Rekha Bhardwaj initially ‘turned down' the song ‘Namak' from Omkara, singer admits ‘crying' while singing: ‘Such a naughty, sultry track, I never imagined…'

Indian Express

5 days ago

With her unmistakably soulful voice and deep roots in Indian classical music, Rekha Bhardwaj has carved a lasting legacy in the world of Hindi playback singing. In an interview with SCREEN, the singer revealed that she initially declined to lend her voice to 'Namak,' the now-iconic track from her husband Vishal Bhardwaj's 2006 film Omkara. She also opened up about her experience of working with legends Gulzar and AR Rahman.
During the conversation, Rekha revealed that she sang the chorus of 'Namak' and Vishal wanted her to record the track. 'Vishal had very less time to do this song; he was working continuously. I was busy with my own things at that time. We had bought our first home, so he would come back and sing the songs to me. One evening, he sang this song (Namak) and asked me how it is sounding and if he should complete it,' she shared.
The singer added, 'I told him that it's amazing; there's a lot of scope for him. When I sang, I naturally added that high in the chorus. The nasal twang came on it own. Itna hi gaaya and he was blown. He said tum hi gaaogi gaana. Isko record kardo so that you don't forget.'
However, after listening to the entire song's lyrics, Rekha Bhardwaj wasn't comfortable in singing it. 'Then, there were a lot of changes made in the composition. Itne changes karke jab Vishal leke aaye, I said that I can't do it. Till then, I had only sung soulful songs. I thought I can only sing melancholic songs. I never imagined I could sing such a mischievous, naughty, and sultry song. I had those elements in me as a human being, but I didn't think I would sing such a song. I convinced them that I am not the right person,' Rekha shared.
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It was her husband Vishal Bhardwaj who convinced her to sing the track. Eventually, she said yes and recorded 'Namak'. 'Suddenly, Vishal realised that he had recorded my singing in his Motorola phone. He came home one day and made me listen to that. He tried to convince me to sing it. He said that only you can sing this song, there is no other singer. Jab main uss rehearsal mein hoti thi, main roti bhi thi aur gaati bhi thi. It was a big responsibility. Vishal always used to tell me that when you go on the mic, switch off the real world. I closed my eyes and sang, I thought I'll just do it.'
During the interview, Rekha Bhardwaj also reflected on her relationship with legendary lyricist Gulzar. The two have collaborated on several memorable songs, including 'Darling', 'Raat Ke Dhai Baje', 'Tere Ishq Mein', and 'Namak', among others. The singer said, 'Gulzar sahab mere baba hain, unke saath relationship special hi hai. I always say that agar vo humaari zindagi mein nahi hote toh hum pata nahi kis galaxy mein bhatak rahe hote. He is that guiding force, that light in my life. Unke saath patience, hard work, and perseverance seekha hai. You should never stop working on your craft. I feel so fortunate that most of my songs are written by him.'
Rekha has also collaborated with AR Rahman for the track 'Ranjha Ranjha' from the film Raavan. Recounting her experience, she revealed, 'My most favourite songs of Rahman are his collabs with Gulzar sahab. It's always great to dub with Rahman sahab. He has his own ways. He makes you very comfortable.'
Recalling the recording of 'Ranjha Ranjha' with him, the singer shared, 'He was not visible in the console room, could only hear his voice. He told me later than I can see you smile, but I want to hear you smile. That was such a beautiful way to give feedback. Unhone dubaara raat ko 11 baje bulaaya aur bola ki aur high karna hai sur ko, then the song was finalised on a higher key.'