In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Aditya Narayan opens up like never before—peeling away the layers of his on-stage persona to reveal a quieter, more contemplative artist. With Saansein, his new music album that unfolds one song at a time, Aditya invites listeners into a space of deep emotion and lyrical honesty.
“I felt each song deserved its own moment, its own conversation with listeners. Releasing them one by one allows people to sit with each story, rather than consume everything in a rush. It felt more authentic to the spirit of the album.“
Tejal Sinha
Aditya Narayan has long been a familiar face in Indian entertainment—a dynamic host, performer and someone who grew up in the public eye. With Saansein, his latest musical offering, Aditya steps away from the crowd-pleasing performances to offer something far more personal: a deeply emotional album that delves into the many shades of love, longing, vulnerability and reflection. Released as a slow-burning project with one song unveiled each month, Saansein invites listeners not to binge, but to breathe. In this exclusive conversation with
The Pioneer, the Ishqyaun Dhishqyaun singer opens up about the inspiration behind the album, the collaborators who shaped it, the emotional toll and truth behind each note and why—after years in the public eye—this feels like his most honest expression yet.
“The core emotion,” he begins thoughtfully, “was simply the need to express all the shades of love I’ve experienced—gratitude, longing, hope, even heartbreak.” There wasn’t a single defining moment that sparked the album. Rather, it’s a gentle culmination of memories and feelings that had been waiting patiently, to find their voice.
Unlike traditional albums that drop all at once, Saansein is being released one song at a time—each month, a new track. The format isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s a conscious storytelling decision. “I felt each song deserved its own moment, its own conversation with listeners. Releasing them one by one allows people to sit with each story, rather than consume everything in a rush. It felt more authentic to the spirit of the album.”
The latest track Bana Le Tera has already touched listeners with its lush arrangement and emotional weight. The Chota Bachcha Jaan Ke singer recalls his state of mind while recording the track: “Honestly, I was thinking about surrender—the kind that happens when you stop resisting love and let it change you. I wanted the song to feel like that vulnerable moment when you just open your heart fully to someone.”
The album is a result of deeply rooted collaborations—with Ashish Kulkarni, Manoj Yadav and Meghdeep Bose playing key roles. “It was truly collaborative and respectful. Everyone brought their unique strengths—Ashish with his melodies, Manoj with his poetry, Meghdeep with his sonic textures. I’m grateful that we all shared the same intention: to serve the song, not our individual egos.”
A special highlight of the track Bana Le Tera is its mastering at none other than Abbey Road Studios. For him, the sound design was crucial to conveying the song’s emotion. “Sometimes the smallest sonic choices—like how a reverb blooms or a flute weaves in—can make the emotion more palpable. Abbey Road brought a certain warmth and clarity that helped the song feel timeless,” he says.
While the world has long known him for his hosting gigs and on-stage exuberance, Saansein introduces audiences to a more introspective Aditya. “It was, to some extent, a conscious shift. I’ve always felt there’s more to me than what people see on stage or TV. This album is my way of sharing that quieter, reflective side—something closer to who I am when the cameras are off.”
Even the title Saansein (which translates to breaths) holds poetic significance for the artist. “For me, it’s a reminder that love and music are both as essential and life-giving as breathing. This album is like an exhale of feelings I’ve carried for years.”
In the age of social media, swipes and emojis, romance often feels digitized. The Main Nikla Gaddu Leke singer acknowledges this evolution with empathy, but his personal leaning is evident. “Modern love can be beautiful, but sometimes it moves too fast. I personally resonate with a slower, more intentional kind of romance. The album leans into that old-school spirit—letters, longing and the simple magic of being present with someone.”
Having been in the public eye since childhood, one might imagine that the process of creating music now either liberates or weighs heavy. For the Akele Hum Akele Tum singer, it’s a mix of both. “There’s freedom in having experience and perspective, but there’s also pressure to meet expectations—my own and those of people who have supported me for so long,” he admits.
Among the songs in Saansein, one in particular stands out for him: Gehraiyaan. “It was especially moving to record,” he says. “This song is about love so intense it feels bottomless, like an ocean you willingly drown in. It isn’t a safe, casual affection—it’s the kind of love that devours you and transforms you.”
When asked how his personal experiences of love and heartbreak influenced his vocal delivery, Aditya is sincere. “I tried to sing every line from a place of truth. If I hadn’t felt something similar in my own life, I don’t think I could have delivered it honestly. All those experiences—beautiful and painful—helped me connect more deeply with the songs.”
The release plan, he insists, was also more of a creative instinct than a business move. “I wanted each song to have space and time to find its audience organically. Of course, there’s always a business element, but the intention was to honour the storytelling first.” As for what lies ahead, Aditya is choosing to stay rooted in the present. “Right now, I’m focused on bringing Saansein to as many listeners as possible. Beyond that, there are ideas for live performances and perhaps another album down the line. But for now, I just want to stay present with this body of work.”
