In Bollywood, where music often defines a film’s success, lyricist Irshad Kamil has carved a unique niche with his soulful words. In a recent episode of Small Towns Big Stories, hosted by renowned storyteller Pankaj Dubey, Kamil shared his artistic journey, creative inspirations, and the deep emotions that shape his lyrics.
Kamil’s poetic roots lie in his background in Hindi literature and the rich tradition of Punjabi poets like Baba Farid, Kabir, and Gurdial Singh. “I strive to infuse literature into my lyrics,” Kamil explained, citing these literary icons as his guiding stars. Growing up in Malerkotla, a town with a rich blend of Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, Kamil’s linguistic surroundings deeply influenced his writing, lending a distinct flavor to his work.
Describing his creative process, Kamil likened his approach to a child’s spontaneity, saying, “My work is like that of a small child, it just appears and sits on the sheet.” He immerses himself in the characters of the films he writes for, whether it’s Ved from Tamasha or Jordan from Rockstar, stepping into their emotions before crafting the lyrics.
Kamil emphasized the importance of staying true to the words, stating, “You have to express the words in the composition.” His collaboration with A.R. Rahman on Chamkila is a testament to his dedication, as Rahman wouldn’t let him leave until the lyrics were perfect. Another memorable example is Tum Se Hi from Jab We Met, a song that left Kamil so moved he took three days to finish it.
Kamil also revealed the story behind his name. Feeling “Irshad” was too short, he searched for a meaningful addition. His mother chose “Kamil,” which means “complete,” thus he became Irshad Kamil. Despite his fame, Kamil remains humble, describing himself as the same unconfident guy from a small town—a relatability that resonates with today’s youth.
Beyond writing lyrics, Kamil dreams of exploring new creative avenues, including filmmaking. His art reflects the simplicity of small-town life, brought to the fast-paced world of big cities. To learn more about his emotional journey and how his songs became Bollywood classics, watch the full episode on YouTube.
About Small Towns Big Stories
Small Towns Big Stories is a podcast hosted by bestselling author Pankaj Dubey, produced by Indian Storytellers, Vagabond Motion Pictures, and Gautam Thakker Films. It celebrates the journeys of small-town artists who have achieved success across various fields, featuring guests like Faisal Malik, Rohit Bose Roy, and Irshad Kamil, among others.
