logo
Jubin Nautiyal on collaborating with Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty for Kesari 2, Akshay Kumar's performance, re-imagining Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's classic in 'Raid 2' and more

Jubin Nautiyal on collaborating with Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty for Kesari 2, Akshay Kumar's performance, re-imagining Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's classic in 'Raid 2' and more

Time of India25-04-2025
Jubin Nautiyal discusses his collaboration with Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty on 'Parwardigara' for Kesari 2, highlighting the legendary artist's impact and Shashwat Sachdev role in making the collaboration happen. He also shares his experience recreating Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's 'Tumhe Dillagi' for Raid 2, emphasizing the importance of approaching recreations with a fresh perspective and acknowledging the original's iconic status.
With chart-topping hits across Bollywood, indie, devotional, and regional music,
Jubin Nautiyal
has carved a unique space in the Indian music industry. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, he recently opened up about his powerful collaboration with
Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty
for Kesari 2's soulful track Parwardigara,
Akshay Kumar
's stellar performance in the film and his experience recreating
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
's iconic Tumhe Dillagi for Raid 2. Excerpts...
Your collaboration with Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty for Kesari 2 on the song 'Parwardigara' is a beautiful showcase of your versatility. What was the experience like working with such a legendary figure?
The experience was scintillating for me. Being on the same record with Panditji was absolutely one of the top things a musician can want in India. It was such an overwhelming experience to listen to Panditji on record. The moment his voice comes in, it feels like God's voice in the song, and I get goosebumps when Panditji enters. When Shashwat was recording Panditji, I had the honor of speaking with him. Whatever little time I got to speak with him, I could only tell him, "Sir, Charan Sparsh, I hope I could be there, and I'm really looking forward to meeting you soon." So, I'm kind of excited to meet him whenever that happens, and it will be an absolute honor to be in the same room as him.
Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty is not only a great artist and a great human being, but he is also a very important pillar of music. He is a jewel of our country. As artists, we would feel overwhelmed just by meeting such brilliant artists. Getting to work with him was very special for me. I would like to give credit for this collaboration to Shashwat, because Shashwat Sachdev himself is a musical prodigy. We share a very special bond over music. We had heard Panditji together many times and discussed how brilliant an artist he is. So, when I think Shashwat got the right opportunity to create a song where I, Shashwat, and Panditji could work together, he really stood by it and made it happen. I am truly thankful to him for making me a part of such a powerful song. At the same time, I would like to thank Panditji for agreeing to sing for a film because I have been told he doesn't easily sing for films. I am sure he felt so much love for the song, for Shashwat, Garvit, me, Ishaad Kamil sahib, and the whole subject of the film, which is why he agreed to sing this song. I am forever grateful for this.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
What kind of reactions have you been getting for the song?
The response for Parwardigara has been very massive and special. People have heard me in many ways and in many styles. People have heard me doing non-film music, film music, recreational music, devotional music, and regional music. When a pop artist like me is heard in so many styles, and then gets to do one more song that breaks some boundaries for me, I think I've been captured beautifully in the song. My voice sounds so fresh to me because I get to live with my voice the most. If I'm finding it fresh, I'm sure my fans will find it fresh too.
