Getting it right

Shibani Kashyap

By Kanika Rajani

Who can forget Sajna aa bhi jaa, the deep track from the film Waisa Bhi Hota Hai : Part II? Rendered by Shibani Kashyap, the song went on to become one of the biggest hits of 2003. Kashyap, who went on to sing several songs, last recorded the promotional number for Zid and the singer is back with a romantic number, Khuda hai khair, in Adeeb Rais’ Main Aur Mr. Right. Not only has she rendered the vocals, but the singer has also composed the music and written the lyrics for the song.
“Pooja Gujral, the producer, asked me to work on a break-up song and I thought of the words, Khuda hai khair which simply means ‘take care’,” informed Kashyap. The song is not a conventional break-up song and features the film’s lead pair, Barun Sobti and Shenaz Treasurywala reflecting on the little time they have spent together.
While the song is a sad and melancholic one, it also has a contemporary feel to it. “Khuda… is a Neo-Sufi song. I’ve coined the genre, so while the song has Sufi elements, one also feels they are hearing an alternate rock band,” explained Kashyap adding that she has also used Rajasthani singer Swaroop Khan’s vocals and his aalaps.
Explaining her love for Sufi music, the singer says that using jazz and Sufi notes are her signature style. “I’ve been listening to Abida Parveen live for long and used to jam with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on my terrace in Delhi. I also realised that this genre suits my voice,” said Kashyap.
When asked if she would consider writing lyrics full time, she said, “I don’t want to be a lyricist. I write the lyrics if the words strike me. I love working with other lyricists and like the variety one gets from other’s thoughts,” she said explaining that it is only sometimes that the lyrics for a song come to mind.
Some of Kashyap’s upcoming projects include her independent album, a single with Rabbi Shergill and the songstress is also dubbing many songs for the Meet Brothers of Baby Doll fame.