Watch out Shakira, here comes Liji

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, July 6 -- It may be 'Waka waka' in South Africa, but in South India, it is 'Lakka lakka...' Popstar Shakira's official FIFA song has found its desi version in Kerala. Sung by Malayalam singer Liji Francis, the video is almost the exact replica of Shakira's - same music, same imagery, same choreography and almost the same excitement. Within three days of being on YouTube, the video has attracted more than 70,000 views.

"Cooooolll! A gud attempt," posted Lini, a viewer. "Haha... it's hilarious. Nice mixing for a non-pro work," wrote bitsgoa. 'Lakka lakka...' begins with visuals of the cheering soccer fans in South Africa. Then come glimpses of soccer stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Just when you are expecting Shakira to pop up on the screen, there comes Liji, swinging her hips in a shiny single-piece cola-brown dress. The lyrics are by Shaji Kochukadavu. Widzworld, a viewer, posted, "I love this! Way to go Liji! you rock!"

Although India is not playing in the World Cup, it hasn't stopped the director Abdul Khader Kakkanad from showing the tri-coloured flag in the video. There are even clips from AR Rahman's Vande Matram video appearing behind the swinging Liji.

"This is to mark the fact that soon the Indian football team will make it to the World cup," wrote the user who posted the video.

Not all are taking pride in Lakka lakka, though. "Y cant u guys make somethin of your own," posted rtkin. Raviod6 commented, "And now you expect foreigners to not laugh at us?"