And Kesari 2 is such a special film. It's a courtroom drama, and India hasn't seen much of courtroom dramas. Courtroom dramas rely a lot on conversations and punchlines. Akshay Kumar brings all the conviction of his character. It's so beautiful to see him perform and fight. He speaks for India out there, and it's so nice. The song comes as a big resolve in the film. It plays at a point when the conflict is fading away, and it's a song you'll walk out of the hall humming. So, Parwardigara is definitely a very special song. I would also like to mention Irshad Kamil sahib, who wrote the song beautifully. I've been a big admirer of his writing. I sang Shahid, which was written with him back in Love Aaj Kal 2, and now I'm getting to do a song like Parwardigara.
In Raid 2, you reimagined Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's classic 'Tumhe Dillagi'—a challenging task given the original's iconic status. How do you approach recreating such masterpieces?
I can proudly say that I have been one of the artists who has really done a lot of justified recreations—many successful recreations. I was kind of taking a break from recreations, and this one is one of the old ones that me and Rochak Kohli had done. This song was recorded a long time ago, and we worked on it, and even when we worked on it, it sounded so nice at that time. Now, after a while, you know, it was overwhelming to hear myself sing a recreation after a good break of a year and a half or so.
One thing I have always learned about recreations is that whenever I think I am going to work on a great song and do something better, I never manage to crack the recording. I only manage to do it when I see it from a completely different perspective. I see it like a new song, I see it like a fresh song, I see it like a song I've never heard before. How would I approach the song if I've never heard it before? And whenever I sing it like myself, I try to sing it with honesty, and it has always worked for me. I was a little unsure about whether we should do something like this, but again, the conviction of T-Series and Bhushan Kumar always brings me and Rochak to a place where we end up questioning whether we should work on a recreation or a new song, and it always raises a big question in our lives. Because whenever we get together with Bhushanji to make a recreation, that recreation performs really well, and it resonates with the whole nation. People love it, listen to it, dance to it, cry to it. I think it also has something to do with Raid 2, which is a period drama, and they wanted a classic song.
Yeah, I think that's how Raid 2 happened. Nusrat Sahab has been a life source. His style, individuality, music, composition, writing—everything he did just shows how much power his music had. Even after so many artists have repeatedly made a song like Tumhe Dillagi, there are hundreds, even thousands, of versions of this song on the internet, all being consumed. And on those thousand versions, we do another version of the song, and it works. Suddenly, people want to listen to it back-to-back; that's just the magic of Nusrat Sahab. I think we are very happy and privileged that people are enjoying the song we've done, and that it brings a little smile to their faces because it's a romantic and cute song. So, Tumhe Dillagi is definitely going to be ruling the charts. Last night, when I was playing at Chandigarh University, I sang 2-3 lines of it, and the massive response I got was overwhelming. I just want to give big love to Rochak Bhaji, Nusrat Sahab, Bhushanji, and Manoj Muntashirji, who wrote it beautifully. Manojji, whenever he writes romance, it's so special. Me and Manojji have done some great songs together—be it devotional, patriotic, or sad songs—but something about when he writes romance, I just love how he expresses it. That's what he's done in Tumhe Dillagi. "Yeshk nahi aasa, bas itna samajh lena, yaad nahi bhujni"—just things we all know but still want to hear again and again.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Step inside Telugu superstar Mohan Babu's ‘5 acre bungalow' in Hyderabad: Breathtaking mansion that's opulent yet serene
Step inside Telugu superstar Mohan Babu's ‘5 acre bungalow' in Hyderabad: Breathtaking mansion that's opulent yet serene

