MUMBAI: In an exclusive interview with Radioandmusic, Kavita and Kanishk Seth open up about their latest release “Khumaari,” a track that beautifully fuses the timeless essence of a ghazal with the vibrant energy of modern jazz.
Reflecting on the creative process, Kavita shares, “We’ve always loved blending different poetic styles with contemporary music, but the way Kanishk envisioned the treatment for this ghazal felt truly refreshing. We usually begin with strong poetry, letting it inspire the melody, and then build the soundscape around it with Kanishk’s modern production. I’m thrilled to see how much love Khumaari is receiving!”
Kanishk adds, “When Mom was humming the melody, I immediately felt that a modern jazz, retro vibe would completely transform its character. The song came together quickly — sometimes creativity just flows naturally — and we’re really happy we trusted our instincts.”
Talking about their dynamic as a mother-son duo, Kavita explains that their personal bond only strengthens their musical collaboration. “When we work together, it’s purely about the music — there’s no mother-son dynamic. We deeply trust and respect each other’s strengths. I know he will craft something brilliant, and he knows I’ll give my best to every project. Honest feedback and mutual admiration are key to our creative chemistry.”
Khumari also marks a special moment with Masaba Gupta making her on-screen musical debut. On working with her, Kanishk says, “It was completely unexpected. Masaba is a hugely successful fashion designer and actress, but seeing her perform to our song was a beautiful surprise. She pulled it off so well.”
Kavita adds, “This was my first time having a song lip-synced onscreen, and Masaba captured the sensual yet delicate tone of the song perfectly. I absolutely loved watching her performance.”
When asked how they manage to maintain the soul of the song while experimenting with different sounds, Kavita emphasizes, “For us, everything begins with the poetry and the emotion it carries. The lyrics and the melody are sacred. Once these are locked in, production builds around them to give the track a contemporary touch without losing its emotional core.”
Kanishk agrees, stating, “We make sure the essence remains intact. The classical soul is enhanced with modern production, making it accessible to a wide range of listeners across generations.”