Not Sonu Nigam but Arijit Singh and Jubin Nautiyal almost sang ‘Manjogi’ for 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain - Fun on the Run'

Composer Vishal Shelke, who scored the music for ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain – Fun on the Run’, recently spoke about his experience working on the film, his long-pending collaboration with Sonu Nigam, and the lesser-discussed challenges faced by music creators in the Hindi film industry.In an interaction with Moneycontrol, Vishal revealed that while he was keen on Sonu Nigam, the producers initially leaned towards more contemporary voices. “Not me exactly, but the producers, keeping the current trend in mind, were suggesting Arijit Singh and Jubin Nautiyal,” he said, adding that the song was sent to both singers. “Arijit loved the song and wanted to do it, but it was taking a little longer,” Vishal shared.

Why did Vishal Shelke push for Sonu Nigam?

Despite the trend-driven suggestions, Vishal remained firm.

“Somewhere I felt this song truly belonged to Sonu Nigam,” he explained, noting that ‘Manjogi’ was picturised on Ravi Kishan’s character, who falls deeply in love with Anguri. “Sonu Nigam’s voice suited that innocence perfectly,” he added. Recalling their first interaction, Vishal said, “I played the song to Sonu Nigam and he instantly liked it. He said, ‘Let’s do it.

’”Calling Sonu Nigam a legend, Vishal Shelke described the recording as a memorable experience.

“He flew straight from a concert in Jaipur, came to Yash Raj Studios, recorded the song, and the very next day left for a show in Kolkata,” he recalled, highlighting the singer’s commitment. “He experimented with tones, moving between Western and Indian styles. Once we locked the emotion, it was magical,” Vishal said, adding that the team at Zee Studios was left spellbound.

On Arijit Singh and the playback debate

Addressing conversations around Arijit Singh stepping away from playback singing, Shelke clarified, “He hasn’t quit music.

He has only chosen to stop playback singing.” He added that Arijit will continue independent music, concerts, and focus on filmmaking, which is where his current passion lies.Shelke also spoke about how music remains central to cinema but often goes under-credited. “Films like ‘Aashiqui’ or ‘Chak De India’ worked largely because of their music,” he said. “People remember the songs, but not the composers or lyricists.

That needs to change.”

Why was ‘Manjogi’ the toughest track?

According to Vishal, ‘Manjogi’ was the most challenging song to compose. “The film was largely a comedy, but Ravi Kishan’s love story added emotional depth. We needed one song that could emotionally bind the entire film,” he explained.Shelke shared that the music was tailored specifically to the characters. “Ravi Kishan’s character is feared, carries a gun, but is emotionally soft. His love for Anguri is pure and innocent, and the music had to reflect that,” he said, adding that he brought a fresh musical approach after the makers were unsatisfied with the initial score.

What’s next for Vishal Shelke?

Looking ahead, Vishal revealed that he is stepping beyond romantic comedies. “I’ve finished work on a thriller with a major Bollywood hero and a South actress, and I’ve also started a horror film inspired by something like ‘Annabelle’,” he shared, expressing excitement about exploring new genres.