Hindustan Times

time15 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Step inside Telugu superstar Mohan Babu's ‘5 acre bungalow' in Hyderabad: Breathtaking mansion that's opulent yet serene

In a July 20 video on Curly Tales' YouTube channel, Telugu superstar Mohan Babu gave a glimpse into his massive Hyderabad home. The lavish, multi-level bungalow is spread over 'five acres'. Also read | Step inside Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi's 'dream home' in Madh Island that is made up of 2 massive bungalows The architecture of Mohan Babu's home features a grand, cinematic aesthetic with a striking staircase, custom motorbike display, and spacious interiors. (Instagram/ Mohan Babu and YouTube/ Curly Tales) The veteran actor's residence is palatial — you won't be wrong to think that homes like this are seen only in movies. The design reflects Mohan Babu's personality — larger-than-life and rooted in Indian culture — while incorporating luxurious elements. Here's a virtual tour of Mohan Babu's bungalow: Grand scale and layout The house spans 5 acres, as per the video shared by Curly Tales, making it an expansive estate with multiple zones, including indoor living spaces, outdoor areas, and landscaped gardens and courtyards. The overall design blends opulence with a dramatic flair, likely inspired by Mohan Babu's career in cinema. The actor shared in the video that he was deeply involved in the construction process, ensuring every detail met his standards. He emphasised the importance of cleanliness and said, 'Every corner I will check as cleanliness is next to godliness.' Grand staircase and spacious interiors The celebrity home opens to a striking staircase with a film-like design. The central, visually impactful feature comes with ornate railings, wide steps, and luxurious materials like marble and polished wood. A standout feature is a custom-made motorbike, displayed prominently in the house. Mohan Babu mentioned a past accident that made him wary of riding, and said the bike serves as a decorative piece, adding a unique and personal touch to the interior. Apart from massive areas for entertaining, the home also includes a spacious dining space, perfect for traditional banana leaf meals. The home, featuring high ceilings, large windows, and open-plan living spaces, contains beautiful pictures that narrate Mohan Babu's life story, from his humble beginnings to his success as an actor. Apart from framed photographs, awards and memorabilia are also displayed in key areas like the living room and hallways, adding a personal and nostalgic touch. The kitchen is well-equipped for preparing elaborate meals and features various appliances and ample workspace. Mohan Babu also has a dedicated fitness area within the house.

Inside Mumbai's Japanese food boom: From matcha menus to sushi trains and manga-themed restaurants
Inside Mumbai's Japanese food boom: From matcha menus to sushi trains and manga-themed restaurants

Indian Express

time15 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

Inside Mumbai's Japanese food boom: From matcha menus to sushi trains and manga-themed restaurants

