New Delhi: In an era where Bollywood is increasingly dominated by remixes and rehashed versions of old classics, singer Divya Kumar stands as a beacon of originality, especially with his recent contributions to the ‘Stree 2’ soundtrack.
Known for his powerful voice, rustic tone, and ability to infuse traditional styles into contemporary music, Divya Kumar has emerged as one of the most versatile vocalists in the Indian music industry. With hit tracks like ‘Jee Karda’ (Badlapur), ‘G Phaad Ke’, and ‘Shubhaarambh’ to his credit, Divya has been a trusted name in Bollywood music for over a decade.
The Unique Challenge of Stree 2’s Music
Released in 2024, ‘Stree 2’ is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit ‘Stree’, which combined horror and comedy in a fresh and engaging way. The film’s music played a crucial role in complementing its quirky and spooky atmosphere, and for ‘Stree 2’, the music team had big shoes to fill. Divya Kumar’s vocal contributions to the soundtrack include the songs ‘Aayi Nai’ and ‘Aaj Ki Raat’, both of which have received immense love from listeners.
“I’m really happy and blessed to be part of the beautiful album of Stree 2,” Divya shares, his gratitude evident in every word. “Sachin and Jigar, who composed the album, have a deep understanding of my voice and the kind of music I excel at. I’m thankful to them, to Amitabh Bhattacharya sir, and of course, to Dinesh Vijan, the producer, for giving me this opportunity.”
Divya admits that recording ‘Aayi Nai’ was a challenge, as the song demanded high-pitched vocals and an emotional depth that was tricky to capture. “It was one of those songs that required me to push my limits,” he explains. “But that’s the beauty of original compositions. There’s always a sense of discovery—you never know what new dimensions of your voice you’ll uncover.”
The Magic of Collaboration
While Divya’s voice is the star of ‘Aayi Nai’ and ‘Aaj Ki Raat’, he is quick to credit his collaborators for their role in the success of the ‘Stree 2’ soundtrack. “Sachin and Jigar are like family to me,” he says. “I’ve worked with them for years, and we share a mutual respect and understanding that makes every recording session a joy.”
Divya’s long-standing association with the composer duo dates back to the early days of his career. He assisted them for four to five years, during which time he learned the intricacies of music production, programming, and melody creation. “Recording both songs for ‘Stree 2’ was an amazing experience, especially ‘Aaj Ki Raat’, which was a last-minute addition just before the song’s release,” he recalls. “It’s a beautiful composition by Sachin and Jigar, with exceptional lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.”
The album also features the talents of Madhubanti Bagchi, a rising star in the industry. Divya is full of praise for her contribution to Aaj Ki Raat. “Madhubanti is a brilliant talent. She brought her own magic to the song, and it was an honour to sing alongside her,” he says.
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Originality in an Era of Remixes
One of the most striking features of the ‘Stree 2’ album is that it consists entirely of original songs, a rarity in the current Bollywood landscape, where remixes often overshadow new compositions. For Divya, this was a refreshing change. “It feels great to be part of an album that’s all-original,” he says. “We live in a time where remixing old classics has become the norm. While there’s nothing wrong with remixes—they have their own appeal—there’s something uniquely satisfying about creating new music that hasn’t been heard before.”
Divya’s passion for originality comes from his roots. Coming from a family of music veterans who have contributed over 50 years to Bollywood, Divya grew up surrounded by melodies and compositions that were always fresh and innovative. “Original music has a soul that remixes can’t always capture,” he adds. “When you listen to a song like ‘Aayi Nai’, you feel the emotion, the effort, the artistry that went into making it. That’s what I love about being part of albums like this.”
With ‘Stree 2’ proving that all-original albums can still make a big impact, Divya is hopeful that Bollywood will continue to embrace fresh, innovative music in the years to come. “Audiences appreciate originality, and as long as we keep delivering good music, they’ll keep supporting it,” he concludes with a smile.
