Musical trailblazer Tanishk Bagchi is back, and this time he’s shaking up Bollywood’s soundscape with a genre that’s about to take over your playlists—Amapiano! Known for his audacious musical experiments, Bagchi brings the infectious grooves of this South African genre to the much-anticipated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 title track. After the runaway success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, he’s going even bigger, blending the eerie nostalgia of the franchise’s signature melody with Amapiano’s soulful, bass-heavy beats. The result? A genre-bending, earworm of a track that’s set to push Bollywood music into uncharted territory.
Dropping tomorrow, the track amps up the hype with an electrifying collaboration featuring Punjabi megastar Diljit Dosanjh and global hitmaker Pitbull. This fresh, cross-cultural banger promises to dominate party scenes nationwide, with its fusion of spine-tingling mystery and irresistible rhythm. In an exclusive chat, Bagchi reveals the story behind this bold sonic adventure, mixing Amapiano’s distinct vibes with Bollywood flair and what fans can expect when it hits the airwaves.
Tanishk Bagchi’s Creative Process: Merging Amapiano with Bollywood’s Unique Essence
“When the makers approached me with their vision for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, I knew I had to do something extraordinary. The Punjabi Mukhra and Antra add a new dimension, while I kept the hook simple and addictive,” shares Bagchi with a grin. His excitement for the project is palpable. “T-Series has been a tremendous support, and Bhushan ji’s vision allows me to experiment freely. Kartik Aaryan’s energy adds so much to the song—it’s truly a unique experience!”
He continues, “I’m super excited for tomorrow! So, whenever I get the opportunity to introduce a new sound to a project, my approach is always to think outside the box first. When it came to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, I knew I wanted to experiment with Amapiano. I’ve always had a love for Afro sounds, and I believe I was one of the first to introduce Afro beats into Bollywood with Naach Meri Rani. So, with this track, the responsibility was on my shoulders to do something new yet familiar.”
Tanishk Bagchi also adds, “Working on a recreation always brings its own challenges, but thankfully, when I was working on this track, it all just flowed. Bollywood has always been my core focus, so I wanted to bring something fresh to the table that still resonates with the franchise’s iconic sound. Bhushan sir, who is like my brother, gave me a free hand. He told me to treat this as an original song, as Bhool Bhulaiyaa is such an important franchise for him. With that kind of support, I was able to fly creatively.”
With Amapiano, a genre still largely unknown in India, Bagchi has embraced a sound that fuses deep house, jazz, and high-pitched piano melodies with heavy bass. The challenge of bringing this complex sound to Bollywood was one Bagchi eagerly embraced. His goal? To craft something fresh, yet inherently tied to the soul of Indian cinema.
“Amapiano is an interesting genre. It originated in South Africa and incorporates elements of deep house, jazz, and high-pitched piano melodies. What sets it apart is its use of ‘log drums’ instead of traditional 808s, which gives it a distinct bass sound. In Amapiano, the bass line changes every time, so there’s no guiding bass line, making it a complex genre to work with,” explains Bagchi when asked about the intricacies of this genre.
His decision to introduce Amapiano to Bollywood stemmed from his innate desire to blend global trends with local sensibilities. “I felt this genre could work in Bollywood because Afro beats are currently very popular globally, and I wanted to introduce something new that could still resonate with Indian sensibilities,” he continues. “I’ve always enjoyed taking risks with sounds, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 allowed me to merge Amapiano with Bollywood’s unique flavor. It’s something different for sure, but I believe it will connect with audiences.”
Global Collaboration: Pitbull and Diljit Dosanjh’s Explosive Addition
Bagchi’s track for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn’t just stand out for its innovative use of Amapiano but also for the power-packed collaboration between Diljit Dosanjh and Pitbull. The decision to bring these two icons on board was a natural one, given their distinct musical styles and global reach.
“Honestly, people know me as someone who blends things well, whether it’s genres or artists. With this track, I had a clear vision from the start. I knew I wanted it to be a mix of Punjabi, Hindi, and English – something groovy that resonates with today’s trends. Punjabi music is hugely popular, and combining that with Pitbull’s global appeal just made sense,” says Bagchi when describing the inception of the collaboration.
