Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Rekha Bhardwaj on Music, Vishal Bhardwaj and Shakespeare
Rekha Bhardwaj is a singer known for emotional and thoughtful songs.
Her song “Darmiyaan” is popular with people, including young listeners.
She says the song works because its music and words describe feelings many people understand.
Rekha learned classical music and practised for many hours every day.
Jagjit Singh once told her that her voice needed more spark, which made her sad but helped her improve.
She later sang with him.
Her husband, Vishal Bhardwaj, became a filmmaker after discovering Shakespeare’s stories on a train.
Rekha says both of them have worked hard and tried to keep their creative standards high.
Rekha Bhardwaj says “Darmiyaan” from Musafir Café has connected with listeners through its melody, lyrics and emotional story.
She credits rigorous riyaaz, including periods of 10 to 12 hours daily, with developing her singing.
Jagjit Singh encouraged her to add “chamak” to her voice and later collaborated with her on “Teri Fariyaad.”
Rekha says Vishal Bhardwaj discovered Shakespeare’s plays on a train and later adapted Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet for films.
She believes sustained artistic success requires constant skill-building, creative commitment and excellence.
- Who
- Singer Rekha Bhardwaj, composer Raghav Kaushik, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and several musical influences are discussed.
- What
- Rekha reflects on the success of “Darmiyaan,” her musical training, Jagjit Singh’s mentorship and Vishal Bhardwaj’s creative journey.
- When
- The article describes the song’s current popularity and recalls events from Rekha’s career beginning in the 1980s, including 1982–1986.
- Where
- The interview takes place in a café in a Mumbai suburb; her memories also include Delhi, Mumbai and a train journey involving Vishal Bhardwaj.
- Why
- “Darmiyaan” has resonated because of its melody, language, lyrics and relatable emotions, while Rekha’s career was shaped by intensive practice and creative collaborations.
- Featured song
- “Darmiyaan” from the series Musafir Café
- Composer
- Raghav Kaushik
- Lyrics
- Amrita Saluja wrote the poignant lyrics for “Darmiyaan.”
- Musical training
- Rekha Bhardwaj studied under Pandit Amarnath and followed advice to practise extensively.
- Key mentor
- Jagjit Singh told Rekha she needed more “chamak,” or spark, in her voice.
- Later collaboration
- Rekha sang “Teri Fariyaad” with Jagjit Singh for Tum Bin 2.
- Shakespeare adaptations
- Vishal Bhardwaj adapted Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet in Maqbool, Omkara and Haider.