New Delhi: Producer-director Imtiaz Ali is in the spotlight with news surrounding his upcoming film, Main Wapas Aunga. In discussions about his previous Shah Rukh Khan film, Jab Harry Met Sejal, Ali elaborated on the creation of the song “Safar.” He stated that this track encapsulates the emotional landscape of contemporary life, expressing a sentiment of restlessness that has come to define the modern experience.
Ali revealed that “Safar” began as a fundamentally different musical composition. “When we first conceptualized this song, even before the lyrics were penned, it had a distinct blues flavor,” he noted. He continued, “Over time, it evolved, but it still holds a unique blend of country and blues influences. It’s designed to be played with a guitar and remains closely tied to the current era.”
The director emphasized the importance of the lyrics, crafted by Irshad Kamil, as the song’s emotional backbone. He quoted Kamil’s line: “Idhar ka hi hoon na, udhar ka raha; safar ka hi tha main, safar ka raha,” describing it as a poignant reflection of feeling unanchored—belonging neither to one’s origins nor to the destination ahead. Ali expressed his fascination with the song, stating, “It feels as though we are constantly on a journey and living in a state of flux.”
Recollecting the filming process for the song, Ali shared, “I greatly enjoyed capturing the visuals, as they instilled a strong sense of connection.” He recalled a specific shot filmed in Budapest, where Shah Rukh Khan was positioned as a train approached, remarking on the magic of that moment. “Filming those scenes was deeply rewarding, merging music, atmosphere, and Shah Rukh Khan’s prominent presence to create one of the film’s standout sequences.”
Ali’s next project, Main Wapas Aunga, is set against the historical backdrop of the 1947 Partition and is characterized as an emotional love story. The film features an ensemble cast including Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari Wagh, and Naseeruddin Shah. With a musical score by AR Rahman, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 12.
