Raj Shekhar on collaborating with 'Saiyaara' fame Mohit Suri, REVEALS he wishes to contribute to Shah Rukh Khan's 'King'

Whether it was the stirring 'Mat Ja Re' from 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' or the deeply felt 'Pehla Bhi Main' from 'Animal', Raj Shekhar's lyrics have a way of settling into your skin, subtle, sincere, and often unexpectedly profound.Now, with 'Saiyaara' marking his latest outing and his 100th song Raj reflects on a decade-long journey filled with quiet milestones and creative joy.

A Journey of Heart and Craft

“It’s been a fascinating ride,” he says, looking back at the last ten years. “There were emotional highs and lows, of course, but I’m grateful — to the filmmakers, composers, and the characters I got to write for. Each one of them gave my words a home.”Though he started out in the industry almost by accident, Raj has carved a reputation for lyrics that never feel ornamental — instead, they grow from the emotional core of the scene or character.

On 'Saiyaara' and the Creative Freedom It Brought

Talking to Hindustan Times about his recent collaboration on 'Saiyaara', Raj has nothing but praise for the team — especially director Mohit Suri and composer Vishal Mishra.“It was a really fun experience,” he smiles. “Mohit Suri is someone who understands the soul of music in cinema. He shows you the emotional world of his characters and then steps back. He doesn’t interfere, he trusts you to find your own truth within that space.”The track 'Tum Ho Toh', from the film, has already begun resonating with listeners, and Raj credits that to the free-flowing creative energy between the trio.

“With Vishal, it’s become a very organic partnership. We never sit down thinking, ‘Let’s make a hit.’ It’s more meditative — we talk, reflect, and shape the song together. And I think the audience feels that depth.”

The Power of Simplicity

Known for his poetic restraint, Raj believes the hardest thing about songwriting is writing simply — but never simplistically.“There’s a huge difference between ‘simple’ and ‘simplistic,’ just like between ‘childlike’ and ‘childish’,” he explains.

“Simplicity is beautiful, but you have to work hard to get there. You let go of a lot, strip things down, and hold on to what really matters.”For Raj, every lyric has to serve two worlds — the world of the character, and the world of the listener. “If you can speak honestly to both, that’s where the magic lives.”

A Dream to Write for SRK

Despite having worked with a wide range of directors and artists, there’s one name still on Raj’s wishlist — Shah Rukh Khan.“If I ever get a chance to write for Shah Rukh Khan, that would be a dream,” he says, lighting up.

“To see my words on his face — that would be incredible. He was the face of cinema for us growing up. When we bunked classes to catch a film, it was usually his.”With SRK’s upcoming film 'King' in the works, Raj admits he’s keeping fingers crossed. “I don’t know where the film is being shot or who’s been signed yet, but I’d love to be part of it in any way.”

Looking Ahead

Beyond SRK, Raj hopes to work with artists like AR Rahman and Sanjay Leela Bhansali — and still cherishes his past collaborations with the late Irrfan Khan. “I always wanted to write for Irrfan, and I’m glad I got to do that in 'Qarib Qarib Single'. That will always be special.”