Rajesh Roshan talks about composing music for Karan Arjun

Other than Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan’s message of brotherhood, if anything that has made the 1995 film, Kara Arjun special, is its music. As the film re-released in theatres today, November 22, music director Rakesh Roshan, who composed songs for the reincarnation drama, shared his thoughts on the iconic songs that still resonate with the hearts of many.
The soundtrack, composed by Rajesh Roshan, features instant classics such as Bandhan Toh, Maa Kali, and Gup Chup, which continue to be fan favorites. In an interview with India Today Digital, Roshan spoke about how the songs and how they have become an emotion today.
Excerpts from the Interview:
What made Karan Arjun so special to you?
Karan Arjun truly marked a milestone for all of us who were associated with it. It was one of the highest-grossing films of its time and brought about a significant change in our careers. The film featured an exceptional blend of action and music, which is quite rare. Songs like Jai Maa Kali and Yeh Bandhan Toh resonated deeply with audiences due to their authenticity. Even today, these songs evoke the same emotions.
What influenced the music of the film, which remains timeless even today?
I was deeply involved in the scripting stage. I would sit with Rakesh Roshan, Anwar Khan, and the scriptwriters, listening to their discussions. The story of Karan Arjun settled in my heart, and I experienced every emotion, laughing and crying alongside the characters. This immersion inspired me to create songs that seamlessly aligned with the narrative. The songwriting was exceptional; the quality was so high that it set a benchmark and profoundly influenced me.
One of the most iconic songs from the film remains Gup Chup. Was there any hesitation regarding the boldness of the song?
It’s interesting! Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai was quite popular at that time, and was released just 8 to 9 months before our film. That song had a provocative undertone, and our song was inspired by it. We wanted to create something equally impactful but with innocence and humour. Gup Chup carried a light-hearted dialogue that explored relationships and misunderstandings.
I recall that another strong contender for music during that period was Rangeela featuring fresh tunes by AR Rahman sir. At the Screen Awards, Vijay Anand, a member of the jury panelist, argued in favour of Karan Arjun receiving the award over Rangeela, citing its commercial success and the significant role of its music. What made this particularly remarkable was that Vijay Anand was not personally fond of me, so his support was a significant mark of respect for my work.
Unlike in the past, multiple composers now collaborate on a single film. What is your opinion on this trend?
I don’t understand why composers agree to this in the first place. The industry has always been fraught with insecurity; it’s not as if we haven’t experienced it. However, I now sense that the trust between composers and directors has diminished. In the past, there was camaraderie between them. It wasn’t solely about producing hits; it was about inspiring one another, sharing meals, and engaging in creative discussions. That connection led to timeless music.
Today, there is less collaboration and more pressure. I miss the personal touch of earlier times when directors would engage you deeply in their vision.
Is that the reason you decided to step away from working in the industry at this time?
Every artist in this industry experiences both successes and setbacks. I have encountered failures such as Kaash and Papa Kehte Hain, but I have also celebrated monumental hits like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. The fear of failure never goes away; even three flops can push you out of the market. Nevertheless, I have always remained committed to my craft.
It is disheartening when people diminish your work by making comparisons or attempting to replicate a successful formula. That is not how one creates something that remains timeless.
How do you perceive the changes in the music industry today?
The music industry has undergone significant changes. In the past, there was a strong emphasis on creating songs with substance and soul. Today, many tracks rely heavily on beats or remixes, often lacking memorability. Even the lyrics no longer leave the same impact they once did.
My songs like Moongda and Jai Maa Kali are still remembered decades later, but many recent hits fade away quickly. Music should be timeless; however, the current focus is often on short-term success.
I have been fortunate to work with directors who valued and inspired me, such as Rakesh Kumar during the production of Mr. Natwarlal. He treated me with immense love and respect, which brought out the best in me. Unfortunately, that warmth seems to be lacking today, which is why I have chosen to step back from taking on too many projects.
Karan Arjun also featured Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, and Amrish Puri in pivotal roles. The film is currently in theaters for a limited time to celebrate its 30th anniversary.