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Samjhawan
Samjhawan
from Wikipedia

"Samjhawan"
Single by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal
from the album Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
Released12 June 2014 (2014-06-12)
RecordedYRF Studio, Mumbai
GenreFilmi, Punjabi Folk
Length4:29
LabelSony Music India
SongwritersAhmad Anees and Kumaar
Producer
  • Stewart Eduri
Music video
"Samjhawan" on YouTube

"Samjhawan" (transl. Explain) (alias "Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki") is a romantic song from the 2014 Hindi film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. Re-created by SharibToshi, the song is sung by Arijit Singh[1] and Shreya Ghoshal, with lyrics by Ahmad Anees and Kumaar.[2] The song was originally composed by Sahir Ali Bagga and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for the Punjabi film Virsa.[3] An unplugged version of this song sung by Alia Bhatt, was released on 2 July 2014.[4]

Development

[edit]

Producer Karan Johar bought rights to the original hit song "Main Tenu Samjhawan", which was sung by Pakistani singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Farah Anwar in the Punjabi film Virsa.[5] Music for the song was re-created by SharibToshi and produced by Stewart Eduri at YRF Studio, with Vijay Kumar and Deepesh as recording engineers.[6]

Release and chart performance

[edit]

"Samjhawan" was released online on Gaana on 12 June 2014 as a single,[7] and as part of the film soundtrack on 16 June 2014.[8] The song stayed on top of the Indian charts for many weeks.[9] It retained the number one position on Indian iTunes charts for a few weeks, followed by the "unplugged" version,[10] and topped many radio charts.[11]

Critical reception

[edit]

The song received a mixed response from critics and was highly compared with the original song. Surabhi Redkar of Koimoi commented, "While this Arijit Singh track will blow your mind away, the original song "Main Tenu Samjhawan" by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is unforgettable and leaves you with the question, why revise such a beautiful number. With the vocals of Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, the sanctity of the song is not lost, yet all those who enjoy classics will agree the original track sounds better."[12] Rajiv Vijayakar of Bollywood Hungama remarked, ""Samjhawan" is the true killer on the score—a soulful expression of a besotted lover, with lyrics that strike straight at the heart and a deep melody exquisitely rendered by Arijit Singh—arguably the finest singing discovery of the times—and Shreya Ghoshal, the last great singer to come into cinema as of today."[13] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare wrote, "Instead of Rahat and Farah Anwar, the singers here are Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. Their mellifluous voices give a different twist to the original. The song is sure to get like a million downloads in days to come."[14] Sheetal Tiwari of Bollyspice commented, "While they (Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal) both do a good job rendering the number, Rahat is sorely missed."[15] Srishti Dixit of Bollywoodlife.com stated, "This soulful track by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal touches the listeners' hearts but not quite like how Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's original version did. The words are the same, the melody is intact but this time even Arijit Singh fails to create magic."[16] Rafat of Glamsham remarked, "Super singer, Arijit Singh has been chosen to do a Rahat but he simply fails to create the same magic. Even 'surili' Shreya's presence does not lift the song to that level."[17]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee Result Refs
2014 BIG Star Entertainment Awards Most Entertaining Singer (Male) Arijit Singh Nominated [18]
Most Entertaining Singer (Female) Shreya Ghoshal
2015 Star Guild Awards Best Female Playback Singer [19]
Best Male Playback Singer Arijit Singh
Best Lyricist Kumaar
21st Annual Life OK Screen Awards Best Male Playback Singer Arijit Singh [1]
Lyricist Kumaar
Global Indian Music Academy Awards Best Female Playback Singer Alia Bhatt [20]
Best Duet Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh Won
7th Mirchi Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year Arijit Singh [21]
Female Vocalist of the Year Shreya Ghoshal Nominated [22]
Song Representing Sufi Tradition Sharib−Toshi
IIFA Awards Best Female Playback Singer Shreya Ghoshal Nominated [23]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Samjhawan" (transl. Explain) is a romantic ballad from the 2014 Bollywood film , directed by and produced by under . The song serves as a pivotal emotional track in the film, featuring leads and , and is a recreation of the 2010 Punjabi song "Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki" from the film Virsa, originally composed by Jawad Ahmed and sung by . In the Hindi version, "Samjhawan" is sung by and , with music composed by the duo Sharib-Toshi and lyrics penned by . The track incorporates youthful, contemporary elements including and Spanish flamenco influences, transforming the original's soulful melody into a commercial hit. Upon release, it quickly climbed music charts across , receiving widespread acclaim for the singers' emotive performances—Arijit Singh recorded his portion in 16 minutes, while Shreya Ghoshal took 17-18 minutes—and became a fan favorite, prompting an outpouring of positive feedback on . An unplugged rendition of the song, sung by , was also released and highlighted her singing debut in the film. This version earned the Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2015. The song's enduring popularity has led to numerous covers, live performances, and references in Bollywood media, solidifying its status as one of the decade's iconic romantic tracks.

