We made Dil Chahta Hai’s “Koi Kahe” in a Maruti Zen: Shankar Mahadevan reflects on iconic songs

| Updated: 01 January, 2025 5:23 pm IST
Music composer Shankar Mahadevan speaking to the New Indian's Executive Editor Rohan Dua.
Music composer Shankar Mahadevan speaking to the New Indian's Executive Editor Rohan Dua.

NEW DELHI: Shankar Mahadevan recently shared fascinating anecdotes about his legendary career during an interview with The New Indian’s Rohan Dua. The conversation explored his groundbreaking work on films like Dil Chahta Hai , Kal Ho Naa Ho and Rockford.

 

“We created Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe while sitting in a Maruti Zen. The energy of the film guided us it was spontaneous!” Mahadevan recalled. On the title track of Dil Chahta Hai, he said, “The title wasn’t even finalized when we composed the song. It just fell into place.”

 

Discussing Kal Ho Naa Ho , Mahadevan highlighted its emotional depth: “You can’t plan timelessness. It comes from the heart, and that’s what resonates across generations.”

 

ALSO READ: Sunidhi Chauhan came in school uniform to sing Bhumbroo: Shankar Mahadevan

 

Reflecting on Rockford, he recounted, “I quickly recorded the tune before catching a flight. Nagesh loved it, and soon it was iconic. I still remember the call from Gulzar saab praising our work it felt surreal!”

 

Music composer Shankar Mahadevan speaking to the New Indian's Executive Editor Rohan Dua.
Music composer Shankar Mahadevan speaking to the New Indian’s Executive Editor Rohan Dua.

 

He also spoke about the enduring bond with his co-composers, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa: “There’s no ego between us. Our chemistry comes from mutual respect, which makes every project a joy to work on.”

 

ALSO READ: Raazi song Dilbaro made me feel my voice is made for Alia Bhatt: Harshdeep Kaur to Rohan Dua

 

Mahadevan delved into his versatility as a singer, sharing, “I’ve sung in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi every language teaches you something new. Working with A.R. Rahman on Tamil tracks was a highlight of my career.”

 

The maestro attributed his success to authenticity. “Music should connect; that’s all that matters. Whether it’s devotional songs or Bollywood tracks, it’s the soul of the music that speaks.”

Also Read Story

Assam locals protest against BJP MLA’s brother over shoddy road work

Delhi Police accused of colluding with criminals

India’s rural poverty drops to 4.86% in 12 years: SBI report

Fmr AAP leader Alka Lamba to contest as Congress candidate against Atishi: Delhi Assembly Election 2025