On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the music industry is abuzz with devotion, with renowned artists offering soulful tracks dedicated to Lord Shiva. From Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher to B Praak and Salim Merchant, these musicians have channeled their deep reverence into musical masterpieces, revealing how Shiva's divine presence has profoundly influenced their lives.
Adinath Shambhu
One standout composition, Adinath Shambhu, crafted by Meenal Nigam and brought to life by Sonu Nigam, Shaan, and Kailash Kher, transcends being just a song—it's a genuine tribute to Lord Shiva. Sonu Nigam calls it "the most special song of my life," attributing its significance to his sister Meenal, whose dedication to bhajans and kirtans inspired this project.
"More than me, she is more committed and hardworking," Sonu shares, expressing gratitude to his "brothers" Shaan and Kailash Kher for joining him in this heartfelt offering. His bond with Lord Shiva is deeply personal, rooted in his childhood. "My mother was a devoted Shiv bhakt. She used to call me Bholenath ka prasad," he reminisces, adding a layer of nostalgia and spiritual connection to the song.
For Kailash Kher, Mahashivratri has always held deep spiritual meaning. "I only remember Mahashivratri from my childhood. It was always about celebrating Shiva and Parvati, but back then, there wasn’t much noise about it. Today, the significance has increased, and festivals are celebrated with even more belief and love," he reflects, highlighting the evolving celebration of the festival.
Mahakaal
B Praak's latest track, Mahakaal, was strategically released for Mahashivratri. "Bhagwaan Shiva ka gaana toh issi din aayega na!" he exclaims, emphasizing the importance of aligning the song’s release with the festival. Originally intended for the Mahakumbh, the song was eventually launched just before the grand event wrapped up.
"This idea had been in my mind for a long time. Jaani Bhai (lyricist) and I had one shared thought—how big can we go in scale and make it look grand?" he says. With the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, he is optimistic that Mahakaal will find a lasting place in devotional playlists.
Bhole
Salim Merchant, collaborating with rapper Paradox, crafted Bhole, a track that merges deep devotion with musical creativity. Based on Raag Bhairav, a raga associated with Lord Shiva, the song carries a mantra-like rhythm. "We wanted waves of Shiva’s chants intertwined with fast-paced, mantra-style lyrics, intercepted with emotional and devotional lines," Salim explains.
He commends Paradox for his versatility, noting how the rapper’s spoken word and singing added depth to the composition. "He is a big bhakta of Shiva, and it felt right to have his voice on this track," he shares. Beyond its spiritual essence, Bhole also celebrates Nataraja, Shiva's dancing form. "We wanted an infectious track that not only celebrates Lord Shiva’s marriage with Parvati but also brings that dance element into it," he adds.
Kashi to Kailash
For rapper-singer Raja Kumari, her album Kashi to Kailash was more than a musical endeavor—it was a divine calling. Her connection with Lord Shiva dates back to her childhood. "One of the first performances I did as a 10-year-old was a 15-city dance tour across India, where I performed Shiv Tandav," she recalls. "There were a few verses in the Tandav that I really resonated with, and I felt deeply connected to that side of Shiva."
A recent pilgrimage to Kedarnath deepened this bond. "When I was there at the temple, I felt the God talking to me, saying, ‘Why don’t you sing your songs for me?’ That moment changed everything. I realised that whatever I was doing wouldn’t work unless I committed to making this album for Shiva." For Raja Kumari, the journey since then has been nothing short of surreal.
Mahakal Chalo
Akshay Kumar has collaborated with singer Palash Sen for his latest number. The track has been choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. "Mahakal Chalo" features Akshay Kumar singing passionately in praise of Lord Shiva. The lyrics have been penned by Shekhar Astitwa, paired with Vikram Montrose’s soulful composition.
ALSO READ: 'Mahakal Chalo' Song: Akshay Kumar Pays Tribute To Lord Shiva Ahead Of Maha Shivratri