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'Nimbooda Nimbooda' Lyrics Found In Odisha Class 5 Textbook: What Made Aishwarya Rai's Look In The Song Iconic
An unexpected printing error in an Odisha Class 5 English textbook has put "Nimbooda Nimbooda" back in the spotlight. Instead of the intended English lesson, the textbook reportedly featured the lyrics of the popular Rajasthani folk song, best known for its iconic appearance in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), starring Aishwarya Rai.
The issue came to light after photographs of the textbook pages surfaced on social media, triggering widespread criticism over editorial oversight, proofreading and quality control before publication.
The incident also sparked a wave of humour online, with users joking that songs like "Munni Badnaam Hui" and "Sheila Ki Jawani" might be next in school textbooks. As "Nimbooda Nimbooda" found itself back in the headlines, it also brought back memories of Aishwarya Rai's iconic aqua-blue lehenga from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam-a look that remains one of Bollywood's most recognisable on-screen fashion moments.
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar | In a major blunder, popular Bollywood song Nimbooda Nimbooda from the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam starring Aishwarya Rai has reportedly been printed in a Class 5 English textbook.#Odisha pic.twitter.com/heP1ALiEK1
— OTV (@otvnews) June 28, 2026
Why 'Nimbooda Nimbooda' Became More Than Just A Song
Long before it became a Bollywood hit, "Nimbooda" was a traditional Rajasthani folk song. Its adaptation in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam introduced it to a new generation, blending folk music with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's grand visual storytelling. While the song remains popular for its music and choreography, Aishwarya Rai's vibrant costume became just as memorable, turning it into one of Bollywood's most iconic fashion moments.
The Aqua-Blue Lehenga That Changed The Look Of The Song
One of the most fascinating details behind the costume is that the now-famous aqua-blue lehenga was never the original plan.
According to Reddit, costume designer Neeta Lulla, who designed the wardrobe for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, shared that the creative team had initially envisioned Aishwarya Rai in a lime green lehenga. However, after studying the colour palette of the song's warm, desert-inspired backdrop, Lulla believed an aquamarine or ice-blue shade would create a stronger visual contrast. Her suggestion was eventually adopted, resulting in what would become one of Bollywood's most recognisable costumes.
Even after more than two decades, the aqua-blue lehenga remains instantly associated with the song.
A Modern Take On Traditional Craftsmanship
While designing Nandini's wardrobe, Neeta Lulla wanted the costumes to stay rooted in Indian tradition without feeling overly conventional.
Instead of relying entirely on classic bandhani lehengas, she experimented with a mix of plain lehengas, bandhani blouses and dupattas featuring mirror work and bandhani detailing. The result was a costume that reflected Gujarati and Rajasthani craftsmanship while still looking contemporary on screen.
The intricate embroidery, vibrant colours and handcrafted details gave the outfit a festive appeal that continues to resonate today.
The Jewellery That Completed The Look
The styling was carefully balanced with traditional jewellery that complemented the lehenga rather than competing with it.
Aishwarya Rai's accessories included:
- A traditional borla (Rajasthani spherical maang tikka)
- Layered necklaces
- Statement earrings
- Stacked bangles
- A kamarbandh or waist ornament
Together, these elements created a look that celebrated regional craftsmanship while maintaining the grandeur associated with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films.
How Aishwarya Rai's "Nimbooda Nimbooda" Look Echoed Through Bollywood
The popularity of the "Nimbooda Nimbooda" aesthetic could be seen in several Bollywood song sequences that followed.
In "Nav Nav Lakha" from Aaghaaz (2000), Sushmita Sen and Namrata Shirodkar appeared in similarly styled blue lehengas paired with traditional jewellery, reflecting the vibrant festive styling that was popular at the time.
Years later, Urvashi Rautela's look in "Beat Pe Thumka" drew widespread comparisons to Aishwarya Rai's iconic ensemble, with many entertainment publications describing it as a modern homage to the memorable costume.
While each look had its own identity, the combination of colourful lehengas, traditional jewellery and celebratory styling continued to remain a favourite in Bollywood's festive song sequences.
Beyond The Headlines
The Odisha textbook controversy has rightly raised questions about editorial oversight and the quality checks involved in publishing school books. While the textbook controversy will be remembered as a publishing lapse, Aishwarya Rai's 'Nimbooda Nimbooda' ensemble continues to be recognised as one of Bollywood's most iconic fashion moments.
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