Vedang Raina reveals AR Rahman mixed Punjabi folk with jazz for ‘Ishq Mastana’: ‘Sounds bizarre on paper’
Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Actor Vedang Raina has opened up about the making of ‘Ishq Mastana,’ a song from the film “Main Vaapas Aaunga.”
The actor revealed that music maestro AR Rahman brought together Punjabi folk and jazz for the track, a combination that may sound unusual on paper but comes together beautifully in the final recording. In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, Raina stated, “There’s a song in the film, “Ishq Mastana”, that reflects that sort of imbibed music. AR Rahman sir has somehow mixed Punjabi folk with jazz, which sounds bizarre on paper but is beautiful on record.”
Vedang also revealed how a custom playlist helped him get into character as Keenu in ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga.’ “Given that Keenu’s coming of age took place through 1947, I built a playlist around what he would realistically hear and the music that would’ve played on the radio.”
“Frank Sinatra was just getting big; there was Bing Crosby, a strong jazz influence, which is surprising if you think about Punjab at the time. You’d assume it was all Punjabi folk, and a lot of it was, but colonisation meant Western music had seeped in too. I also went deep into Kundan Lal Saigal and Alam Lohar,” he added.
Earlier in May, actor Vedang Raina had opened up about his experience of working with A. R. Rahman. The actor revealed that he used to sing covers of Rahman’s songs at one point in his life, and getting the opportunity to finally record a song with him felt like a full-circle moment.
In a video shared on social media, Vedang Raina said, “Not too long ago I was making covers of @arrahman compositions. Now I get to collaborate with him. I really don’t have the words to describe how I’m feeling right now. I dedicate this to that little boy who dreamed of this. Who heard the ‘Roja’ album on repeat. Thank you @imtiazaliofficial for trusting me to be a part of your vision. I hope I could do justice. ‘Maskara’ out now on all streaming platforms. Go listen.”
–IANS
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