Faridkot and Shilpa Rao Dream of Love and Surrender in ‘Numaani’ Video
The pop-rock band and the singer-composer’s first collaboration is inspired by African desert rock and comes with a music video
Faridkot's Rajarshi Sanyal (left) and IP Singh (right) with Shilpa Rao (center) collaborate on their lush pop song "Numaani." Photo: Courtesy of T-Series
Pop act Faridkot and singer Shilpa Rao team up for the dreamy, philosophizing song “Numaani,” which was made after years of friendship between the artists.
Rao says it’s a “nice vibe to have” when friends get to create music together, as was the case with the breathy new song which released on March 29th. “When I.P. [Singh, Faridkot vocalist] sent the song to me, he didn’t have to convince me. The song was so beautiful on its own. I liked it on my first hearing itself,” she adds.
Together, the artists explore the power of bonds between souls. “It also comes from a place where we had a bond so it was easy to get there. I hope that listeners get a sense of that,” Rao says. Always keen on a different sonic treatment with each release, Faridkot say they were influenced by African desert troubadours Tinariwen when it came to the main riff from guitarist Rajarshi Sanyal. Singh adds, “It’s also a song about love, separation and surrendering to the hope of union.”
The lush sounds belie any expectations of a jumpy pop-rock tune that could have possibly emerged, considering the song is out via major music label T-Series. Sanyal hopes it doesn’t disappoint anyone who expected a more high-energy song, while Singh adds that “Numaani” was intentionally philosophizing in sonic and lyrical themes and the music matches that. The five-minute song comes with a music video directed by filmmaker Shakti Hasija, which showcases the artists amidst nature, but also undertaking journeys and reflecting on life.
“Numaani” is Faridkot’s second release via T-Series, following the release of “Jehda Nasha,” a recreation by composer Tanishk Bagchi for the soundtrack to Bollywood film An Action Hero. The song was based on the band and vocalist Amar Jalal’s 2019 collaboration “Nasha” for music non-profit organization Anahad Foundation’s Equals Sessions release series. Sanyal says about their association with the label, “Working with them has given us the freedom to just work on the music and not think about the other parts.”
For her part, Rao says there’s lots more music coming up. “Film music, indie music and new artists I’ve collaborated with,” she adds. Faridkot too have more singles coming up via T-Series this year. “You’ll be hearing a lot more stuff from us,” Sanyal says.
Watch the video for “Numaani” below.