From kawaii-themed cafes and ramen bars to sushi counters and omakase menus, Mumbai is in the midst of a Japanese culinary boom. Once reserved for five-star hotels and luxury dining, Japanese cuisine has become more accessible, immersive, and imaginative of late, attracting a broader, younger, and more curious audience than ever before. Take the newly launched Harajuku Tokyo Cafe in BKC, which offers two distinct experiences. A 12-seater bakehouse serves up ready-to-eat savouries, Japanese cheesecake, airy jiggly pancakes, matcha lattes, and boba teas. Right across it, a 72-seater dining room puts hot dishes at the centre, with a bullet train zipping a la carte orders like ramen, sushi, sashimi, udon, and gyoza to diners. While pastel tones and hand-painted illustrations set a playful tone at the bakehouse, the dining area channels the neon-soaked streets of Shibuya with dramatic installations — oversized lanterns, signboards, and striking calligraphy. Just a few kilometres away in Bandra West, Gaijin, which opened in April, takes a moodier turn with deep blue walls, tall planters, and a huge monolith installation. Its outdoor space adds a Tokyo-street feel with graffiti on faux shutters. In BKC again, Supa San leans into pop culture, with anime and manga visuals taking centre stage and ninja-printed cocktail glasses adding flair. And in Colaba, the space once home to the iconic Indigo restaurant reopened this April as Otoki, where staff don kimonos and interiors blend tradition with modern minimalism. The momentum continues in Worli with Donmai, in South Bombay with Wagamama, and other concepts city-wide that reflect a growing appetite for Japanese flavours. 'There has definitely been a growing interest in Japanese cuisine over the past two to three years,' said Lakhan Jethani, executive chef and co-founder of Mizu Izakaya in Bandra. Seijiro Hirohama, managing director of the Kuuraku restaurant chain, echoed the sentiment. 'The idea to bring Kuuraku to India in 2013 began when Japanese expats said they missed proper Japanese food here. That was enough for us to take the plunge,' he said. At the time, Japanese cuisine in India was often lumped under generic 'Oriental' offerings. But Hirohama believed it was only a matter of time before the cuisine found its footing. Kuuraku now operates seven restaurants in India and will launch Robata Kuuraku — a Japanese Grill & Sake concept — at Palladium in Mumbai next month. 'Ten years ago, many Indian guests only knew sushi. I remember a group of eight people ordering one sushi dish to share—it was an adventure for them. But today, we have guests confidently ordering yakitori, gyoza, tempura, and sake. Japanese cuisine is no longer unfamiliar,' he added. Harajuku, which opened its first outpost in Delhi-NCR four years ago and counts Gen Z and Gen Alpha as its biggest audience, is now eyeing 90 outlets across the country over the next three years. 'Creating an approachable, fun experience' 'From a business standpoint, Japanese cuisine is still vastly underpenetrated in India's dining landscape. Unlike other Asian cuisines, Japanese food is often perceived as premium or niche. We have broken that perception by creating a high-quality yet approachable experience that is casual, fun, and inclusive,' said founder Gaurav Kanwar. He added that their ambitious expansion plan is 'rooted in this rising demand — not just from metros but also from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where curiosity about Japan is surging.' Tourism is further accelerating this familiarity. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 1,71,100 Indians visited Japan in the first half of 2025 alone — a jump of 40.4 per cent from the same period last year. 'We are seeing a clear cultural shift as more and more Indians are travelling to Japan — not just for its cities, but to experience its rich culture, traditions, and immersive everyday life. That same curiosity is now fuelling demand for deeper, more authentic experiences back home,' said Udai Pinnali, CEO of Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH). 'Indian diners evolving' Japanese pop culture, especially anime and manga, is also witnessing explosive growth in India. According to a report titled 'A Studio Called India' by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India is American entertainment company Crunchyroll's second-largest anime market, and is expected to drive 60 per cent of global growth in the coming years. 'The cultural appetite here is both literal and metaphorical. Supa San taps into that energy, offering not just food, but an entire world to step into,' added Pinnali. 'Pop culture has helped, of course, but this shift also shows how Indian diners are evolving. People are more curious, more open, and have the spending power to try new things—whether that's omakase, ramen bars, or exploring the nuances of umami,' added Jethani. But while this may feel like a sudden surge, Mumbai's relationship with Japanese food goes back further than most realise. Cultural ties between India and Japan go back centuries — from Buddhism's journey in the 6th century to trade routes launched by the Tata Group in the late 1800s. 'At one time, over 1,000 Japanese nationals lived in South Mumbai. Japanese firms like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo had offices along Dadabhai Naoroji Road. There was even a Japanese Gymkhana near Mantralaya,' noted an official at the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai. Today, beyond Mumbai, Japanese restaurants are also cropping up across India, especially in industrial hubs like Manesar in Haryana, catering to Japanese expats. Earlier this month, the AJU Ryokan Group—a Japanese hotel chain—even launched a Japanese-only residential mini-township in Gurgaon's Sector 81. Shifting the narrative Mumbai's journey with Japanese cuisine arguably began with Wasabi at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which opened in 2004. Its guest list featured everyone from Ratan Tata and the Ambanis to Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. For a long time, though, Japanese food remained synonymous with luxury. 'It was seen as elitist, something reserved for white tablecloths and special occasions,' Jethani said. 'But that has changed. Restaurants like ours — and many others — have helped shift the narrative. Today, there is a Japanese restaurant opening almost every week. That says everything.' He credits a more relaxed, engaging dining environment for this shift. 'People no longer want to be intimidated. They want authenticity and comfort — and they want to engage with the culture,' he added. At restaurants like Otoki, staff are trained not just in hospitality but also in helping diners navigate the cuisine. 'Our staff is trained to engage with diners, understand their preferences, and gauge whether they are seasoned Japanese food enthusiasts or first-time explorers,' said Anurag Katiar, restaurateur and founder of Otoki. 'Based on that, they guide guests through the menu and suggest suitable dishes. For instance, if someone is apprehensive about raw fish but wishes to give it a try, we might recommend starting with tuna. It is milder and less intimidating, making it easier for them to explore bolder options later.' At Harajuku, guests are offered training chopsticks designed to make the experience easier, and at Gaijin, wooden tongs are available, and the staff is quick to offer assistance if they notice diners struggling with chopsticks.

