Smiles of success: Shekhar Ravjiani, Kasyap and Karan Kanchan
| Photo Credit: Special association
The reimagined model of the tune ‘Zehnaseeb’ from the 2014 Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra-starrer Hasee Toh Phasee has sparked pleasure amongst followers. Minutes after the official launch early this week, composer and singer Shekhar Ravjiani, producer Karan Kanchan, and singer Kasyap huddle collectively on a Zoom video name from Mumbai, adjusting their positions, making certain they match into the body. Displaying a heat camaraderie, they share insights into their artistic course of and motivations behind revisiting this observe.
Shekhar has traversed a exceptional 25-year journey, from his debut in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) to his current involvement within the movie Fighter (2024). Expressing his deep affection for ‘Zehnaseeb‘’, he says, “The enduring popularity of the song, a decade after its original release, is outstanding. The love for the song is growing. I am fortunate to have two great talents like Karan and Kasyap presenting a fresh interpretation of this timeless song befitting its 10th anniversary.”
Grander scale
Shekhar’s enthusiasm is echoed by Karan Kanchan, a multi-genre and lure music producer, who eagerly embraced the chance to infuse his distinctive type into the observe. “I grew up listening to ‘Zehnaseeb’, it is a track that resonates with everyone. When Sony suggested working on it, we immediately knew it was the right choice. However, tackling such a classic was a huge responsibility. I was nervous about doing justice to it, but Shekhar’s support and guidance were invaluable. His validation meant everything to me, and I knew that as long as he was happy with the result, I had succeeded,” says Karan, emphasising the necessity to respect the tune’s legacy whereas incorporating new sounds and textures. “By infusing elements like the sarangi and experimenting with contemporary rhythms, I created a grander and more immersive auditory experience.”
Hyderabad-based singer Kasyap was barely 10 or 11 years previous when Hasee Tho Phasee was launched, and ‘Zehnaseeb’ turned an earworm. Recalling how the tune resonated with him, he says it marked his early encounters with Bollywood music. Having sung two originals for Shekhar, ‘Zehnaseeb‘ is his third collaboration with the singer-composer. “To sing with the legend is a big responsibility, and I was nervous. Somehow, I made it through with his guidance and Karan’s magical production. It’s been a surreal experience for me to work on this song,” says the pop singer who launched his first Telugu indie single, ‘Theliyade’, early this 12 months. “I’ve evolved as an artiste over the years and made efforts to push my vocal boundaries. Training hard and exploring different genres, including ‘Theliyade’, has been deeply fulfilling. Working with these incredible people and creating meaningful music is a dream come true, and I’m grateful for this journey of growth and blessings.”
Reimagining legacy
Shekhar, who sees the remix of ‘Zehnaseeb’ as a tribute to the unique tune, a technique to preserve its legacy alive and a possibility to introduce it to a new viewers who would possibly join with it in another way. He says, “If Hasee tho Phasee were to be made now, I see this version becoming the definitive rendition.”
Admitting that he was by no means a fan of remixes, Shekar says the important thing lies in treating the unique tune with respect and creating a model that provides one thing significant and recent whereas retaining the essence of what made the unique particular. He emphasises folks’s emotional reference to sure songs, citing his expertise of performing ‘Zehnaseeb’ reside repeatedly to massive audiences and witnessing their love for the tune firsthand.
Looking forward, Shekhar reveals his plans for his report label, Garuudaa Music (pronounced Garud Music), which has change into a platform for nurturing rising expertise. With quite a few releases on the horizon, together with collaborations with Kasyap and Karan, Shekhar’s imaginative and prescient for the way forward for Indian music is considered one of innovation and inclusivity.