When the haunting strains of the song Baaja first echoed through theatres in the movie Amar Singh Chamkila, it didn't just sound like music.
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There was something primal and raw, yet so pure about that opening line — “Ain Ishq Da Pehla Akkhar…Samajh Na Sabh Noo Aave....”
It wasn’t just a melody—it was a wail from the soul. It felt like a prayer, protest and a piercing cry, all rolled into one.
That raw, aching voice belonged to Suryansh, a young singer-composer from Madhya Pradesh. With a single song, he broke through the noise and into the hearts of millions.
Years in the making
"To the world it seemed like an overnight success. But it was years of unseen grind and silent waiting with unshakable faith," smiles Suryansh, who started singing at the age of four.
From quietly working behind the scenes in films like Dil Bechara, Mimi and Pippa as a music producer and arranger—to achieving stardom post Chamkeela, his journey has been a slow burn, not a sudden blaze.
“There were times when nothing moved, when no calls came, and yet—I kept showing up for the music,” he recalls.
The call that changed it all
It was a regular day when he received a call from AR Rahman’s studio. “They didn’t even say it was for Chamkila. I just walked in, sang from my gut and left.”
Weeks later, Suryansh discovered his voice would open Imtiaz Ali’s cinematic tribute to the legendary Chamkila.
“I couldn’t believe it. I’ve idolised Imtiaz sir for years—his films taught me how stories and songs can heal. So, this break literally shook my world!"
More than just a song
Baaja was not crafted for perfection—it was born from pain, rebellion and purity. “They told me—sing like the world is ending in front of you. I left the polish behind and just let my heart pour out.”
And pour out it did. His voice did not just accompany Rahman’s score—it brought it to life, colouring Chamkila’s chaos and conviction with heart breaking honesty.
Beyond virality: Chasing the truth
In an industry obsessed with numbers and noise, Suryansh stands apart. “I don’t care about going viral,” he says.
“If even one person tells me my voice made them feel, seen or felt—that’s success to me.” There’s no artifice in his world. He chases what’s real.
Still rising, still rooted
Even after Baaja, Suryansh hasn’t paused. He’s been composing for Kannada and Telugu films, releasing intimate originals like Chal Phir Wahin (shared by Rahman himself) and dreaming beyond borders.
He hopes to collaborate with global acts like Coldplay, but keeps his grounding rituals simple—long walks, Turkish folk music, orchestral symphonies, Lizzy McAlpine and the quiet joy of pani puri!
His advice to aspiring artists
“Don’t chase trends. Chase the truth,” he says gently. “Your voice matters—even if it feels small today. Keep singing your truth. The world will listen.”
And listened to him, the world truly has!
English (US) ·