NEW DELHI: Renowned musician Shankar Mahadevan, in an exclusive interview with The New Indian’s executive editor Rohan Dua, shared fascinating insights into his illustrious career. Speaking about iconic tracks like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Rockford, Dil Chahta Hai, Mahadevan revealed behind-the-scenes secrets of his creative process.
Mahadevan said “One of the most exciting challenges was programming the tabla for It’s the time to disco . It wasn’t just about rhythm but crafting an element that blended tradition with modernity.”
Reflecting on Dil Chahta Hai , Mahadevan mentioned, “The title track was never intended for the movie initially. It evolved organically, just like the vibe of the film.”
ALSO READ: We made Dil Chahta Hai’s “Koi Kahe” in a Maruti Zen: Shankar Mahadevan reflects on iconic songs
Discussing his humble beginnings, Mahadevan recalled his first major project with Nagesh Kukunoor for Rockford : “I quickly recorded the tune before catching a flight. To my surprise, it was Gulzar Saab who called to praise it. My phone almost fell from my hands!”
On composing Kajra Re, he quipped, “The track was a joyous experiment. The fusion of voices and sounds was pure magic.”
Mahadevan also emphasized the timeless nature of his songs. “You can’t plan for a track to resonate across generations. It just happens,” he noted.
ALSO READ: Sunidhi Chauhan came in school uniform to sing Bhumbroo: Shankar Mahadevan
From singing Tamil tracks with A.R. Rahman to delivering Bollywood blockbusters, Mahadevan’s journey has been a blend of experimentation and passion. “At the heart of it all is humility,” he said, adding, “I stay far from ego it’s music that unites us.”