We’ve gone for a folk-style sound mixed with reggae: Sanju Rathod on his latest track

For singer-composer Sanju Rathod, music is as much about instinct as it is about collaboration. With his latest track Bangles, Rathod has stepped into a fresh sonic space, blending folk influences with reggae while pairing it with an unconventional visual treatment. The journey, however, came with its share of challenges, right from cutting down pages of lyrics to filming in difficult weather conditions. ‘The toughest part was shortening the lyrics’ Rathod says the idea behind the track was to create something musically different from his earlier work.“This time we’ve gone for a very folk-style sound mixed with reggae, which feels fresh,” he says. “Lyrically, I had written around eight paragraphs, and the toughest part was cutting it down to what you hear now.” The singer also wanted the visuals to stand apart. “We’ve taken a more international approach visually. Even though it’s shot in a village, the story and treatment are very quirky. Piyush and Shazia have done a great job,” he adds. Shooting in difficult conditions Despite the energetic vibe of the final video, Rathod recalls that the shoot itself was physically demanding. “Honestly, the heat was the toughest part, we had to keep hydrating all the time,” he says with a laugh. “We shot in different parts of a village, and staying there was challenging because resources were very limited. But the whole team handled it really well.” ‘Every collaborator brought something unique’ Rathod credits much of the project’s impact to the people he worked with, beginning with his brother and long-time collaborator G Spark, also known as Gaurav Rathod. “Whenever I write or compose, I usually record a rough version in my own voice with a basic track,” he says. “When G-Spark takes over, he completely transforms it. It’s like he understands exactly what I’m feeling and what I want to say, and he brings that out beautifully in the music.” He also speaks warmly about actor Isha, who stars in the video. “We share a great bond personally, she’s a close friend, and so is her mother. That comfort really shows on screen,” he says. “She’s a fantastic actor, very hardworking, and at the same time she keeps the whole environment light and easy. Working with her is always effortless.” For Rathod, working with choreographer-director duo Piyush and Shazia was another major highlight. “This was my first time collaborating with them. I went to them with just an idea and a vision, and they didn’t just execute it, they made it even better. From direction to choreography, they added so much value to every detail,” he says.“With his experience, producer Sajid Samji brought the whole vision together. And honestly, his humor helped all of us get through extreme heat during the shoot,” Rathod says.