Renowned singer Rekha Bhardwaj recently shared insights into her iconic song “Namak” from the film “Omkara,” revealing her initial hesitation to sing the track and her profound experiences working with Gulzar and AR Rahman.
The Reluctant Journey to “Namak”
Rekha Bhardwaj, known for her soulful voice rooted in classical Indian music, confessed that she initially turned down “Namak.” Her husband, Vishal Bhardwaj, who composed the song, wanted her to record it after hearing her sing the chorus.
She recalled that Vishal was on a tight schedule while developing the track. One evening, he sang a part of “Namak” to her, asking for feedback. Rekha instinctively added a high, nasal twang to the chorus, which greatly impressed Vishal.
From Hesitation to Heartfelt Performance
However, after hearing the complete lyrics and the evolving composition, Rekha felt uncomfortable. She believed her voice was suited only for melancholic or soulful songs, never imagining she could pull off a “mischievous, naughty, and sultry” track.
She tried to convince Vishal that she wasn’t the right fit. It took Vishal’s persistence, and a recording he had made of her singing the chorus on his Motorola phone, to persuade her. He insisted no one else could sing it.
The recording process for “Namak” was an emotional one for Rekha. She admitted to “crying” while singing, feeling the immense responsibility. Vishal’s advice to “switch off the real world” when on the mic helped her deliver the powerful performance.
A Guiding Light: Gulzar
Rekha Bhardwaj holds a deep reverence for veteran lyricist Gulzar, whom she affectionately calls “baba.” She credits him as a guiding force in her life and career, emphasizing that without him, she would feel lost.
Their collaborations have yielded many memorable songs, including “Darling,” “Raat Ke Dhai Baje,” “Tere Ishq Mein,” and “Namak.” She values the lessons of patience, hard work, and perseverance she learned from him, and feels fortunate that most of her songs are penned by him.
The Unique Process with AR Rahman
Her experience working with music maestro AR Rahman on the “Raavan” track “Ranjha Ranjha” was equally enlightening. Rekha finds Rahman’s collaborations with Gulzar to be among her favorites.
She recounted a particular moment during the “Ranjha Ranjha” recording where Rahman, not visible in the console room, told her, “I can see you smile, but I want to hear you smile.” This unique feedback prompted her to re-record the song on a higher key, which was finalized at 11 PM that night.
- Rekha Bhardwaj initially declined to sing “Namak” due to its sultry nature, contrasting her usual soulful style.
- Her husband, Vishal Bhardwaj, convinced her to sing “Namak” after hearing her impromptu chorus.
- She describes a profound, mentor-like relationship with lyricist Gulzar.
- AR Rahman provided unique, insightful feedback during the recording of “Ranjha Ranjha.”
Rekha Bhardwaj’s candid reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistic process behind some of her most celebrated works and her relationships with industry legends.
