11 June 2023, Mumbai:Renowned singer-composer Anu Malik recently sat down for an exclusive interview, where he shared fascinating insights into the creation of the iconic song ‘Sandese Aate Hai’ from the 1997 blockbuster film ‘Border.’ Even after more than two decades, the song continues to resonate with audiences and evoke deep emotions.
Malik disclosed how the acclaimed poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar, who penned the heartfelt lyrics of ‘Sandese Aate Hai,’ asked for his autograph after the song’s completion. The composition by Malik served as a musical tribute to the soldiers and their selfless sacrifices for the nation, striking a chord with listeners across generations.
Recalling the genesis of the song, Malik explained that during a challenging phase in his life, filmmaker-producer JP Dutta approached him with stills of jawans guarding the borders. Although Malik initially intended to create a lighthearted song, Dutta and his admiration for the versatile genius of music maestro RD Burman convinced him to compose something more profound. As Malik looked at a picture of soldiers standing resolute in the snow, he was deeply moved, pouring all his emotions into the song.Upon completion, Dutta acknowledged the song’s brilliance but believed that Malik was capable of more.
He urged the composer to dig deeper, leading Malik to revisit the picture that had stirred his emotions. Overwhelmed by his realisation, tears streamed down his face, and Dutta reassured him that these tears would fuel his musical creativity. That marked the turning point, and Malik embarked on composing for ‘Border.’
Malik narrated an endearing incident during the song’s creation when Javed Akhtar and JP Dutta visited his music room unexpectedly. Akhtar handed him the lyrics to ‘Sandese Aate Hai,’ which surprised Malik as it read like a story rather than a poetic composition. Intrigued, he asked when the song would end, prompting Akhtar and Dutta to leave him with the script for a month to craft the song.
As Malik read the lyrics, he spontaneously started humming the tune, catching the attention of Javed Akhtar. Impressed by Malik’s musical response, Akhtar requested an autograph and left to retrieve a cassette. Malik went on to condense the song’s runtime from 11 minutes to 7.5 minutes, much to the delight of everyone involved.Malik also revealed how he chose the singers for ‘Sandese Aate Hai.’ He suggested bringing Roopkumar Rathod on board due to a previous meeting at JP Dutta’s house. Additionally, he remembered a young singer named Sonu Nigam whom he had encountered in Delhi, promising him future work.
Malik believed that Nigam’s voice would be perfect for the song, and this decision turned out to be a significant milestone in Nigam’s career.Reflecting on the impact of ‘Sandese Aate Hai,’ Malik shared heartwarming encounters with people who recognized him as the creator of the song.
From passengers at airports to jawans introducing him to their mothers, the song’s resonance continues to be overwhelming for the composer.Anu Malik’s illustrious career spans numerous chart-topping hits, including ‘Taal Pe Jab’ and ‘Mere Humsafar’ from ‘Refugee,’ ‘Tumse Milke Dilka Jo Haal’ from ‘Main Hoon Na,’ ‘Baazigar O Baazigar’ from ‘Baazigar,’ among others. However, ‘Sandese Aate Hai’ holds a special place in everyone’s heart .
By : Tanya Chantola