Composer Anand Raaj Anand: Don't think I ever went away
Mumbai, June 19
Music composer Anand Raaj Anand, whose 2007 song "Uncha Lamba Kad" has been featured in the "Welcome To The Jungle", has spoken about returning to the franchise and feels that he never went away; instead, he was simply in a creative zone.
In 2007, Anand composed, penned and sang "Uncha Lamba Kad" picturised Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. 19 years later, the recreated version features him again with Rubai.
Anand said: "The title Welcome itself feels like a signature in my life. It's almost as if people are saying, 'Anand, you're back.' I am overwhelmed by the love I have received. In fact, I am getting much more affection than I had imagined."
"Returning to this franchise feels very special because Welcome has always been associated with some of my most memorable songs. Seeing those songs continue to be loved and now being recreated for a new generation feels almost magical."
So what does this comeback represent to him personally?
The musician said: "I don't think I ever went away. I was simply in a creative zone rather than an execution zone. Music never left me, and neither did my passion for it. This phase feels like a natural continuation of my journey."
He said it feels like a miracle.
Anand said: "The fact that the song is still being used in reels and continues to resonate with audiences after so many years is incredibly satisfying. I still remember receiving an urgent call around midnight from the team behind Welcome. They needed three songs within just 15 days."
"Those songs eventually became history. Uncha Lamba Kad and Honth Rasiley continue to be loved even today."
On his professional association with Akshay Kumar, he said: " I feel extremely grateful to Akshay Kumar and the entire team for deciding to bring back Uncha Lamba Kad. Their belief in the song and its legacy means a lot to me."
"I think it is the mutual trust and belief in good music. Whenever everyone comes together with the intention of creating something entertaining and memorable, magic happens. Seeing Uncha Lamba Kar return in a new avatar while retaining its original flavour brought back so many memories. It felt nostalgic and exciting at the same time."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about these recreated versions. Original songs have their own charm. But Anand Raaj Anand's involvement gives me hope. He genuinely understands the soul of the track. Hope they don't ruin it with unnecessary auto-tune or random beats.
This makes me so happy! 😊 Anand ji's music was a huge part of my college days. Welcome was such a hilarious movie and the songs were perfectly placed. I appreciate that he never stopped creating - being in a "creative zone" is valid. Sometimes art needs time to simmer before it's ready for the world.
I wish more composers would take this approach. Bollywood has become too commercial. Anand Raaj Anand saying he was in a creative zone rather than execution zone - that's the difference between an artist and a machine. Looking forward to the new version. Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in Welcome were iconic.
The fact that he composed three songs in just 15 days for the original movie and they became hits speaks volumes about his talent. Today's music scene is too obsessed with quantity over quality. Anand Raaj Anand's comeback is well-deserved. Uncha Lamba Kad on reels still makes me smile.
Even as someone who doesn't follow Bollywood closely, I've heard Uncha Lamba Kad at multiple Indian events here in the US. It's one of those universal party songs. Happy to see the original composer returning. This is how you honor film music heritage - involve the creators, not just sample the track.
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