Pitbull, known for his high-energy performances and international hits, was thrilled to be part of the project. “Music has no borders, and this track is proof of that. Teaming up with Tanishk and Diljit for this project was fire. I can’t wait to see the response from India—let’s make history!” he exclaimed, confident in the track’s cross-cultural appeal.
For Diljit, working with Bagchi has always been an exciting journey, and this project was no different. “Working with Tanishk is always a thrill. He has a way of fusing genres that elevates the music. I’m excited for fans to see how we’ve pushed boundaries with this track,” shared the Punjabi sensation, whose signature style has added a unique twist to the song.
The process of bringing together such diverse talents, according to Bagchi, was smooth. “The process of getting both Pitbull and Diljit on board was seamless once the track was finalized. Pitbull brings a certain fire to the track with his rap and energy, which was exactly what we needed to make this collaboration a global banger. Diljit, on the other hand, brought his signature style, which gelled perfectly with the Bhool Bhulaiyaa vibe.”
The Kartik Aaryan Factor: An Actor’s Influence on the Music
Kartik Aaryan, the film’s lead, has had a longstanding relationship with Tanishk Bagchi, and his involvement in the project went beyond just performing to the song. Known for his dance numbers, Kartik provided valuable feedback during the making of the title track.
“Kartik is always a huge support for us. He was very involved in the process, guiding us on the direction of the song and the kind of vibe that would work for his character in the movie. Since the song is very dance-oriented, Kartik gave us insights on what structure would complement his performance. His enthusiasm and encouragement really helped us push the boundaries and create something unique,” Bagchi reveals.
For fans of the actor, the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 title track will once again showcase his impeccable dance skills, this time to the tunes of a sound completely fresh to Bollywood.
Tanishk Bagchi: Introducing Global Sounds to Indian Cinema
This isn’t the first time Tanishk Bagchi has been at the forefront of musical experimentation in Bollywood. His previous collaborations with icons like Guru Randhawa and Nora Fatehi in Dance Meri Rani marked the introduction of Afrobeat to Indian cinema. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Bagchi is yet again pushing the envelope, making Amapiano accessible to Indian audiences.
When asked about whether Indian audiences are ready to embrace these global sounds, Bagchi remains optimistic. “Absolutely. Indian audiences are very open to new sounds and genres. If you look at Spotify charts, you’ll see a lot of new artists and fresh sounds emerging every day. People are loving it, which means there’s a hunger for something different. India has always been supportive of innovation in music, and that’s how I’ve been able to introduce these global genres into Bollywood.”
Balancing Versatility and Artistic Growth
Tanishk Bagchi’s ability to balance versatility is perhaps what sets him apart in the industry. From creating soulful romantic ballads like Raataan Lambiyan to high-energy dance numbers, Bagchi has proven time and again that he is a master of multiple musical sensibilities. When asked how he strikes this balance, he explains, “I honestly love dance music. It’s fun, energetic, and allows me to experiment a lot with electronic elements. Over the years, I’ve evolved in my preferences – I used to love creating romantic tracks, and I still do. But recently, I’ve been more inclined towards electronic dance music (EDM). I’m fusing electronic elements into everything I do, and it’s exciting to see where that takes me.”
Despite his current love for EDM, Bagchi acknowledges the timeless appeal of romantic songs. “Romantic songs are timeless, but dance music is where I find my current inspiration. I want to create a dance track that stays relevant for a year, something that doesn’t just fade away after a week. That’s the challenge I’m setting for myself now.”
Remaking Iconic Tracks: The Pressure and the Pride
In recent years, Tanishk Bagchi has become synonymous with the trend of remaking classic Bollywood songs. While these recreations have garnered massive attention, Bagchi approaches them with care and respect for the original compositions. He reflects on which remakes he’s particularly proud of: “I’d say Akhiyon Se Goli Maare is one of my best recreations. It was a big challenge, but I added so many elements to it, from getting Kumar Sanu on board to incorporating modern quirks. That track stands out for me.”
However, he’s quick to admit that, as an artist, he’s always striving for perfection. “Every time I listen to something I’ve made, I think, ‘I could tweak this,’ or ‘I could improve that.’ It’s part of my process. I’m always striving to make my music better.”
