NEW DELHI: Renowned music composer Shantanu Moitra opened up about the creative decisions behind the repetitive use of the phrase “Tere Bin” in the title track of the 2016 film Wazir. In a conversation with The New Indian’s Executive Editor Rohan Dua, Moitra revealed the thought process behind the song’s unique structure and its emotional resonance.
“The character of Farhan Akhtar in Wazir is an honest officer. There is something deeply binding about him, both physically and metaphysically, with Aditi Rao Hydari’s character. That’s why the essence of ‘Tere Bin’ was repeated,” Moitra explained.
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Moitra credited lyricist Swanand Kirkire for the repetition of the line, which became the song’s hallmark. “Swanand decided to say ‘Tere Bin’ at least 12-15 times. He said, ‘Let it enter people’s minds; let it linger.’ That was his genius,” he remarked.
The music composer also shared insights into the emotional vulnerability that the song sought to capture. “This is not a seasoned singer expressing polished emotions. This is raw, unfiltered love and longing,” Moitra said, pointing out how the song aligns with the characters’ arcs.
Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra played a pivotal role in shaping the song. Moitra recalled, “Vidhu Sir wanted authenticity. He believed the song had to be as real as possible. He even avoided lip-sync to keep it natural.”
The song’s rawness extended to its vocals as well, with the director insisting on casting Shraddha Shankar, a relatively inexperienced singer, for the track. “Vidhu Sir’s vision was clear. He wanted vulnerability. He told me, ‘Shantanu, this character is not a seasoned singer; she’s shy and unsure. That’s what makes it authentic,’” Moitra shared.
Reflecting on the collaborative process, Moitra highlighted how creativity thrives on freedom. “Vidhu Sir always gave space to experiment. He said, ‘Don’t overthink. Let’s keep it real and organic,’” he noted.
The conversation also touched upon Moitra’s broader ideology in music composition. “Every time I create for money, it backfires. But when I create for the love of the art, magic happens,” he said.
The song “Tere Bin” continues to resonate with audiences, embodying Moitra’s philosophy of staying true to emotions. “Music has to connect with the soul,” he concluded, reflecting the ethos that has made his compositions timeless.