A wave of anticipation and nostalgia has washed over fans of Indian cinema and music with the rejuvenated rendering of the romantic anthem ‘Zehnaseeb’ from the adored 2014 film Hasee Toh Phasee, featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra. The newly released version is a testament to the song’s lasting charm and its power to captivate audiences, even a decade after its original release.
Within moments of its highly anticipated release earlier this week, the talented trio—composer and singer Shekhar Ravjiani, music producer Karan Kanchan, and singer Kasyap—came together virtually from Mumbai for a candid discussion. On a joint Zoom video call, they readjusted their screens to ensure the camaraderie they share was evident to all who viewed them.
The song ‘Zehnaseeb’ holds a special place in Shekhar’s heart as it marks a milestone in his impressive 25-year musical voyage, beginning with his debut in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) and stretching all the way to his involvement in the film Fighter (2024). Reflecting on the success of ‘Zehnaseeb,’ Shekhar mentioned, “Its remarkable and enduring popularity, revered ten years after its premiere, is simply breathtaking. Having Karan and Kasyap breathe new life into this song, as it reaches a decade, is both fortunate and exhilarating.”
Karan Kanchan, known for his trap and multi-genre production expertise, relished the opportunity to add his distinct touch to the iconic track. Speaking of the song’s profound effect, Karan revealed, “’Zehnaseeb’ holds a universal appeal. The suggestion to remake it from Sony came as a perfect project. Nevertheless, the immense weight of the task was clear. It was imperative to honor the original.” Karan highlighted that while he initially felt apprehensive, Shekhar’s unwavering support was a guiding star, solidifying Karan’s determination to create a version that complemented the original while also offering a renewed aural grandeur.
For Kasyap, the Hyderabad-based singer, ‘Zehnaseeb’ was a tune that captured his imagination when he was just a child, marking one of his earliest Bollywood music infatuations. His voice, joining Shekhar’s in this revisited harmony, layers the song with fresh earnestness. Describing the collaboration as a dream, Kasyap commented, “It’s been a transformative experience. From my first Telugu indie single ‘Theliyade’ to collaborating with these amazing artists, every step has been about growth and reaching new vocal horizons.”
Shekhar views the modern rendition of ‘Zehnaseeb’ not just as another remix, but a tribute. He believes that if Hasee Toh Phasee were a film of present times, this refreshed adaptation would be the defining sound. He candidly shared his distaste for remixes in general but advocated that the magic lies in the delicate handling of the original work to enhance its narrative while keeping its soul intact. For Shekhar, the key is to foster a new connection with audiences whilst honoring the emotional ties listeners have with the original.
In addition to revisiting classic tracks, Shekhar delves into the future with his own record label, Garuudaa Music. Intended as an incubator for emerging talents, the label stands as a symbol of Shekhar’s commitment to musical innovation and diversity. With an exciting slate of future releases, including work with Kasyap and Karan, Shekhar’s label is poised to become a celebrated cornerstone of the Indian music landscape.
Shekhar’s visions for his music, cherished songs like ‘Zehnaseeb,’ and the collaborative spark among modern artists showcase an industry that is both reflective and revolutionary. The collective hope is to continue crafting sounds that resonate, move, and inspire, bridging the past with a bold step into the future.