Background and development

Origins in Virsa

"Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki," the original version of the song later known as "Samjhawan," was composed by Jawad Ahmed for the 2010 Pakistani Punjabi film Virsa, directed by Pankaj Batra. The track forms part of the film's soundtrack, which explores themes of and family bonds across the India-Pakistan border, with the song serving as a poignant emotional anchor in a centered on personal loss and reconciliation. Ahmed's composition draws from Punjabi folk traditions, featuring soulful melodies and instrumentation that evoke rural authenticity, including subtle string arrangements and rhythmic elements reminiscent of traditional Sufi influences. The lyrics, penned by Ahmad Anees, articulate a deep romantic longing and an emotional plea for understanding in the face of separation, with the narrator grappling with how to convey the intensity of their love and despair without the beloved. Sung by as the primary vocalist, with supporting vocals by Farah Anwar, the rendition captures a raw vulnerability through Khan's signature qawwali-infused delivery, blending high-pitched emotive runs with tender restraint. This duet structure heightens the song's intimacy, alternating between male and female perspectives to underscore mutual yearning. Released on May 3, , under the Times Music label as part of the Virsa , the song quickly garnered appreciation within the Punjabi music scene for its heartfelt and evocative . It received positive early feedback for revitalizing folk sensibilities in contemporary cinema, contributing to the 's warm reception among regional audiences, though specific chart positions on 2010 Punjabi lists remain undocumented in major publications.

Adaptation for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania

The remake of "Samjhawan" for the 2014 Bollywood film was initiated by producer and debutant director during the project's early stages, aiming to incorporate a popular Punjabi track into the film's romantic storyline. The original song, "Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki" from the 2010 Punjabi film Virsa, had gained widespread appeal in despite its cross-border origins. Licensing rights for the were secured from the original creators of the Virsa version, including singer , to adapt the composition for a audience. Composers Sharib and Toshi were brought on board to handle the , with the duo tasked by Khaitan to rework the track while preserving its emotional core. This collaboration ensured the song's legal aligned with the film's commercial Bollywood framework. Conceptualized during in early 2014, the emerged from development meetings where Khaitan advocated for remaking the song over composing entirely new originals, citing its established fan base and melodic suitability for a youthful romance. In the narrative, "Samjhawan" serves as a pivotal romantic track, underscoring the central love story between characters played by and , and enhancing the film's emotional climax. Toshi later reflected on the director's insistence, noting, “even though I told him we could give him original songs, he insisted we rework Rahat saab’s .”

Composition and production

Music and arrangement

"Samjhawan," the adaptation from , fuses pop with Punjabi folk influences, creating a romantic that maintains cultural roots while embracing Bollywood orchestration. The track operates at a moderate of 107 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its introspective and emotive pace. In contrast to the original Punjabi version from Virsa, which featured a predominantly acoustic arrangement emphasizing simplicity and raw emotion, the Hindi rendition by Sharib-Toshi introduces a richer, more layered structure with enhanced orchestral elements, including percussion and strings, to amplify the song's dramatic intensity. This evolution transforms the folk essence into a cinematic suitable for the film's narrative. Key instrumentation includes by Tushaar Singh, percussion by Sunil Bari, and (pianica) by Aditya Dev, blending traditional Indian elements with subtle melodic accents. The 's duration is 4:29, allowing space for its building crescendo. The production was overseen by Stewart Eduri at YRF Studios in , with recording engineers Vijay Kumar and Deepesh ensuring a polished mix that highlights the duet vocals of and .

