Gulzar on KK’s song in Sherdil: After lending his voice to such an important message, he should have stayed a little longer

Composed by Shantanu Moitra and penned by the poet, the song Dhoop Paani Bahne De of Srijit Mukherji’s film talks about the environment and was released on June 6

Pankaj Tripathi and Neeraj Kabi in a scene from the film

In April, KK recorded a song for Srijit Mukherji’s Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga. Penned by Gulzar and composed by Shantanu Moitra, the song Dhoop Paani Bahne De, was released on June 6 in the late evening. This is argued to be the last song recorded before KK breathed his last on May 31 in Kolkata. Since its release, the song is trending for music on YouTube. Sherdil, which features Pankaj Tripathi, Sayani Gupta, Neeraj Kabi and others, will be released on June 24.

Remembering KK, Gulzar said in a press statement that it was because of this song, he could meet KK after a long time. “Srijit has done me a favour. Not only did I get to write for such a beautiful film, but I also got to meet KK after ages. KK had first sung a song in Maachis – Chhor Aye Hum Woh Galiya. When he came to sing the song for Sherdil, it filled my heart with joy but It's a shame that this had to go down as one of his last songs. It's like he came to say goodbye. The song is about the environment. The way it's been used in the film, it's a call to save your jungles, rivers, animals and birds. After lending his voice to such an important message, he should have stayed a little longer. Pity, it wasn't in our hands. I will pray for and remember him. Wherever Sherdil goes, his memory will accompany us,” the poet said.

Composer Shantanu Moitra, who worked with KK on several projects, said, “KK sang this song like it was his own. He told me this song has given him Gulzar sahib back after two decades. He was also excited that he would sing this song in live concerts because it talks about conservation and the youth needs to listen to this.”

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