Anand Raaj Anand Reflects on His Musical Journey and Collaborations with Govinda

Anand Raaj Anand, a prominent figure in Bollywood music, shares his experiences and insights on composing for Govinda and the evolution of the music industry. He reflects on the collaborative spirit of the past and how it contrasts with today's more isolated creative processes. Anand also recounts the amusing origin of the hit song 'Jalebi Bai' and emphasizes the importance of conversation in music creation. Join the discussion and explore his thoughts on the current state of Bollywood music.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 20:21 IST

Anand Raaj Anand: A Musical Maestro

Anand Raaj Anand stands out as a gifted composer, singer, and lyricist in the Hindi film industry. With numerous chart-topping tracks to his name, he has contributed to popular Bollywood films such as Masti, Welcome, and Kaante. Recently, he worked on a new rendition of Ucha Lamba Kad for Akshay Kumar's upcoming film, Welcome to the Jungle. During the promotional activities, the seasoned musician shared insights during an exclusive interview.

Insights on Composing for Govinda

Anand Raaj Anand on composing songs for Govinda

In our conversation, Anand discussed how Govinda's vibrant personality and dance style shaped his songwriting process. He mentioned, "Whenever I composed for Govinda, I would first visualize him. I would almost embody Govinda in my mind before I began writing and composing. The moment I felt that spark or those goosebumps, I would quickly record that melody as a reminder. Later, during the recording phase, we would develop it into a complete song."

Nostalgia for the 90s Music Era

Continuing the discussion, Anand expressed his nostalgia for the music scene of the 90s and early 2000s, highlighting what he believes is missing in contemporary music. He explained, "Music can be created in two ways—either in solitude or in celebration. True creativity often requires isolation. You can't genuinely create while surrounded by a large group. However, for celebratory or dance tracks, having your team—producers, directors, writers, and musicians—around is essential." He reminisced about the collaborative spirit of his earlier days, where writers, producers, and directors would gather over cups of tea to brainstorm ideas, leading to the creation of memorable songs.

The Story Behind Jalebi Bai

Anand Raaj Anand on how Jalebi Bai was created

As the conversation progressed, Anand shared the story behind the creation of Jalebi Bai for Indra Kumar's film Double Dhamaal. He recounted, "During a lunch with Indra Kumar ji, he casually mentioned, 'Jalebi hai bhai.' That phrase stuck with me and inspired the song. Nowadays, many artists work alone, which can hinder creativity. How can a song like Jalebi Bai emerge from complete isolation?" He emphasized that great ideas often arise from engaging conversations, which ultimately lead to timeless music.

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