Thalaivan Thalaivii X Review: Netizens Praise Vijay Sethupathi And Nithya Menens Magical Chemistry
Thalaivan Thalaivii X Review: Netizens Praise Vijay Sethupathi And Nithya Menens Magical Chemistry

India.com

time15 minutes ago

  • India.com

Thalaivan Thalaivii X Review: Netizens Praise Vijay Sethupathi And Nithya Menens Magical Chemistry

New Delhi: Thalaivan Thalaivii, the much-anticipated romantic drama starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, has officially hit the big screens today and is already receiving a positive response from audiences across Tamil Nadu. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pandiraj and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films, Thalaivan Thalaivii explores the emotional highs and lows of a passionate yet conflicted relationship between a strong-willed couple. The film's powerful narrative, rich with emotional depth and family dynamics, appears to have struck a chord with early moviegoers. Social media platforms are abuzz with reactions, with fans praising the on-screen chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, calling their performances among the most heartfelt in recent times. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter): '#ThalaivanThalaivii Interval A breezy first half filled with charm, comedy & catchy music! Vijay Sethupathi shines in a lovable role Nithya Menen's portions bring warmth Comedy timing works big — especially with the supporting cast Second half holds the key now ' #ThalaivanThalaivii Interval A breezy first half filled with charm, comedy & catchy music! Vijay Sethupathi shines in a lovable role Nithya Menen's portions bring warmth Comedy timing works big — especially with supporting cast Second half holds the key now… — (@Mighty_Review) July 25, 2025 Another review read, '#ThalaivanThalaivii Full meals for family audience. What a performer @VijaySethuOffl — back to his form after Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara. @MenenNithya as usual kalakkal. Fun + emotional writing worked well. Kudos @pandiraaj_dir Kollywood tweet rating: 7/10' #ThalaivanThalaivii Full meals for family audience. What a performer @VijaySethuOffl back to his form after idharkudhane aasi pattai balakumara. @MenenNithya as usual kalakkal. Fun+ emotional writing worked well Kudos @pandiraaj_dir Kollywood tweet rating- 7/10 — Kollywood Tweet (@veralevel007) July 25, 2025 A third viewer reflected on Sethupathi's acting choices, '#VijaySethupathi's choices have given us relatable and flawed protagonists instead of macho stereotypes and I think #ThalaivanThalaivii is one such character!' Meanwhile, fans voiced concerns over limited screenings, with one user from Singapore writing, 'Why is Thalaivan Thalaivii only in a few cinemas in SG? Indian couples will love this movie because it's practically their lives.' Why is Thalaivan Thalaivi only in few cinemas in SG. Indian couples will love this movie cos its practically their lives — David King (@davidkingraj) July 25, 2025 Another fan summed it up with a list of reasons to watch, 'Reasons to watch #ThalaivanThalaivii – Rugged Love Story Powerful Performers: #VijaySethupathi | #NithyaMenen #Pandiraj: Master of emotional family dramas Regional Connect: Relatable themes across languages' Reasons to watch #ThalaivanThalaivii - 1. Rugged Love Story 2. Powerful Performers: #VijaySethupathi | #NithyaMenen 3. #Pandiraj: A director whose forte is presenting family stories as complete entertainers. 4. Regional Connect: Despite the language difference. — MOHIT_R.C (@Mohit_RC_91) July 25, 2025 The film features music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by M. Sukumar, and editing by Pradeep E. Ragav. With its theatrical release on July 25, 2025, Thalaivan Thalaivii is shaping up to be a promising entry in the year's Tamil cinema landscape, balancing emotional storytelling with commercial appeal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store