sesh opened up about a deeply personal childhood memory that has now found its way into his upcoming cinematic project. The memory revolves around the iconic Bollywood track 'Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast' from the 1994 blockbuster film 'Mohra'. Sesh's emotional connection to the song, which dates back to his school days, has inspired its inclusion in his much-anticipated film, 'Dacoit', slated for release in March 2026.
A Nostalgic School-Day Memory
Adivi Sesh first encountered the peppy number, featuring Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon, during his school years. The song was a nationwide sensation at the time, dominating the airwaves and public consciousness. For Sesh, it became more than just a popular tune; it was integral to a formative experience. He was rehearsing for a dance medley for a school performance, and 'Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast' was the track he performed to on stage. That moment left an indelible mark on him, creating a vivid memory that he carried into adulthood.
"Some songs stay with you forever, and 'Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast' is one of those songs for me," Sesh stated in an interview with Mid Day. He elaborated, "Growing up, the track was everywhere, and I loved it. It was part of the first dance performance I ever did on a school stage and that moment is still vivid in my memory." This personal history made the song a cherished part of his growing-up years, a feeling he never forgot.
From Memory to Movie: The Emotional Integration into 'Dacoit'
Years later, while co-writing the action flick 'Dacoit' with director Shaneil Deo, Sesh felt a strong, instinctive pull to incorporate this piece of his past into the narrative. He emphasized that the decision was driven by genuine emotion rather than a mere commercial gimmick. "When we were working on the film I felt an instinctive pull to bring this song in — not as a gimmick but as a feeling," he explained.
For Sesh, this was an act of respect towards the original creation and his own history. Before weaving the track into the film's fabric, he officially secured the rights to use it. "It mattered to me that this homage was done the right way," he affirmed. He views the song's inclusion as a small, personal memory placed within a larger story, a way of tipping his hat to his younger self who discovered a love for music, performance, and the joy of entertaining an audience.
India as an Emotion: Sesh's Deep-Rooted Connection
This nostalgic act aligns with Adivi Sesh's broader emotional connection to India. Despite growing up in California, he maintained a strong bond with his Indian roots. Recalling his childhood in an earlier 2024 interview with IANS, he spoke about celebrating Independence Day in California through melas and dance performances, which included his own award-winning routines.
"My childhood was filled with Independence Day celebrations in California. Growing up, August 15 was a way for us to connect with our roots," he shared. He described how these experiences felt special because, in America at the time, they weren't surrounded by Indian culture. "India was only in the heart," he noted, adding his profound belief that "India is an emotion." For him, India remains his motherland, a connection he continually strives to strengthen.
Meanwhile, 'Dacoit', directed by Shaneil Deo and also starring Mrunal Thakur, is gearing up for its theatrical release in March 2026. The film promises high-octane action, now layered with a touch of the lead actor's personal nostalgia, making it a highly awaited project for fans.