Explained - How ‘Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo,’ song became a Reels sensation 70 years later and why now?

Shobha Khote in a still from the song Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo.

Ninety percent of our day is spent on social media and while surfing, one would have come across one or two or even more videos on this old Hindi song, 'Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo,' sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.

'Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo' from a 1959 Hindi film is suddenly the soundtrack to hundreds of Instagram reels nowadays.

The song has found a second lease of life 70 years later and has now become a viral trend on social media. Its rise actually also showcases the timeless power of melody.

The song is originally from the film Barkha, composed by Chitragupta with lyrics by Rajendra Krishan.

Lata Mangeshkar's voice captured the agony of heartbreak with such finesse that it still resonates with today's generation.

The 'lyrics—'Tadpaoge tadpa lo, hum tadap-tadap kar bhi tumhare geet 'gaayenge'—have become the perfect background for reels depicting longing for love. Many actors, actresses and influencers have jumped on the trend and are making reels on this now famous song.

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The song featured a then-young Shobha Khote—who was seen with Nanda and Jagdeep in Barkha.

But why has it gone viral now—in 2025?

One obvious reason could be the emotional intensity. In an era of short-form content, millions of online creators are constantly in search of music that can instantly build a connection with their users and 'Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo' offers just that. Its melody and vintage vibe create an atmosphere of unfiltered emotions.

The reels are being made in black-and-white filters, slow-motion effects, and dramatic expressions, all of which go seamlessly with the song.

Many users use it for POV-stylestorytelling, their breakup narratives, or nostalgic transitions.

Nostalgia is also working in favor of the song. Vintage Bollywood music has been trending for a while, and such songs allow Gen Z and millennials to connect with the golden era of Bollywood they never lived through but are drawn to.

Anupamaa actress Rupali Ganguly, Hina Khan and many others have joined the 'Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo' Trend.

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A post shared by Rupali Ganguly (@rupaliganguly)

For older audiences, it’s a reminder of a simpler, more soulful time in cinema.

The Instagram algorithm has further boosted this trend. As more users engage with the song, the social media platform promotes it more aggressively and widely.

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A post shared by 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒉𝒂𝒏 (@realhinakhan)

From influencers to everyday creators, reels with “Tadpaoge Tadpa Lo” now appear in explore feeds and trending pages, creating a snowball effect.

Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, Chitragupta’s composition, and Rajendra Krishan’s poetry have unexpectedly become part of the digital era’s soundtrack, moving hearts just as they did decades ago.

And that’s the beauty of art—it doesn’t age. It evolves.