Manan Bhardwaj Discusses New Film Nishaanchi and Musical Inspirations

Manan Bhardwaj, an emerging music composer, singer, and lyricist, has made significant strides in the Indian film industry over the past five years. His latest project, Nishaanchi, showcases his versatility, as he not only composed but also wrote and performed several tracks for the film. In an exclusive interview, Bhardwaj discussed the creative process behind Nishaanchi, the influence of popular artist Sapna Chaudhary, and the commercial fate of his previous work, Tara vs Bilal.

Bhardwaj has been involved in notable films such as Shiddat (2021), Radhe Shyam (2022), Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023), and Animal (2023). The soundtrack of Nishaanchi includes a variety of songs like ‘Neend Bhi Teri’, ‘Jhule Jhule Paalna’, ‘Bhaga Bhaga Ke Maarenge’, ‘Reh Gaye Akele’, and ‘Soja’. Bhardwaj expressed his excitement about the film, noting its unique characteristics and how director Anurag Kashyap crafted scenes around specific songs.

When asked about the reception of Nishaanchi, Bhardwaj remarked, “This has been a one-of-its-kind film. The songs are of varied genres and situational.” He highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, explaining that Kashyap provided significant creative freedom, which allowed the music to align closely with the film’s narrative.

Recognizing the importance of authenticity in film music, Bhardwaj shared insights into his creative process. He emphasized that songs should reflect the cultural context of the film’s setting, citing how ‘Bhaga Bhaga Ke Maarenge’ was inspired by regional folk traditions in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The song was particularly influenced by Sapna Chaudhary, whose style resonated with the themes of the track. Interestingly, actress Vedika Pinto, who appears in the song, also drew inspiration from Chaudhary during her rehearsals.

Bhardwaj has also composed music for a sequel, Nishaanchi-2, and he reflected on his earlier work in Tara vs Bilal (2022), where he composed all the songs. Despite his enthusiasm for the album, he noted that the film did not receive a wide theatrical release, which he believes hindered its success. He stated, “Had Tara vs Bilal been released in more theatres, it would have received the appreciation it deserves.” Bhardwaj expressed a sense of missed opportunity, particularly in light of the recent success of Sanam Teri Kasam (2006), which was re-released to strong box office performance.

As for his relationship with actor John Abraham, Bhardwaj mentioned that he has worked on three films associated with him, including upcoming projects like Vedaa (2024) and The Diplomat (2025). He acknowledged that while he has had limited direct interaction with Abraham, the collaboration has been fruitful.

Bhardwaj’s unique position as a composer, singer, and lyricist allows him to streamline the creative process. He shared that being able to compose, write, and perform simultaneously prevents delays that might arise from relying solely on other artists. He believes that while he has the ability to sing many of his songs, certain tracks are better suited to established vocalists, such as Arijit Singh for ‘Oonchi Oonchi Deewarein’ from Yaariyan 2 (2023).

The evolving landscape of the music industry was also a topic of discussion. Bhardwaj acknowledged that data and algorithms now play a significant role in music composition and marketing. He remarked, “In the past, there was pressure to sell a certain number of cassettes and CDs. Now, you need to think about views and engagement.” Despite these pressures, he remains optimistic about the potential for his work to resonate with audiences over time. He concluded, “Every song has its own destiny… If it’s well-made, it will find its path.”

As Bhardwaj continues to shape his career in music, his insights and experiences provide a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of modern filmmaking and music composition. The release of Nishaanchi not only marks another milestone in his career but also showcases the evolving nature of storytelling through music in cinema.