B Praak: I think maybe I should be declared brand ambassador of patriotic songs now!
B Praak, celebrated for hits like Teri Mitti, discusses the significance of patriotic songs, his role in song writing, and mindful expression as an artist.
B Praak has delivered multiple chartbusters over the years, from the soul-stirring Teri Mitti in Kesari (2019) to the emotional Maaye in Skyforce. Now, buzz suggests he might reunite with Akshay Kumar for Kesari Chapter 2. But what is it about patriotic songs that resonates so deeply with him? He quips, “Ab mujhe patriotic songs ka brand ambassador bana dena chahiye! The pain and emotion in these songs connect instantly. I was overwhelmed by the love Maaye received.”
When asked about the most challenging song he has sung, he doesn’t hesitate: “Teri Mitti was incredibly tough. I had to convey emotions that would make people feel an instant connection with their motherland.”
Given the powerful lyrics of his songs, does he involve himself in the writing process as well? “Bilkul! If I don’t, then how will the song truly be ours?” he says. “I get involved right from the song’s inception. But honestly, with lyricists like Jaani, I rarely have to say anything — they do their job beautifully.” Beyond music, he acknowledges the weight of his words as an artiste. “A public figure must always be mindful of what they say, and the same applies to lyrics. Words have power, and we must ensure they don’t hurt anyone’s sentiments.”
Rishabh Suri is an Assistant Editor, film critic, and professional overthinker of plot points. He writes for HT City, keeping pace with an industry where news cycles expire long before the popcorn gets cold. He completed his graduation in English Honours from Kirori Mal College, followed by a Master’s degree in English Literature-effectively training his brain to over-analyse classic texts before applying those exact same skills to 3-hour Bollywood blockbusters. He got into the profession when he had barely graduated from college and has been at HT ever since. At HT, Rishabh reviews films with a simple rule: skip the dense academic jargon and get straight to the point. Beyond reviews, as Assistant Editor, he helps navigate the broader circus of showbiz, tracking everything from OTT shifts to sudden box office panics. In a beat driven by loud PR machinery and carefully scripted answers, Rishabh prefers cutting through the noise to focus on how stories get made and why trends shift. When he isn’t writing against a deadline, he is usually sitting in a dark theater, compulsively memorising dialogues. For Rishabh, analysing movies isn't just a day job- it’s a habit he couldn't turn off even if he tried.
