Why Irshad Kamil’s songs remind us of home

In Mumbai’s Lokhandwala, a poet and lyricist named Irshad Kamil spends his days and nights crafting words, surrounded by a minimalist space devoid of distractions. Uncluttered, his room comprises a simple wooden desk, a Marshall speaker, and an ordinary pencil with a small eraser attached to its back. Yet, what distinguishes this minimalist setup is a lush garden located amidst Mumbai’s concrete landscape—a poignant reminder of the place where Kamil grew up in Punjab.

His writing, Kamil believes, is rooted in the places, people, and cadences that have shaped his life over the past three decades. His collaboration with director Imtiaz Ali and composer AR Rahman has proven to be a unique and fruitful partnership, as they inhabit the same emotional world, despite coming from different geographies.

Kamil’s metaphors, drawn from his Punjabi heritage, have set him apart in contemporary Hindi cinema. Songs like "Sadda Haq" from Rockstar (2011) and "Thoda Thoda Pyar" from Love Aaj Kal (2009) reflect his Punjabi roots and resonate with audiences across generations. Kamil’s writing often draws inspiration from historical events, such as the '80s kisaan aandolans in Punjab, as well as personal experiences like his grandmother’s lively singing at sangeet nights.

By working with Ali and Rahman, Kamil is freed from the pressure of producing hit songs, allowing him to focus on the craft and express himself authentically.