As expected from the creative synergy of Anurag Basu and Pritam, the music of Metro… In Dino has captured hearts and set the internet abuzz. Among its standout tracks, “Zamaana Lage” has emerged as a fan favourite, playing on loop, dominating reels, and evoking a wave of nostalgia for the iconic voice of KK, who immortalized the soundscape of Life in a… Metro. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, singer Shashwat Singh, who lends his voice to “Zamaana Lage,” reflects on the magic of working with maestros like Pritam and AR Rahman, the creative chemistry with Anurag Basu, the often-overlooked art of crediting lyricists, and his heartfelt dream of one day singing for Shah Rukh Khan.
Q: Let’s start from the beginning. What’s your earliest memory connected to music? And who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
Shashwat: The earliest memory is of my mother singing to me. She has a beautiful sweet soprano voice. Her voice is the first inspiration of my life. Growing up I heard everything that my family was listening to. But the one composer who inspired me and my entire generation the most was AR Rahman sir.
Q: Your playback debut with “Wat Wat Wat” from Tamasha was not only powerful, but it was with none other than AR Rahman. What was it like to start your journey under his guidance? Also, how do you feel seeing the song go viral almost a decade later, especially on reels and social media?
Shashwat: I call him my mentor. I studied music for the first time in his college. I learnt reading and writing music, music theory, some piano and some opera style western classical singing, music theatre etc. So starting my career with the principal of my music school, who is a legend in the world, was nothing less than perfect. It’s a blessing from above. “Wat wat wat” changed the trajectory of my music career and I’m forever in awe of that song because of how intelligently it has been made and used in the beautiful frames of Imtiaz Ali. Thanks to social media people finally understood the meaning of those lines by Irshad Kamil and that amazing music by Rahman sir. It took a decade but it got what was long due.
Q: I noticed you’ve collaborated or lack of a better word provided “additional vocals” for songs featuring Arijit Singh. What has that experience been like, especially working alongside such a well-recognized voice?
Shashwat: With all due love and respect, I don’t think it’s right to call my performance on these songs as “additional vocals”. I am a primary artiste on these songs and not an additional singer. All the songs I have sung are my songs. I have never recorded with him (Arijit) inside the studio, So it’s always a surprise for me when a song releases with multiple voices.
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Q: You’re right, my bad. I have also noticed that you have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. AR Rahman, Pritam, Amit Trivedi, and Sachin–Jigar. What sets each of them apart in the studio? Are there any interesting similarities you noticed, say between a Rahman and a Pritam?
Shashwat: They are all different from each other. They all have different ways of approaching music. Thank god for that. I think the zeal they all posed towards their art is the common factor that keeps them at it.
Q: Who are some of your favourite contemporary lyricists today? Is there someone whose writing you feel has a poetic or magical touch?
Shashwat: There are quite a few lyricists today whose work I deeply admire. Among the contemporaries, Amitabh Bhattacharya stands out. His writing has a unique blend of wit, emotion, and poetry that consistently resonates. Irshad Kamil and Kumar Paaji continue to deliver beautifully crafted lyrics, while Kunal Vermaa and Shelly bring a fresh sensitivity to their work. I’m also excited by the newer voices like Siddhant Kaushal and Shloke Lal, in particular, are showing a lot of promise and have already penned some really poetic lines. That said, for me, the timeless magic still flows from the pens of Gulzar Saab and Javed Saab. Their words have that rare, almost otherworldly touch that continues to inspire.
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Q: You’ve been part of projects involving both Anurag Basu and Pritam, a director-composer duo with a legendary track record. What was that creative atmosphere like? How involved were they with the musical process?
Shashwat: I’m sure they both were fully involved. Recording “Zamaana Lage” was a truly musical and immersive experience for me in the studio. It’s a challenging song with a lot of depth and poetry. I always followed the brief that Pritam Da gave me. It’s important to note that a song like this is never the result of a single person’s effort. It’s a collaborative journey that requires constant involvement and fine-tuning from the dadas and the entire team in the studio.
Q: Speaking about “Zamaana Lage,” Metro…In Dino is a sequel to Life in a… Metro, which had an iconic soundtrack sung by the legendary KK. Did you feel any pressure stepping into a musical legacy like that.
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Shashwat: No. It’s a matter of respect and not pressure. No one can fill the void KK has left behind. I remember him during every single stage performance of mine and sing a few of his songs because that’s how much my band and I admire what he has done in his career. Metro being the mammoth project it is, it definitely holds a lot of importance for me and everyone involved in this project. We always want to do justice to the music we are a part of and “Zamaana Lage“ got so much love from the audience that it makes me happy and proud that my name is a part of this legacy project.
Q: You also lent your voice to “Sugar Baby”, which sparked quite a bit of online debate. When a song faces intense social media scrutiny, how do you personally deal with that kind of attention, both positive and critical?
Shashwat: Did it? I don’t even know that people had a problem with it. I have four lines in the song. They are fantastic and I had a blast recording the song in Mumbai and Goa on different occasions.
Q: You’ve already worked with some of the most legendary composers and lyricists. But is there anyone, maybe a composer or writer, you haven’t worked with yet but dream of collaborating with?
Shashwat: Vishal Bharadwaj. I love the sukoon his melodies hold and its best expressed in his own voice. There is a new artiste, Savera, I really enjoy his style. I would want to work on a song with him one day.
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Q: There’s been an ongoing conversation in the industry about lyricists not getting proper credit in song promotions. What’s your take on this issue, and what do you think needs to change?
Shashwat: Is it? The world I’m in, there the lyricists get proper credits for writing a song and they also get royalties from all of the super hits they write. I know more lyricists with fancy cars and flats than fellow singers. I think every person involved in the creative part of the making of a song should be credited and paid for. Hopefully with ISAMRA and other such bodies, the basics of this industry get fixed soon.
Q: Lastly, is there an actor you haven’t sung for yet, but would love to? Who’s your dream face for your voice?
Shashwat: I would love to sing for Shah Rukh Khan. My dream face in the league of actors for my voice would be, Ranbir Kapoor. I have sung for him many times. I feel he is the most gifted one out there when it comes to lip syncing to a song with the right emotions, expressions and even the way he syncs to the breathing of the singer of the song. The truth is, I want to sing for all our superstars.
