Our Bureau
Mumbai
Acclaimed playback singer Vippin Aneja is set to captivate audiences once again with a soulful new rendition in the upcoming film Mai Vaapas Aaunga, directed by celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and featuring music by the legendary A.R. Rahman.
Aneja lends his voice to the emotionally rich nazm Tere Paas Main, a song expected to be one of the highlights of the film’s soundtrack. The project marks another significant milestone in the singer’s long-standing association with Rahman, a relationship built over years of musical collaboration, mutual respect, and memorable performances.
Known for his versatility across genres, Vippin Aneja first gained widespread recognition with the viral song Jaane Tere Shehar Ka from the film Jazbaa, featuring the late actor Irrfan Khan. Over the years, he has established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary Indian music, effortlessly moving between ghazals, film songs, and live performances.
Reflecting on his latest collaboration with Rahman, Aneja described the opportunity as a culmination of years of preparation and perseverance.
“When preparation meets opportunity, that’s when true success happens. Working with Rahman Bhai again feels like destiny unfolding at the right time,” he said.
The origins of this collaboration can be traced back to Dashavatar, a prestigious stage production that premiered at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) and was directed by filmmaker Atlee. During the project, Rahman invited Aneja to sing several ghazals impromptu, giving him an opportunity to showcase his command over the genre.
Those sessions left a lasting impression on the Oscar-winning composer. Known for his remarkable musical instincts and meticulous attention to artistic detail, Rahman remembered Aneja’s performances and later chose him to render Tere Paas Main for Mai Vaapas Aaunga.
The reunion is not their first successful collaboration. Aneja had earlier worked with Rahman on the blockbuster film Sarkar, starring Vijay Thalapathy. He sang the Tamil and Telugu versions of the hugely popular track Simtaangaran, which went on to cross the 100-million-view mark and became a fan favourite across South India.
Beyond studio recordings, Aneja has also toured extensively with Rahman as part of the globally acclaimed Unity of Light and Peace Concerts, performing before audiences around the world. These experiences further strengthened the artistic bond between the composer and the singer.
Expressing his gratitude for being part of Mai Vaapas Aaunga, Aneja said the project holds special significance for him.
“I have always looked forward to creating music with Rahman Bhai. To be part of a project of this scale and emotional depth is truly special. I am deeply grateful to God and to all the forces that came together to make this collaboration possible.”
The film itself has already generated considerable excitement among cinema lovers. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, known for crafting emotionally resonant stories, Mai Vaapas Aaunga features a stellar ensemble cast that includes Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari.
With A.R. Rahman spearheading the music, expectations for the soundtrack are naturally high. Industry observers and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the release of Tere Paas Main, which is expected to showcase Aneja’s expressive vocal style while complementing the emotional landscape of the film.
The collaboration also underscores Rahman’s ability to identify and nurture distinctive voices that bring depth and authenticity to his compositions. For Aneja, the opportunity represents another important chapter in a musical journey that continues to evolve through meaningful artistic partnerships.
As the release date approached, audiences were looking forward to witnessing the coming together of one of India’s most celebrated composers and one of its most expressive contemporary playback singers. With its blend of evocative lyrics, soulful melody, and emotional storytelling, Tere Paas Main is poised to leave a lasting impression on listeners.
Both the song and the film were sceduled to be released on Friday, June 12, making the Rahman–Vippin Aneja reunion one of the most anticipated musical collaborations of the year.
