As Veer-Zaara, the iconic romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, celebrates its 20th anniversary, singer Roop Kumar Rathod recalls his integral contribution to the film’s unforgettable soundtrack. Rathod, who lent his soulful voice to the classic ballad Tere Liye, reflects on the song’s creation and the magical journey that led to his involvement in this timeless film.
In a candid conversation about the recording of the song, Rathod shares his feelings of gratitude and disbelief at being a part of the film’s legacy. “I started singing very late in my life, and I always regretted never having the chance to work with the late Madan Mohan ji,” he admits. However, he goes on to say, “But as they say, if you wish for something truly from your heart, the universe finds a way to make it happen.”
Rathod reveals the serendipitous sequence of events that led to his involvement in Tere Liye, one of the most beloved tracks in Bollywood history. “When Yash Chopra ji (the filmmaker) and Sanjeev Kohli (composer of Veer-Zaara and the son of legendary composer Madan Mohan) were finalising the recording studio for the film’s songs, they visited the newly opened Studio Empire around 2003. They asked the recordist to play any song for a quality check, and by chance, I had recorded a track there just two days prior.”
It was this fortunate encounter that led to Rathod being selected for Tere Liye, a poignant track penned by the renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar. “They loved my voice so much that they immediately finalised me for Tere Liye,” Rathod recalls with a smile. The song was not just any composition; it was based on the third dhun (melody) that Madan Mohan ji had created for the classic Dil Dhoondata Hai from the 1975 film Mausam. The song holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers, and Rathod’s rendition added a fresh layer of emotion to it.
Reflecting on the recording session, Rathod adds a touching moment, “Lata Mangeshkar didi came for the recording the day after I had recorded my part. When she heard my voice, she had tears in her eyes. It was such a humbling experience. I still can’t believe it’s been 20 years since then.”
The song Tere Liye, which captures the heartache and longing of unrequited love, became an instant classic and remains one of the most celebrated tracks in Bollywood. Rathod’s emotive delivery of the song’s deeply poetic lyrics continues to resonate with listeners, even two decades later.
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Meanwhile, Udit Narayan, another singer who contributed to the Veer-Zaara soundtrack, shares his own experience of working on the film. Narayan, who recorded four songs for the film, recalls the honour of being part of such a monumental project. “I had the honour of singing four songs in Veer-Zaara – Main Yahaan Hoon, Aisa Des Hai Mera, Yeh Hum Aa Gaye Hain Kahaan, and Lo Aag Gayi Lodi Ve. Each of these songs holds a special place in my heart for multiple reasons,” he says.
Narayan goes on to explain why the tracks were so special to him. “They were beautiful compositions, written so well by Javed Akhtar sahab. They truly reflected Yash Chopra ji’s vision for the film,” he says. “And most importantly, I had the privilege of singing them with Lata Mangeshkar ji, which was an experience I will never forget.”
The Veer-Zaara soundtrack, composed by the late Madan Mohan and arranged by Sanjeev Kohli, is often hailed as one of the finest in Bollywood history. The collaboration between the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan, and Roop Kumar Rathod produced some of the most enduring melodies in the industry. Even 20 years after its release, the music of Veer-Zaara continues to evoke deep nostalgia and remains etched in the memories of film and music lovers worldwide.
As fans of the film and its music continue to celebrate its enduring legacy, the voices of Rathod, Narayan, and Mangeshkar still echo in the hearts of millions, reminding us of the timeless beauty of Veer-Zaara and its unforgettable soundtrack.
