Revisiting the golden hits of yesteryears with a contemporary twist is a challenge many musicians embrace, and Jaani has recently taken on such a venture. Tasked with the recreation of the popular 2001 track “Shava Shava” for the upcoming film “Mr & Mrs Mahi” featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, Jaani sought to reinvent the essence of the original while appealing to modern audiences.
Starting with a simple directive to transform the iconic “Shava Shava” into a brief cover song, Jaani’s creative journey took an unexpectedly expansive turn. “As we worked on it, we constantly felt drawn to listen to the song repeatedly,” Jaani reveals. The process fueled discussions about the potential of developing a complete track instead of just a cover. This creative diversion blossomed into the creation of a four-minute track, now known as “Dekha Tenu.”
The film’s plot, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, naturally required the inclusion of the Punjabi language, a decision that resonated with the foundation of the original song. “The original song already had elements of the Punjabi language. I didn’t want to tamper with its soul,” Jaani explains. “When revisiting a classic, changing too many elements can often make the song lose its essence. It’s futile to disrupt what people cherish in the original. My goal was to develop ‘Dekha Tenu’ into a full-fledged Indian number, rich with melody and fragments of Qawwali. Despite embracing these traditional elements, we also aimed to make it an urban track.”
This endeavor is a delicate balancing act where the traditional meets the contemporary. “Creating something that appeals to Gen-Z requires an intricate blend of Indian instruments like the tabla and modern elements like the guitar, harmonizing seamlessly,” Jaani elucidates. The careful orchestration ensures the track maintains its Indian roots while still resonating with today’s youth.
Tracing its origins back to the 2001 blockbuster “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” “Shava Shava” was a song that resonated with many. However, Jaani is hesitant to label “Dekha Tenu” as merely a recreation. “From the original, we only retained about five lines from the antara. We crafted a new song using those lines, and it’s bilingual. Therefore, I wouldn’t classify it as a recreation,” he states firmly.
Adding depth to the film’s musical repertoire, Jaani’s teammate penned another song titled “Tu Hai Toh,” which complements “Dekha Tenu.” “Both songs are crafted beautifully. It’s been a long while since cinema witnessed such soulful and romantic numbers,” Jaani enthuses. “Dekha Tenu,” brought to life by the voice of Mohammad Faiz, promises to evoke a sense of nostalgia while serving fresh auditory delights.
The creation of “Dekha Tenu” underscores the intricacies involved in transforming a beloved classic into a novel experience. “The success lies in retaining the familiarity that fans of the original cherish while infusing it with a freshness that appeals to new listeners,” Jaani asserts. His approach focused on maintaining the song’s inherent charm, while subtly modernizing aspects to create a unifying auditory journey.
While the idea of recreating a song is often met with skepticism, Jaani’s project exemplifies how innovation intertwined with respect for the original can yield a harmonious blend. It’s not just about redoing an old hit; it’s about reimagining it in a way that retains its essence while shining anew.
“The music industry thrives on such challenges where you uphold a legacy and yet create something that fits into the dynamic world of today’s audience,” Jaani concludes. It’s this very ethos that “Dekha Tenu” embodies—a tribute to the past, a nod to the present, and a promise to the future.
As the film “Mr & Mrs Mahi” edges closer to its release, the anticipation surrounding its music is palpable. Music enthusiasts, fans of the original “Shava Shava,” and the new generation alike are gearing up to experience this blend of old and new. Through “Dekha Tenu,” Jaani has carved out a musical pathway that bridges generations, inviting listeners to embark on a nostalgic yet contemporary journey.
As the industry watches and listens, “Dekha Tenu” stands as a testament to Jaani’s ability to take something cherished and recreate it with both reverence and innovation, marking an exciting chapter in modern Indian music.
