As the highly anticipated supernatural thriller Vadakkan gears up for its release on March 8th, one of its standout contributors, global singer and songwriter Zeb Bangash, reflects on her incredible journey in the world of music.

Known for her powerful voice and ability to transcend borders with her music, Zeb has worked on numerous memorable projects, but her latest collaboration with South Indian composer Bijibal and director Sajeed stands as a significant milestone in Mollywood.

In an exclusive interview with Timeline,  Zeb Bangash shared the behind-the-scenes story of how she got involved in Vadakkan, the challenges she faced while singing in Malayalam, and the serendipitous turn of events that led to this unique opportunity.

The singer, who has roots in both Pakistan and the US, speaks candidly about her experiences in the South Indian music scene, the universal language of music, and how personal connections have shaped her artistic path.

Zeb recalls how her connection with Kerala, specifically, has been long-standing and filled with serendipitous moments.

“It was completely unexpected,” she says, reflecting on how she ended up working on Vadakkan. “Sometimes I feel like I am favored by the universe because anything that comes to my heart, somehow it happens for me.”

Zeb’s desire to work in South Indian music, particularly in Malayalam, dates back to a trip to Kerala with her band years ago. Despite not actively seeking this opportunity, her love for the region and its rich musical heritage stayed with her.

“I didn’t have to work very hard to get this amazing opportunity, but I didn’t dream very hard for it either,” Zeb says. “It just stayed in my heart, and I was fortunate enough to get the visa a couple of times. Even when there was no work, I always used to go to Kerala, which eventually led to this beautiful collaboration.”

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Zeb’s collaboration on Vadakkan was working with the renowned Malayalam composer Bijibal.

“When I found out I would get a chance to actually collaborate with the wonderful musician and composer Bijibal, I was over the moon,” she shares. Zeb was particularly drawn to Bijibal’s humility and openness despite his tremendous success.

“Working with Bijibal was such an inspiring experience,” she adds. “No matter how accomplished he was, he was so easy to work with. He held his success with so much humility and kindness. He was open to ideas and collaboration, which made it so enjoyable.”

Zeb highlights how their collaboration felt more like a friendship, where they exchanged ideas freely, refining melodies and weaving their creative thoughts together.

“Working with him was like working with a friend. We went back and forth, sending ideas and melodies and fixing them together. It was a lot of fun,” Zeb says, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that permeated the process.

What sets Vadakkan apart from other projects Zeb has worked on is its distinct international approach. While most of Zeb’s previous work has involved in-person studio sessions, Vadakkan was a fully remote collaboration due to her travels between the US and Dubai.

“Every time I worked on a film song in India, I had the opportunity to spend time in the studio and work one-on-one with the team,” she explains. “But for Vadakkan, everything was done online. It was a bit of a different process, but the energy was just as strong.”

Zeb notes that the project’s supernatural thriller concept was something that intrigued her from the very beginning. “It was very exciting to be part of a project like this,” she says. “We ended up exploring different musical sounds, rhythms, and ideas that I hadn’t thought of before, which made it so much fun.”

The film’s global spirit also extends to its creation, as Sajeed and his team prioritised creativity and artistic input over ethnicity or nationality.

Also, read| Exclusive: Zeb Bangash Shatters Misconceptions About Pashtun Community, Culture

“What was really special about Vadakkan was that it wasn’t about who was from where. It was about who had the creative input they wanted to include,” Zeb shares. “It’s a South Indian film, but it really feels like an international project. That’s what made it stand out to me.”

Zeb’s career took off after her iconic performance in Coke Studio Pakistan, where she performed “Roshé,” a powerful Kashmiri tribute.

The song, which touches on sensitive topics like loss and conflict, is deeply personal for Zeb. “When I first heard the song, I fell in love with it. It stayed in my heart for so long until Coke Studio gave me the opportunity to bring it to life,” she said.

Discussing the themes of war and loss in the song, Zeb reflected on her own connection to these sensitive subjects. “When we talk about conflict, sometimes we forget the humanity of the people living there,” she noted. “Through music, I try to highlight the beauty and complexity of life, even in the most difficult times.”

As someone who has worked in various genres of music, including Sufi, Zeb’s work often incorporates spiritual elements.

Also, read| Exclusive: Global Artist Zeb Bangash On Sufi Elements In Her Music

However, she’s careful not to label her music as specifically Sufi. “For me, music is music, and spirituality is spirituality. Sufism is one aspect of it, but I don’t consciously think about it when creating music,” she explained.

When asked about her future musical collaborations, Zeb was cautious but optimistic. “There are always so many artists I’d love to work with,” she said, adding that she’s focused on letting things unfold naturally. “I’m always curious and open to new experiences in music, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.”

Zeb also mentioned her admiration for India’s vibrant music scene and the incredible connections she’s made with Indian artists over the years. “Indians are very connected to music, just like we are in Pakistan. I’ve always felt such warmth and love from Indian audiences, and it’s something I truly cherish.”

Zeb was also enthusiastic about the growing influence of Coke Studio and Pepsi Battle of the Bands in Pakistan’s music scene.

“These platforms have been incredibly inspiring for artists, both in terms of exposure and creative expression,” she said. “They’ve put Pakistani music on the map, and they’ve helped young indie musicians thrive by giving them a platform to showcase their talent.”

She emphasised that while these platforms have been crucial for modern music, traditional music still has its place in Pakistan’s rich musical heritage. “New forms of expression are flourishing, and it’s exciting to see so many young artists sharing their work,” she said.

Zeb’s roots in her Pashtun family have always been a driving force in her life and music. Despite the challenges some women face in Pashto culture, Zeb has always found support from her family. “I was always supported by my father and brothers. My brother was my manager for the longest time,” she shared. “I never felt limited by my cultural background. It gave me strength.”

Reflecting on the significance of her cultural background, Zeb added, “The culture is much larger than the conflict that it’s often defined by. There’s so much history, wisdom, and beauty in Pashto culture, and I’ve always been proud to carry that with me.”

As the interview drew to a close, Timeline requested Zeb to sing a song. With a smile, she graciously agreed and began to sing Roshé, filling the room with her soulful voice.