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Key Points

Renowned lyricist Irshad Kamil has shared fascinating insights into his writing process for the upcoming film 'Saiyaara'. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining character integrity while avoiding self-projection in storytelling. Kamil believes that a character's profession is just one aspect of their complex personality, not their entire identity. His approach demonstrates a nuanced understanding of creative writing that respects individual narrative truths.

Key Points: Irshad Kamil's Writing Truth Beyond Character Limits

  • Lyricist explores character writing without over-personalizing
  • Discusses separation between profession and personality
  • Emphasizes emotional authenticity in storytelling
  • Highlights love as an immortal emotion
2 min read

Irshad Kamil reveals how he fights temptation to pour himself into a character, and stick to truth

Lyricist Irshad Kamil reveals his unique approach to character writing, balancing personal creativity with narrative authenticity in 'Saiyaara'

"Removing yourself and putting yourself in character's shoes is the fun part - Irshad Kamil"

Mumbai, June 12

Lyricist Irshad Kamil, who has penned the songs in the upcoming movie 'Saiyaara', has shared the trick to not over-expose himself in the characters that he writes for. The character of the female lead in the film is a writer, and shares the profession with the lyricist.

Irshad spoke with IANS recently in the run-up to the film's release. When asked how he fights the temptation to not put himself in the characters, he said, "Actually, this practice happened to me recently. As Mohit Suri, the director rightly said, 'Writing is a profession'. I have a character who writes, poetry is not her entire personality but one aspect of who she is as a person. I am a writer but I can also work in a bank, that means I dabble in two different things. That's also possible".

He further mentioned, 'So working is one thing. Character is another thing. Profession is another thing. Personality is different. That's what the truth of that character is. I have to stick to the truth of the character, and the truth of the moment. Like, I did a movie called 'Amar Singh Chamkila', where Diljit Dosanjh's character was also a writer. So I practiced in that I don't want to pour myself into that character. I want that person to shine as a character".

"So, basically, removing yourself and then, despite removing yourself, putting yourself in those character's shoes is the fun part", he added.

Earlier, Irshad equated love with a rainbow, one word but many colours, as he said, "I feel that love is the only emotion, which is immortal. If you get angry, then the anger goes away at some point. If you get irritated with someone, it goes away. The person you fall in love with, the love stays forever".

He said that love is a very basic emotion, and such an everlasting emotion, that you can't deny it at any level. He also said that the director of the film, Mohit Suri has a knack for presenting a perfect portrayal of the emotion of love. Mohit is known for his musical hits like 'Zeher', 'Kalyug', 'Woh Lamhe', the cult-classic 'Awarapan' and the blockbuster 'Aashiqui 2'.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, 'Saiyaara' is set to arrive in cinemas on July 18, 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Irshad Kamil's approach to writing is so refreshing! As someone who writes poetry occasionally, I understand the struggle of not letting your own voice overpower the character's essence. His work in Chamkila was brilliant - you could feel the character's authenticity. Excited for Saiyaara! ✍️
P
Priya M.
Interesting perspective, but I feel writers should bring more of themselves into characters. That's what makes writing unique no? Otherwise all characters start sounding similar. Still, respect for Kamil's discipline - his lyrics in Aashiqui 2 still give me goosebumps!
A
Amit S.
"Love is immortal" - such a beautiful thought! 😍 Kamil's words always touch the heart. As a banker who writes poetry on weekends (just like he mentioned), I completely relate to having multiple dimensions to one's personality. Looking forward to this YRF musical!
N
Neha T.
Mohit Suri + Irshad Kamil combo is pure magic! Their understanding of love and relationships is so nuanced. Woh Lamhe's songs still play on loop in my playlist. Hope Saiyaara lives up to expectations. Bollywood needs more soulful music like this.
S
Sanjay V.
While I appreciate the artistic process, I wish interviewers would ask more about the actual songs in Saiyaara rather than just philosophy. As fans, we want to know what musical treats are in store! Still, interesting insights from one of our finest lyricists.
M
Meera P.
The way Irshad Kamil describes love as a rainbow with many colors is so poetic! 🌈 Reminds me of his beautiful lyrics in Tamasha. It's rare to find lyricists who can balance commercial success with depth. Hope the new generation learns from masters like him.

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