ON A Song

Chaleya and Besharam Rang were the most celebrated and popular tracks of 2023. What do you have to say about the success of the songs?

The success of Besharam Rang has been truly overwhelming and I’m immensely grateful for the love and support it has received. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in creating the song. I believe its popularity stems from the catchy tune and meaningful lyrics that convey a message of freedom, resonating with the listeners. Chaleya came about when I got a call from Shah Rukh’s manager, Pooja Dadlani and that itself was a big compliment that he wanted me to do the song and Anirudh was composing it. I was quite excited to work on such a huge project and be a part of such a beautiful song. It was my first time working with Anirudh. His musical vision and how he foresees a particular voice for the song are impeccable.

What makes Besharam rang so popular?

Besharam resonated with people because it embodies the concept of unapologetically loving oneself in all its forms and colours. It encourages you to embrace every facet of your identity without facet of your identity without inhibition. Credit goes to Kumar for the lyrics, Vishal-Shekhar for the music and Siddharth for envisioning a song that connects with people worldwide, celebrating the essence of self-acceptance and self-celebration. Collaborating with Vishal-Shekhar was like home, given that we’ve previously worked together on the iconic Khuda jaane song. In fact, Pathaan marks my fifth project with them and each experience has been nothing short of amazing.

How would you describe your association with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone?