Life comes full circle for Sunidhi Chauhan after two decades

Sunidhi Chauhan

In 2001, Sunidhi Chauhan released her independent album, Sunidhi C. Two decades later, she is back on the single trail with Ye Ranjishein, an ode to love. Written by Rajesh Manthan, the track is composed by newcomer Shruti Rane, who calls herself "Chauhan's biggest fan."

She has tried to give the new-age ballad, a blend of Urdu poetry fused with some electronica soundscapes. "I fell in love with the lyrics the moment I read them. I hope Ye ranjishein resonates with music lovers," says Chauhan, who shot for the music video, helmed by Ranju Varghese, on the outskirts of Mumbai. She recently earned rave reviews for her track with Shalmali.

Chauhan says, "When she sent me the song, I thought it was cute that she wanted to record it as a gift to her partner. It was music [created] for the sake of creating music. But we both enjoyed that process so much that when Shalmali discussed using it for her album, I thought it was a logical decision."

Working with a small team, Chauhan says, was an apt decision. She credits director Jeejivisha for pulling off the shoot "with practically zero equipment". "I don't remember seeing any lights. The whole crew was in masks, and took the necessary precautions."

Shalmali admits that while arriving at a suitable time to shoot the track was a challenge, given that rules changed by the day, a dedicated unit saw them through. "The crew was motivated and technically sound. Everyone's spirits were high, and everyone enjoyed the process."