Lyrics and recording

The Hindi version of "Samjhawan" features lyrics adapted by from the original Punjabi lyrics penned by Ahmad Anees for the 2010 film Virsa. 's adaptation retains the song's Punjabi essence while incorporating phrasing to suit the romantic narrative of . At its core, the revolve around a lover's heartfelt plea for understanding and , emphasizing the emotional turmoil of separation and the irreplaceable intensity of romantic . Lines such as "Main tenu samjhawan ki? Na tere bina lagda jee" translate to a desperate query on how to convey the pain of life without the beloved, underscoring themes of devotion and emotional vulnerability. The vocals for the main version were recorded in early 2014 at studios in , with completing his emotive verses in just 16 minutes and delivering her melodic chorus in 17-18 minutes during separate sessions. This efficient process highlighted their vocal , where Singh's raw, introspective delivery in the verses builds tension, complemented by Ghoshal's soaring, harmonious lines that amplify the song's romantic climax. An unplugged version was recorded separately by , taking approximately 25 minutes across multiple takes, specifically tailored as an acoustic rendition for promotional purposes ahead of the film's release. Bhatt's version strips back the orchestration to focus on her soft, intimate vocals, aligning with the song's plea for emotional closeness.

Release and promotion

Single release and versions

"Samjhawan," the duet version featuring and , was released as a single on June 12, 2014, by , marking its digital debut on platforms including . The track, with a duration of 4:29, was made available for streaming and download shortly before the full soundtrack's launch. The was subsequently included in the original motion picture soundtrack, which released on June 19, 2014, encompassing six tracks composed by Sharib-Toshi and Sachin-Jigar. This album version appeared in both digital formats on services like and as a physical CD distributed by . An unplugged rendition performed solely by , running 3:36, was issued as a separate single on July 2, 2014, also under , available digitally on platforms such as . This acoustic take, stripped down from the original's orchestration, served as a promotional variant tied to the film's impending theatrical release.

Marketing and media appearances

The song "Samjhawan" was prominently featured in the promotional campaign for , with its official music video debuting on on June 12, 2014, ahead of the film's theatrical release. This early release by Sony Music Entertainment India helped build anticipation, as the video showcased the romantic chemistry between leads and , set against the song's emotional melody. An unplugged version sung by followed on July 4, 2014, further amplifying the track's visibility through targeted teasers on platforms like and , where snippets and behind-the-scenes clips were shared to engage fans. Live performances played a key role in the song's marketing, with singers and delivering renditions during 2014 film promotions and events. performed "Samjhawan" at her live in in 2014, captivating international audiences with the duet's heartfelt vocals. Similarly, showcased the track at a in on November 11, 2014, highlighting its Punjabi roots and Bollywood adaptation to enthusiastic crowds. These appearances, often tied to award shows and promotional tours, extended the song's reach beyond the film, while Alia Bhatt's live rendition of the unplugged version at a Mumbai event on July 3, 2014, added a endorsement layer to the buzz. Sony Music orchestrated extensive TV and radio airplay campaigns to promote "Samjhawan" in the lead-up to the film's July 11, 2014, release, leveraging the label's distribution network for widespread broadcast rotation across Indian channels and stations. The track's digital push included lyric videos and audio releases on platforms like and starting June 15, 2014, ensuring heavy rotation in music programming. Tie-ins with film merchandise integrated "Samjhawan" into consumer products, such as the exclusive collection launched on on June 30, 2014, featuring apparel and accessories inspired by the movie's romantic themes and song visuals. Social media teasers, including short clips from the music video and unplugged sessions, were disseminated via official handles to drive and shares, enhancing viral engagement. For international promotion, focused on a limited rollout targeting markets through , where the official video quickly amassed millions of views from global audiences within weeks of its June 2014 launch. This digital strategy was complemented by live performances in overseas locations, such as Shreya Ghoshal's 2014 concert, which resonated with South Asian communities abroad. A at the South Asian Expo 2014 further amplified its presence in North American events.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Samjhawan" achieved notable success on various music charts following its release, particularly in where it dominated digital and radio platforms. The original version by and reached number one on the chart and maintained the top position for several weeks. It also performed strongly on radio airplay, securing the number two spot on Radio Mirchi's year-end Top 20 songs of 2014. Internationally, the track resonated with South Asian audiences, peaking at number 2 on the Official Asian Music , where it spent at least six weeks in the top 10 by mid-August 2014. Within the soundtrack, "Samjhawan" outperformed other tracks like "Nazar Na Lag Jaye," establishing itself as the album's in terms of longevity and popularity.
ChartPeak PositionWeeks on ChartSource
iTunes 1Several weeksradioandmusic.com
Radio Mirchi Top 20 (Year-End 2014)2N/Aindiaforums.com
Official Asian Music 2At least 6officialcharts.com

