Naren's indie round-up/ Feb 2026, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Lucky Ali/ Tu Jaane Hai Kahan

Language & genre: Hindi, love song

Label; Tips Originals

Rating: *** 1/2

It's been over 29 years since Lucky Ali released his hit album Sunoh. Even today, he comes up with good melodies, as is evident on his new release 'Tu Jaane Hai Kahan'.

Mike McLeary and Suraj Gulvady compose the music, which has catchy guitar and flute parts. It's a simple tune, and lyricist Kausar Munir does a fantastic job on the lines, "Darta hai dil mera, paas aane se tere, darta hai dil door jaane se; Karta hai dil mera, reh jaaoon sang tere, darta hai dil chhoot jaane se".

Samten Bhutia's video, featuring Lucky with Breshna Hamid, Nikita Chandak and Dinushan S, has some smart outdoor videos, of the sea, hills and desert. The whole look complements Lucky's persona perfectly.

A.R. Rahman & A.R. Ameen/ Bheegi Bheegi 

Language & genre: Hindi, love song

Label: Rooh Records/ Warner Music 

Rating: ** 1/2

First, there was the BBC interview controversy, and then there was the launch of the Gandhi Talks soundtrack, which had two good songs out of five - 'Zara Zara' and 'Sunahri Kirane'. Now, A.R. Rahman composes his son A.R. Ameen's debut song 'Bheegi Bheegi'.

A duet with Jasleen Royal, the song has been written by Irshad Kamil. The words are, "Bheegi bheegi raat mein, dheere se bheege jazbaat mein, oh, bheegi bheegi raat mein, teri mohabbat saath mein". Nothing earth-shattering about both the words or the tune, which uses a standard rhythm and familiar Rahman style.

What works is the well-choreographed video, directed by Sanjna + Rohan and featuring Ameen, Dulquer Salman and Mrunal Thakur. The release also marks the launch of Rooh Records. Wish the song had more 'rooh'.

Gini/ Feeka

Language & genre: Hindi, love song 

Label: Published by Sony

Rating: *** 1/2

Among the young generation, Gini has been one of the most prolific and consistent singers over the past couple of years, with songs like 'Chaukhat', 'Ansuna' and 'Sukoon'. She continues her good form on the catchy 'Feeka', composed and written by Nandini Nayal.

The song is all about missing someone, and the process of waiting. The video, directed by Dar Gai, has the fresh college girl-next-door look, which younger folk will identify with. Producer Neversober does a neat job.

While the song definitely warrants many replays, one also observes that it is trapped by a formula, and sticks to a style that has worked before. She did experiment on 'Don't Even Text', her duet with rapper Tsumyoki, and going forward, one hopes she does more things that move away from the standard. She's clearly got the potential and ability, and more variety would help.

Risshi S. Sachdeva and Swapnalie Sachddev/ Neelkantha Devadhidev

Language & genre: Sanskrit, spiritual

Label: Shree Music Company

Rating: *** 1/2

With Mahashivratri coming up on February 15, here's a new song 'Neelkantha Devadhidev' sung by Risshi S. Sachdeva and Swapnalie Sachddev. Composition is by Risshi and lyrics are by the latter.

It's a vibrant song which is strong on rhythm. The words use different names of Lord Shiva and also extracts from the 'Shiv Gayatri Mantra', known to focus inner peace, focus, protection and spiritual growth.

It was also composed for vaastu expert Acharya Pankit Goel as part of his advanced self-realisation programme 'Sada Samriddhi Bhav'. Perfect for the festive occasion.

Shreya Phukan/ Older

Language & genre: English, pop

Label: Oriyon Music

Rating: ***

On her new release 'Older', singer-songwriter Shreya Phukan talks about the emotions of growing up, and the change that accompanies it. Production is by Muheet Bharti, who's used guitars judiciously.

The main line "I'm scared of getting older" sums up the song's mood. Elsewhere, Shreya sings, "But I can't keep running away forever, I'm gonna face my fears someday".

It's a cute song, aided by interesting illustrations in the visualiser.


 



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