His songs Papa Meri Jaan, Pehle Bhi Main and Marham from Animal continue to be chart-toppers. While lyricist Raj Shekhar has had another release, Bhakshak, recently, he continues to revel in the glory the tracks from the 2023 Ranbir Kapoor-starrer have earned him.

“I am thankful for the love my songs Papa Meri Jaan, Pehle Bhi Main and Marham have received. When we were making these songs, we didn’t know they would receive so much appreciation. However, Sandeep Reddy Vanga (director) sir, Vishal Mishra (composer), Harshavardhan Rameshwar (composer) and I were confident throughout the process, and I could sense something beautiful happening,” he says.

Ask if the scale of the film helped the songs do well, and Shekhar agrees: “I truly believe that when a film is big, the reach of the songs is multiplied. But besides the scale, I guess the way Sandeep Reddy Vanga visualized the songs and situations in the film played a critical role, too.”

While the world talks about composers and singers, lyricists often claim that their contribution is overlooked. As someone who has been around for over a decade, does he feel lyricists don’t get their due?

“You’re correct. In many cases, music directors and singers get all the credit, but thankfully that wasn’t the case with Animal. I really hope lyricists receive equal recognition and visibility for their contribution across projects,” says Shekhar, who marked his Bollywood debut with Tanu Weds Manu in 2011.

Beginning 2021 with a big bang, Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series announces their new film with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga that has Ranbir Kapoor headlining the cast. The film marks Sandeep and Ranbir’s first association. Sandeep, Bhushan and Murad Khetani, who last worked together on the 2019’s blockbuster, Kabir Singh, are back with this exciting venture, which is titled Animal. The makers of the crime drama unveiled the title of the film with background music (BGM) by Harshavardhan Rameshwar just as the world celebrated the onset of the New Year. The title announcement video in Ranbir’s voice gives a glimpse of what to expect from the film.

Joining the actor in Animal are Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Parineeti Chopra. Sandeep shares, “I am very happy to associate with Bhushan ji and T-Series along with my home production Bhadrakali Pictures, headed by my brother Pranay Reddy Vanga. I am very excited to call action and cut for Ranbir Kapoor. Anil sir, Bobby ji and Parineeti will add so much to the film.”

Ranbir says, “During the pandemic, we all got time to introspect and choose films that are close to our hearts. When Sandeep narrated the story of this film, I was immediately keen on doing the role. I am a huge admirer of both of his movies and am looking forward to our creative collaboration. Bhushan sir is a producer who backs strong content and entertaining cinema. His immense knowledge of music will be seen in Animal.”

Bhushan Kumar says, “After seeing his passion for filmmaking, I knew I had to work with Sandeep again. When he narrated the script of Animal, I knew we had a winner on hand. Ranbir fits the role to a T. With his process of working on every character he plays, he will uplift the role and add a lot to the film. I am happy that Anil ji and Parineeti, with whom I am working again, agreed to complete this power-packed cast.”

Animal is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar’s T-Series, Pranay Reddy Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures and Murad Khetani’s Cine1 Studios.