Apart from Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan’s message of brotherhood, if anything made the 1995 film Kara Arjun special, it was its music. As the film re-releases in theaters today on November 22, music director Rakesh Roshan, who composed the songs for the drama Punarjanma, shared his thoughts on the iconic songs that still resonate in the hearts of many.

The soundtrack composed by Rajesh Roshan features instant classics like There are bonds, Maa Kali, and Gup Chup, Which remains a fan favorite. In an interview with India Today Digital, Roshan explained how the songs and the emotion they have become today.

Excerpts from the interview:

Why is Karan Arjun so special to you?

Karan Arjun truly proved to be a milestone for all Those of us who were associated with it. It was one of the highest-grossing films of its time and brought a turning point in our careers. The film had an extraordinary blend of action and music, which is quite rare. Songs like Jai Maa Kali and Yeh Bandhan Toh were liked by the audience because of their authenticity. Even today these songs evoke the same emotions.

What influenced the film’s music, which remains a classic even today?

I was deeply involved in the scripting stage. I would sit with Rakesh Roshan, Anwar Khan and the screenwriters and listen to their discussions. Karan Arjun’s story struck a chord with me and I experienced every emotion, laughing and crying with the characters. This preoccupation inspired me to create songs that seamlessly fit with the narrative. The songwriting was extraordinary; The quality was so high that it set a standard and made a deep impression on me.

One of the most iconic songs from the film is Gup Chup. Was there any hesitation regarding the boldness of the song?

it’s interesting! Choli Ke Peech Kya Hai was quite popular at that time and was released just 8 to 9 months before our film. The tone of that song was exciting and our song was inspired by it. We wanted to create something equally impactful but with innocence and humor. Gup Chup offered a light-hearted dialogue that explored relationships and misunderstandings.

I remember that at that time, another strong contender in music was Rangeela with the fresh tunes of AR Rahman sir. At the Screen Awards, jury panelist member Vijay Anand argued in favor of Karan Arjun receiving the award over Rangeela, citing Rangeela’s commercial success and the important role of his music. What made it particularly remarkable was that Vijay Anand was not personally affectionate towards me, so his support was an important sign of respect for my work.

Unlike earlier, now multiple composers collaborate on the same film. What is your opinion on this trend?

I don’t understand why musicians agree to this in the first place. The industry has always been fraught with insecurity; It is not that we have not experienced it. However, now I feel that the trust between composers and directors has gone down. Earlier there was harmony between them. It was not just about delivering hits; It was about inspiring each other, sharing food and engaging in constructive discussions. That relationship gave birth to timeless music.

Today there is less cooperation and more pressure. I miss the personal touch of earlier times when directors would involve you deeply in their vision.

Is this why you have decided to step away from working in the industry at this time?

Every artist in this industry experiences both success and failure. I have faced failures like Kaash and Papa Kehte Hain, but I have also celebrated memorable hits like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. The fear of failure never goes away; Even three flop films can put you out of the market. Still, I have always remained committed to my art.

It’s frustrating when people belittle your work by comparison or by trying to replicate a successful formula. It is not that anyone creates something that remains timeless.

How do you see the changes in the music industry today?

There have been significant changes in the music industry. In the past, the emphasis was on creating songs with essence and soul. Today, many tracks rely heavily on beats or remixes, which often lack memorability. Even the lyrics of the songs no longer leave the same impact as before.

My songs like Moongra and Jai Maa Kali are remembered even after decades, but many recent hits fade away quickly. Music should be timeless; However, the current focus is often on short-term success.

I have been fortunate to work with directors who valued and inspired me, like Rakesh Kumar during the making of Mr. Natwarlal. He treated me with great love and respect, which brought out the best in me. Unfortunately, that warmth is missing today, which is why I have decided to step back from taking up too many projects.

Karan Arjun also featured Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni and Amrish Puri in important roles. The film is currently in theaters for a limited run to celebrate its 30th anniversary.