‘To have our names in one song is big moment’

A still from the film

It's almost poetic that a verse, written years ago by noted lyricist Rahat Indori, has reached its conclusion at the hands of his composer-son Sameer Rahat. The musician, who has worked on web series so far, is making his feature film debut with Homecoming. For the Sayani Gupta and Hussain Dalal-starrer, he has revisited the late lyricist's work, Khul jaun kya. "My father was a legend, and to have his name and mine in the same song is a big moment for me. I admire him as a poet. I hope I can live up to his name - that's the least I expect from myself.

Thankfully, I am a composer and he was a lyricist, so that separates our disciplines," says Sameer, aware of the expectations that sit on his shoulders.

Sameer Rahat; (right) Rahat Indori

He reveals that director Soumyajit Majumdar has used Khul jaun kya as the opening song of the Sony LIV film. "It's an unusual track to open with. It's not the kind of song you'll hear in the mainstream sphere; it's common in the indie space. For me, it's a big deal because as a composer, I need to justify my father's words."

Homecoming revolves around a group of friends who reunite in Kolkata after seven years on the occasion of Durga puja. Sameer says that the creative freedom he got on the venture, made the album richer. "I was hired two-and-a-half years ago when the film started. It feels great to be part of a project that allows you to fly. My voice as a music producer is integral to the album."