Sales and certifications

"Samjhawan" garnered substantial commercial success through digital sales and streaming platforms. The track's official on amassed over 368 million views as of November 2025. On , it accumulated approximately 301 million streams as of November 2025, frequently appearing in top romantic playlists in .

Music video

Filming and direction

The music video for "Samjhawan" was directed by as part of the principal photography for the 2014 film , in which the song features as a key romantic sequence. Filming occurred across multiple locations in , primarily in , , with additional schedules in , , and brief shoots in and to capture the story's setting. Principal photography commenced in in early 2014, followed by a major schedule in completed by mid-March 2014. Cinematography for the sequence, like the rest of the film, was handled by Parti Matiyani, who focused on intimate, emotive visuals to complement the song's style. Though "Samjhawan" emphasized emotional performance over elaborate routines, the film featured choreography by Ahmed Khan, Adil Shaikh, and Chinni Prakash Mohan for its song sequences. The for the entire , including all song shoots like "Samjhawan," totaled ₹33 , with outdoor sequences forming a significant portion of the expenditure. The crew encountered logistical challenges, including weather delays from heavy rains during the schedule, which impacted outdoor filming timelines.

Content and themes

The music video for "Samjhawan" unfolds as a romantic narrative centered on the characters portrayed by and , depicting their evolving relationship through intimate and emotionally charged sequences. The plot emphasizes emotional intimacy, featuring tender moments such as lingering eye contact, gentle embraces, and playful interactions that draw the couple closer amid subtle tensions. A key scene of conflict shows the pair confronting each other on a rooftop, symbolizing relational , which contrasts with their reconciliatory gestures to highlight the complexities of . These vignettes are interwoven with the song's lyrics, creating a visual story of longing and devotion that mirrors the track's plea for understanding in romance. Stylistically, the video employs vibrant warm colors and soft lighting to evoke a nostalgic, passionate atmosphere, enhancing the romantic mood without overpowering the performers' expressions. shots capture the nuances of their facial emotions, while wider frames incorporate backdrops to underscore the organic flow of their connection. Slow-motion sequences amplify key intimate moments, lending a dreamlike quality to the proceedings. The actors don folk-inspired attire, including traditional Punjabi elements like embroidered kurtas and dupattas, which nod to the song's cultural origins and ground the visuals in an authentic, rooted aesthetic. Symbolism permeates the video through recurring motifs of rain and nature, representing the emotional turmoil of separation and the eventual resolution in love's embrace. Rain scenes evoke vulnerability and catharsis, washing away conflicts as the couple reunites, while lush natural elements like flowing rivers and verdant fields symbolize renewal and the enduring bond of affection. These themes align seamlessly with the lyrics' exploration of heartfelt explanation and unwavering commitment, culminating in a runtime of 4:29 that synchronizes the visuals precisely with the melody's crescendo. Filming drew from diverse locations including urban rooftops and scenic outdoors to support this layered storytelling.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in June 2014, "Samjhawan" received generally positive feedback from music critics in , who lauded its emotional resonance and vocal performances while noting some reservations about its status as a of the 2010 Punjabi original from Virsa. The song, rendered by and , was praised for capturing the essence of romantic longing through its melody and lyrics, with many reviewers highlighting Singh's contribution as a standout element. Critics frequently commended Arijit Singh's soulful vocals for infusing the track with profound emotional depth, elevating what could have been a straightforward recreation into a compelling Bollywood rendition. The described how Singh and Ghoshal "succeed beautifully" in adapting the original by and Farah Anwar, noting the melody's ability to evoke heartfelt introspection. Similarly, asserted that Singh "elevates the remake" with his "exquisitely rendered" performance, positioning him as "arguably the finest singing discovery of the times" for his emotive delivery that deepened the song's romantic plea. echoed this sentiment, appreciating the singers' "mellifluous voices" for adding a "unique twist" to the largely unchanged tune, which they predicted would drive massive downloads due to its timeless appeal. However, not all reviews were unqualified in their praise, with some pointing to the remake's inferiority when stacked against the original's raw authenticity. Koimoi acknowledged that Singh's version would "blow your mind away" and preserve the song's sanctity, yet concluded that the track remains "unforgettable and superior," questioning the need to revise such a "beautiful number." This comparison underscored a common critique among reviewers familiar with Punjabi music, who felt the Bollywood adaptation, despite its polish, occasionally lacked the original's unadorned intensity. Overall, critics gave varied ratings to the soundtrack, with awarding 3.5 out of 5 and Koimoi giving 2.5 out of 5, while and offered positive qualitative feedback without numerical scores. These reviews established the song as a highlight of the album, emphasizing its role in blending tradition with contemporary Bollywood sensibilities.

