The Hindi version of the song Rebel from ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ features vocals by superstar Diljit Dosanjh, and composer Ajaneesh Loknath recalls in a recent interview about the collaboration as an “amazing experience.” The song comes at a pivotal moment in the film when Rishab Shetty’s character, Berme, and his clan send a warning to King Kulashekara, played by Gulshan Devaiah. The promotional video of Rebel is getting much love from the audiences for all the right reasons.
Ajaneesh on working with Diljith
Ajaneesh Loknath told Hindustan Times that the song required screams and grunting noises to convey strength, which were difficult to perform. He said he was looking for someone with the vocal capability to pull it off and believed Punjabi singers could do it. When he suggested the idea to Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films, they agreed, and Diljit Dosanjh was chosen as the perfect fit for the Hindi version.
Diljit is humble and collaborative
Ajaneesh praised Diljit for his grounded nature during the recording sessions. “He never made me feel like he was a star or had any airs. He gave me the space to record the song the way I wanted. He even brought along a harmonium and asked me to teach him the tune. That’s a big gesture, because usually, singers aren’t always that invested,” Ajaneesh said. The composer added that hearing Diljit’s voice during the recording left both him and Rishab in awe: “We just knew we had what we wanted.”
Personal connection and fan appreciation
Diljit himself shared glimpses of the recording session on social media, hinting at a personal connection to the film. He wrote, “With Big Brother @rishabshettyofficial. Salute to This Guy Man.. Who made The Masterpiece KANTARA. I have a Personal Connection with This film which I can’t tell.. But I remember when I was watching in the theatres..In The End when The song VARAHA ROOPAM Played I cried in so much ecstasy.”’Kantara Chapter 1′ continues to run in theatres in all South Indian languages and is getting terrific reviews from the audiences, expecially for it’s grand climax.
