Nov 05, 2026 12:00pm IST
‘King’ Lyricist Kumaar on Shah Rukh Khan: ‘He Knows He is 61 and The Songs Should Reflect That’ (EXCLUSIVE)
“Tu Mil Jaaye” from “King,” filmed with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, marks lyricist Kumaar’s (Rakesh Kumar Pal) fifth collaboration with director Siddharth Anand. The two have previously worked on films including “War” (2019), “Pathaan” (2023), “Fighter” (2024) and “Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins” (2025). The lyricist tells Variety India, “I feel Siddharth Anand, and I have good tuning. He knows I will deliver what he wants for a particular song. The brief for ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ was simple, a romantic track.” The song, composed by Sachin-Jigar, has vocals by Arijit Singh, Ed Sheeran and Madhubanti Bagchi.
Whether it is “Ghungroo” from “War” or “Besharam Rang” from “Pathaan,” Anand’s films are known for their chart-topping songs, often filmed against stunning backdrops. Discussing how he ensures that each new track has a distinct identity, Kumaar says, “The wordings can be similar, but the messaging has to be unique. So, the struggle is to bring that one word or thought that is unique to this song. At times, it comes easily; otherwise, you have to work on it. I am a guy with a dhaabewala mindset while Anand is more the convent-educated type (laughs). He has often polished my lyrics to his taste. He has faith that I can deliver.”
Related Stories
“Tu Mil Jaaye” was the first major promotional asset from “King” to be unveiled. At a time when social media scrutiny can determine the initial buzz around a big-ticket film, the first song or trailer often carries considerable expectations. Kumaar, however, says he doesn’t let that pressure affect his writing. “I just focus on my work and leave it to my listeners,” he says.
Commenting on the combo of Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran lending their vocals for the track, he says, “Arijit is one of the most sought-after singers. However, he takes up songs selectively. This is Shah Rukh sir’s film and he has created magic. With Ed Sheeran coming in, it becomes a unique combination.”
Describing Shah Rukh Khan as someone who is ahead of his time and peers, Kumaar says, “He reads a lot, is updated on trends and always inspires me. The same goes for Anand, who does not settle for the lyrics until he gets something that fits his overall vision. I throw different options at him, and he chooses what he feels will work for the film and create a buzz on social media.”
Popular on Variety
While Anand has called the shots on the music of “King,” Khan had given his inputs over video calls for the tracks of “Jawan.” He shares, “Anirudh (composer Anirudh Ravichander) struggles a bit with Hindi and he was busy with two-three films. Shah Rukh sir would hear my lyrics on a video call. It was fun to work with him, he never orders you around and is extremely cool. Anand is also very deeply involved with his film’s music, right from the compositions to lyrics and even the mixing.”
Kumaar also reveals that Khan is particular about ensuring that the lyrics reflect his age and persona. “For the song ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan,’ he made sure the lyrics didn’t sound like they were written for a teenager. He knows he is 61 and the songs should reflect that. I understand that the lyrics written for Shah Rukh Khan need to align with his personality and charisma. If you are confused, he will ask, ‘Hero, tujhe kya accha lag raha hai?’ He is extremely generous with compliments and listens patiently to suggestions.”
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.