Navigating the Criticism of Bollywood Music
As one of Bollywood’s most prominent composers, Bagchi is no stranger to criticism. Many argue that Bollywood music has become stagnant, with certain artists being overexposed. When asked about this, Bagchi shares his nuanced perspective: “There’s a perception that Bollywood is overexposing certain artists, but I believe true talent will always rise. Yes, there’s a lot of PR and marketing involved in the industry, but if you have genuine talent, you will find your way. It might take time, but it’s not impossible.”
He continues by emphasizing the importance of marketing in today’s industry. “That said, I also believe in the power of marketing. I’m not great at marketing myself, but it’s something that has become crucial in today’s music industry. You can’t just rely on talent anymore – you need to know how to market your music effectively. I’ve realized that having talent is only 50% of the battle; the other half is about how well you can position yourself and your music in the public eye. This is something I’m constantly working on, learning how to strike that balance between artistry and visibility.”
For Bagchi, the landscape of Bollywood music is ever-evolving, and the infusion of new genres is essential to staying relevant. While marketing is a key factor in success, he firmly believes that authentic creativity will always find its way to the forefront. “At the end of the day, audiences will respond to what feels fresh, new, and genuine.”
The Evolution of Bollywood Music and Its Future
With the music industry changing rapidly, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and social media, Bagchi sees the next decade of Bollywood music as a period of exciting experimentation and global reach. “The industry is evolving very fast,” Bagchi says. “New genres, new sounds are emerging every day, and it’s happening at a pace we’ve never seen before. In the future, I see Bollywood music becoming even more global, with Indian composers and artists making their mark on the world stage. The lines between ‘Bollywood music’ and ‘global music’ are already blurring, and that’s a good thing.”
He further adds, “What excites me is the unpredictability. You never know which song or which artist will break through next. It could be a folk song, it could be something electronic, or it could be a fusion that no one’s ever tried before. That’s what makes being in this industry so thrilling.”
The Growth of Independent Music and Its Impact
The conversation also veers toward the rise of independent music in India and its relationship with mainstream Bollywood music. While some view the surge in independent music as a challenge to Bollywood, Bagchi sees it as a complementary growth. “Independent music has always existed, and it has its own charm. In the ‘80s, we had bands like Silk Route and artists like Lucky Ali who were making their mark. Today, it’s no different. Film music and independent music are like two parallel streams – both can coexist and thrive,” he explains.
He continues, “In fact, the cross-collaboration between indie artists and Bollywood is a healthy trend. You see mainstream artists collaborating with independent musicians, and vice versa. It’s not about competition; it’s about creating more avenues for good music.”
Handling Criticism and Staying Grounded
Like any public figure, Tanishk Bagchi has faced his share of criticism and trolling, particularly when it comes to his recreations of old classics. But rather than letting it affect him negatively, he sees it as part of the learning process. “Initially, it used to bother me a lot,” he admits. “I would see people trolling my work and think, ‘Should I react? Should I defend myself?’ But over time, I realized that not every piece of feedback requires a response. Now, I view criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow.”
He continues, “Everyone has their own taste in music, and not everyone is going to like everything you create. But I take the constructive criticism seriously, and if there’s something that can help me improve, I take it on board. Music is a lifelong learning process. You never stop growing.”
Upcoming Projects: What’s Next for Tanishk Bagchi?
As the conversation draws to a close, Tanishk Bagchi teases some exciting projects on the horizon. “Apart from the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 title track, I’ve got a few more surprises in the album. There’s one track in particular that I’m really excited about – it’s a Bengali-inspired track, which I’ve fused with some modern beats. It’s something fresh and cool, and I think it will resonate with audiences.”
Bagchi is also working on the music for Do Patti, which he describes as another exciting project that will showcase a different side of his musical sensibility. “Do Patti has a song that I’m particularly excited about. It has a completely different vibe from what people usually expect from me, and I can’t wait for it to be out.”
And what does 2024 hold for one of Bollywood’s most versatile composers? “Next year is going to be big. I’ve got some major projects lined up, both in Bollywood and internationally. I can’t reveal too much right now, but let’s just say that I’m working on some collaborations that will take my music to new places.”
As he wraps up, Tanishk Bagchi leaves us with a parting thought: “Music is constantly evolving, and I’m just grateful to be part of this journey. Whether it’s introducing new genres like Amapiano to Bollywood or working with incredible artists like Diljit and Pitbull, it’s all about pushing boundaries and creating something that connects with people. That’s what drives me.”
Comments
0 comment