Renowned singer Shaan, a voice that echoes through many memorable Bollywood tracks, recently revealed the industry’s behind-the-scenes decisions that led to his song being replaced in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming movie ‘Dunki’. Known for his versatile singing and charming voice, Shaan has been instrumental in shaping the soundscape of Hindi cinema with hits such as ‘Musu Musu Haasi Deu’, ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahan’, ‘Chand Sifarish’, and ‘Jab Se Tere Naina’.
During a candid interaction, Shaan shared his initial excitement about contributing a romantic track for ‘Dunki’, only to have it later swapped for the track ‘O Maahi’, which has garnered popularity as part of the film’s soundtrack. This switch reflects an all-too-common occurrence in the music domain of films, where creative decisions can often be unpredictable and lead to unanticipated outcomes for artists involved.
“I was thrilled that I got to sing a Shah Rukh Khan song, but for some reason, it was replaced by another song. So, these things… The song, ‘O Maahi’, got onto becoming the popular song of that soundtrack, which is where my song was supposed to be slotted in,” Shaan expressed in an interview with PTI.
The incident stirred a mixture of emotions for the acclaimed singer. On one hand, his enthusiasm was dampened by the replacement, but he also perceived this lull in his mainstream Bollywood involvement as a potential opportunity. Shaan spoke about feeling “underutilized” in Bollywood, especially in the last decade, noting that his voice has not been as prominent in “those big Bollywood songs” as it once was. He sees this as a chance though, to pause, reflect, and hone his skills—an essential practice for any artist seeking to evolve and maintain relevance in a fast-paced industry.
“When you are constantly on a roll, there’s no time to introspect, no time to work on your skills. You tend to keep going with the flow. At some point, you realize you’re becoming mechanical, redundant. So I take this break, this little getaway as a good thing, that I get to work on my skill sets,” said Shaan, providing an inside view of the pressures and challenges that accompany continuous success in the entertainment business.
In conversations leading up to the film’s release, Shaan had confirmed his involvement with a composition by Shantanu Moitra for ‘Dunki’, and though there was a buzz about this collaboration in social media circles, it was later clarified that the music for the track he recorded was from the maestro Pritam. Shaan had expressed his zeal for the song, highlighting the ongoing support from director Rajkumar Hirani, “I’m so super excited about this LoveSong for SRK… and have always had #RajuHirani Ji’s love and support.”
Shaan’s relationship with Shah Rukh Khan’s movies dates back with contributions to chart-topping anthems like ‘Deewangi Deewangi’, ‘It’s The Time To Disco’, ‘Kuch Toh Hua Hai’, and ‘Main Hoon Don’. These collaborations have crystallized into defining moments of Indian cinema music, showcasing Shaan’s indelible impact on the film industry.
About ‘Dunki’, it is an eagerly awaited film with an ensemble cast that includes heavyweights like Boman Irani, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover, all sharing the silver screen with Shah Rukh Khan. Themed around the pressing issue of immigration, the movie’s title references the colloquial phrase “donkey journey” – a metaphor for the perilous and often illicit routes people embark upon for a chance at a better life abroad. With its compelling narrative and star-studded lineup, ‘Dunki’ is poised to be a significant cinematic release.
Shaan’s disclosure offers fans a glimpse into the unpredictable and often disheartening world of film music production, shedding light on the resilience and adaptability of artists navigating the ever-shifting landscapes of Bollywood. His experience serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of opportunities within the realm of stardom, balanced by the enduring pursuit of artistic mastery and personal growth.
