How a Parrot Learned to Sing Bollywood Songs

Meet Munna: The Feathered Bollywood Star

In a small Mumbai apartment, a 4-year-old African Grey Parrot named ​Munna has taken the internet by storm—not just for talking, but for ​singing full Bollywood songs with shocking accuracy. His renditions of "Tum Hi Ho" (Aashiqui 2) and "Chaiyya Chaiyya" (Dil Se) have racked up ​15M+ views on Instagram and YouTube, making him India’s most famous talking bird.

But how did a parrot master human melodies? Here’s the fascinating backstory.

🎤 The Secret Behind Munna’s Singing Talent

1. The Training Process (Step-by-Step)

✔ Started at 6 Months Old: Owner ​Rahul Mehta, a music teacher, practiced daily.
✔ Slow & Repetitive Exposure: Played songs ​10x/day in short sessions.
✔ Reward System: Gave almonds when Munna mimicked even a single note correctly.
✔ Pitch Matching: Used a ​harmonium to teach scales (birds naturally mimic tones).

📌 Key Insight: African Greys have ​exceptional auditory memory—they can replicate ​human speech, accents, and even instrument sounds.

🎶 Munna’s Repertoire: Top 3 Viral Songs

1. **"Tum Hi Ho" (Arijit Singh)** – Hits the high notes perfectly.
2. **"Lungi Dance" (Chennai Express)** – Nails Shah Rukh Khan’s "Ho gaya kya?" hook.
3. **"Dilbar" (Satyameva Jayate)** – Mimics the "dhu-dhu-dhu" beatboxing.

🎥 Watch Here: YouTube Link

🤯 Why This Is Scientifically Impressive

• Birds Lack Vocal Cords: They use a ​syrinx (voice box) to recreate sounds.
• Complex Rhythm Sense: Munna keeps tempo like a trained musician.
• Emotional Nuance: Adds "crying" sounds to sad songs ("Tum Hi Ho").

🔬 Expert Take:
"This level of vocal control is rare even among parrots. It’s like a bird earning a music degree!"
— Dr. Priya Nair, Avian Biologist (BNHS)

📱 How Munna Became a Social Media Star

• First Viral Clip: Rahul posted Munna humming "Kal Ho Naa Ho" as a joke.
• Celebrity Reactions:Sonu Nigam tweeted: "Now I have competition!"Neha Kakkar did a ​duet challenge with him.
• Brand Deals:Pepsi India (mini-commercial)Amazon Prime ("Munna’s Playlist" promo)

🦜 Can Any Parrot Learn to Sing?

✅ Best Breeds for Singing:

• Indian Ringneck (mimics tunes well)
• Cockatiel (whistles melodies)
• Amazon Parrot (strong vocal range)

❌ Limitations:

• Most birds can’t match Munna’s precision.
• Requires 1–2 hours/day training for years.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with ​simple whistles (e.g., "Twinkle Twinkle") before Bollywood!

**❤️ The Heartwarming Impact**

Munna isn’t just entertainment—he’s changing perceptions:
✔ Adoptions of abandoned parrots rose ​40% in Mumbai (per ​PAWS Mumbai).
✔ Rahul donates 30% of earnings to bird rescue centers.

📌 Fan Mail: Kids now send Munna ​song requests via postcards.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Feathers & Fame

Munna proves that patience + passion can unlock genius—even in pets. His story blends ​science, music, and sheer cuteness, reminding us why animals never cease to amaze.