Rochak Kohli: I'm fortunate to get films and briefs that talk about emotion
Rochak Kohli
, the Bollywood music director who first won hearts with the soulful 'Paani Da Rang' from Shoojit Sircar's Vicky Donor, continues to impress with his deeply emotional compositions.
Known also for hits like 'Paaniyon Sa,' 'Tera Yaar Hoon Main,' and 'Lae Dooba,' Rochak's latest track, 'Jab Tu Sajan' from Aap Jaisa Koi, reflects his commitment to authentic musical storytelling in an industry driven increasingly by algorithms and remixes.
On the creative process behind 'Jab Tu Sajan,' he explains, 'This is special because it is based on a very true kind of emotion. It's based on raags, and the lyrics are not screaming and shouting for attention.
I think that's the best part.' He adds that the production deliberately avoids heavy electronic instrumentation, favoring live music instead. 'Sharan Rawat, who's the producer of the song, had a tough time doing it because we were after him, saying this sounds too electronic.
We wanted to make a song that is out of the clutter, and when the audience listens to it, it should stay with them.'
Rochak's body of work is marked by its emotional resonance, and when asked what keeps him connected to authentic storytelling in a fast-changing musical landscape, he credits the films and briefs he receives.
'I am very fortunate, first of all, to get films and briefs that talk about emotion. Whether it's 'Paani Da,' 'Atrangi Yaari,' or 'Jab Tu Sajan', all these songs are very emotional. They connect with the audience on an emotional level, and the audience forms an emotional bond with these songs.
' While he acknowledges that not every song he composes is emotionally charged, he emphasizes that 'in my process, I never make a song without emotion, some emotions translate successfully, and some don't.'
On the trend of remakes dominating the charts, Rochak offers a pragmatic view. When asked how it feels when recreated versions of older songs get more marketing push than original compositions, he says, 'We are part of the industry, and we know that. Whenever a song is pushed, if it's genuinely good, it'll reach out. If it's not a good song, then it's a waste of money. So, you know, we know what's happening behind the scenes.
'
He avoids blaming any particular party for the popularity of remakes, pointing instead to the diversity of audiences and creators. 'Nobody is to be blamed, you know. I think everybody has a right to create music as they wish, and there is an audience for every kind of music. So if there is a remake, and if the remake is well done, then it'll get love. Otherwise, we've seen many remakes getting hate as well. And the audience is very smart right now, you know? They catch on to good music, whether it's a remake or an original.
'
For young composers navigating the complex world of streaming-first hits and algorithm-driven music, Rochak has encouraging words. 'First of all, I am very impressed by the people who are out there doing it. There are a lot of young guys whom I follow, and I really want to learn from them about how they're doing it, because I do not have that kind of confidence, you know. So it's always good to see people who are younger and who are just killing it.
'
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