Shankar Mahadevan: When we work with Zoya Akhtar, there's no kind of baggage
Mumbai, July 16
The Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar-starrer Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has completed 15 years since its release, with its memorable music and heartwarming story continuing to resonate with people even today. However, composer Shankar Mahadevan says he feels "strange" calling his own music "timeless."
Talking to IANS about the film's music being timeless as it's on everyone's playlist even today, Mahadevan: "I really feel strange calling my own music timeless, but yeah, the film was really special. And it's all Zoya Akhtar's vision and the energy that she puts into a film. Then, it was the teamwork."
He added: "You know, when we work with Zoya, there is no kind of baggage. There is no reference point that we had to create music like this, or this should sound like that. We're not worried about a song becoming popular or not popular."
Mahadevan shared that the main thing is that it should take the movie forward.
He added: "And it should fit in with the texture of the film. Every song, if you see it, is so unique. The placement of the songs is so unique in the film that everybody is pleasantly surprised."
"The way it is picturized is so cool, and the characters are outstanding. So, all those things add up. And, of course, musically, we were given a hundred percent free hand to create whatever we wanted to. So, if you hear the music, it's the true essence of Shankar Ehsaan Loy coming out, with, of course, the fantastic lyrics of our own favourite, Javed Akhtar."
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was released in 2011. The film was directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment.
The film stars Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin. It follows three friends from school, Arjun, Kabir, and Imran, who go on a three-week road trip in Spain for Kabir's bachelor party.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a music lover, I absolutely respect Shankar Mahadevan for not calling his own work "timeless." It shows humility. But honestly, the soundtrack is legendary – every song fits the story so well. That road trip vibe in Spain is unforgettable. SEL and Javed Akhtar saab's lyrics just elevate everything.
I get what Shankar ji means about "no baggage." That's why SEL's music here feels so fresh – it's not trying to copy any trend, just pure creativity. The album is a gem. But I wish more directors today gave composers that kind of freedom. So much commercial music feels forced.
I'm from the US and discovered ZNMD through a friend – instantly fell in love with the music. The blend of Indian and Western sounds in "Senorita" is brilliant. Shankar Mahadevan's humility is refreshing. It's rare to see such honest appreciation for creative freedom in Bollywood.
ZNMD ka music is like a time capsule – takes me right back to 2011! 🎵 Shankar ji's point about "taking the movie forward" is so true. The songs aren't just fillers, they're part of the storytelling. My only small critique: wish they'd also given the background score more credit separately.
Happy 15 years to this masterpiece! 🌟 Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, and Loy Mendonsa – the trio that gave us so many classics. This album proves good music
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