Audience and fan response

Upon its release in 2014, "Samjhawan" quickly captured widespread audience attention, becoming a chart-topping hit that wowed listeners across with its emotional depth and melodic appeal. The official has amassed over 368 million views on as of November 2025, reflecting strong public engagement and its status as one of the year's most beloved romantic tracks. Fans expressed their admiration through a proliferation of covers and creative reinterpretations on platforms like , where amateur duets and unplugged versions proliferated, often garnering thousands of views each. Notable examples include the acoustic cover by SANAM, which highlighted the song's versatility for fan renditions. These pieces underscored the track's popularity, inspiring singers to recreate its poignant and in personal styles. In live settings, "Samjhawan" emerged as a staple in Arijit Singh's concert repertoire post-2014, frequently performed to enthusiastic crowd responses during tours in the , , and . Audiences often sang along, creating emotional high points, as seen in performances at venues like and . By 2025, the song maintained enduring appeal among younger demographics, particularly in wedding contexts, where the unplugged version featured prominently in bridal entry and first-dance playlists for its romantic resonance. It appeared in curated collections like Spotify's Indian Wedding First Dance Songs, and a Lofi remix was released in November 2025, further extending its popularity.

Accolades and legacy

Awards and nominations

"Samjhawan" received several accolades following its release, primarily during the 2014-2015 award season for contributions from its singers and composers. At the 5th Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) Awards held on February 24, 2015, the song won the Best Duet award for the rendition by and . At the same ceremony, won Best Female Playback Singer for the unplugged version of "Samjhawan". The song earned a nomination for in the Best Male category and for in the Best Female category at the on January 31, 2015. Additionally, won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 7th Mirchi Music Awards on February 27, 2015, for "Samjhawan".

Cultural impact

Samjhawan has left a lasting mark on Indian popular culture, particularly through its frequent performances and adaptations in media. In 2014, it was prominently featured in the seventh season of the dance reality television show , where contestants performed freestyle routines to the track and judge delivered a special rendition during the finale. The song's emotional depth has inspired a wave of covers and remakes throughout the 2020s, including acoustic unplugged versions and fusion interpretations that blend Bollywood melodies with Punjabi rhythms, as seen in various releases. Beyond performances, Samjhawan has become an integral part of Indian wedding traditions and romantic repertoires. It frequently appears in curated playlists for wedding entrances, first dances, and sangeet ceremonies on streaming services, symbolizing heartfelt devotion and . Its timeless appeal ensures it remains a staple in romantic song compilations, evoking for couples and audiences alike. The track significantly contributed to Arijit Singh's ascent as a dominant voice in Bollywood during the , following his breakthrough with earlier hits and aligning with his rapid rise to prominence by 2014. As one of his signature romantic ballads, it encapsulates the era's emphasis on soulful, melody-driven songs that resonated widely with younger generations. As of November 2025, Samjhawan had amassed over 300 million streams on , underscoring its resurgence and placement among enduring top romantic tracks in Bollywood catalogs.

References

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