Alka Yagnik's new song 'Apna Chehra Dikha' was recorded 10 years ago, reveals composer Rishikant Pant: 'Sang it in 30 minutes'

Fans of Alka Yagnik have a reason to celebrate as the legendary singer's voice returns in the newly released independent track 'Apna Chehra Dikha'. The release comes nearly two years after the singer was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, a condition that forced her to step away from singing following a viral infection in 2024.

The song's composer, Rishikant Pant, popularly known as The Rish, has now revealed that the track was actually recorded nearly a decade ago.

The song was recorded 10 years ago

Speaking to Mid-Day about the journey of 'Apna Chehra Dikha', Rishikant shared that the recording happened unexpectedly when Alka Yagnik visited his father's recording studio in Andheri for another project.Recalling the memorable moment, he said, "A lot of people asked me whether this song was recorded now or earlier.

This song's story dates back at least 10 years. Alkaji was in my father's studio in Andheri to sing a track. When she was done with her session, my dad told her, on my behalf, 'There is a song that we'd love to play for you. If you like it, you could lend your voice to it.' When she heard the mukhda, she loved it and sang it in 30 minutes.

"Although the recording was completed years ago, the composer felt the time wasn't right to release it then.

With his growing popularity following the success of 'Barbaad', The Rish decided it was finally the right moment to unveil the duet. Expressing his gratitude, he said, "I am so honoured to have Alkaji on this song. I wish there was more of her in it."The musician, however, chose not to reveal whether he had shared the final release with Alka Yagnik or spoken to her about the song.

Alka Yagnik's health condition

In 2024, Alka Yagnik disclosed that she had been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss after suffering a viral attack. The condition affected her hearing and prevented her from continuing to sing. The veteran singer recently made a rare public appearance to receive the Padma Bhushan, where fans expressed concern over her frail appearance.

What is sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the delicate hair cells inside the inner ear or the nerve pathways connecting the ear to the brain are damaged. As a result, softer sounds become difficult to hear, while louder sounds may appear distorted or muffled.Although the condition is commonly associated with ageing, it can also develop due to prolonged exposure to loud noise, head injuries, genetic factors or viral infections.