Vaibhav Modi interview: At Filmibeat, we always enjoy interacting with writers, singers, and artists who are passionate about their craft. It’s always a pleasure to have meaningful chats with someone eager to let his work do all the talking. As I caught up with writer, producer, and lyricist Vaibhav Modi, I bombarded him with several questions about his new project
After delivering memorable songs such as Khumaar and Tauba alongside singer-composer Papon, the duo is now returning with Sar-e-Shaam, an ambitious original ghazal project years in the making. With its latest offering, Teri Adaa, the album seeks to present ghazals in a fresh, contemporary light for the audience.
In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Vaibhav Modi opened up about the six-to-seven-year journey behind Sar-e-Shaam. He got candid about his enduring creative partnership with Papon, and revealed why the time felt right to introduce a new generation to original ghazals.
Here are excerpts from the interview-
Q: After writing memorable songs like Khumaar and Tauba, what made this the right time for you and Papon to return with a ghazal project like Sar-e-Shaam?
Vaibhav Modi: This project has actually been a long time coming. Papon had been jamming with me and Irshad sahab for years because we shared a vision of creating fresh, new-age original ghazals. The momentum really picked up over the last couple of years, especially after the incredible response to his live show, Shaam-e-Mehfil. That success gave us the confidence that audiences were ready to embrace original ghazals alongside the classic covers they already enjoy.
Q: You describe Teri Adaa as a ghazal that celebrates playfulness rather than heartbreak. Was that a conscious attempt to challenge the conventions of the genre?
Vaibhav Modi: Absolutely. I wouldn’t say we’re challenging the conventions because the ghazal itself is a wonderfully versatile form. However, people often associate ghazals with melancholy and heavy listening. We wanted to move beyond that perception. Through this album, our aim is to bring freshness, warmth and accessibility to the genre for younger listeners while ensuring traditional ghazal lovers still find the poetic wordplay and emotional nuances they cherish.
Q: Your collaboration with Papon began with a chance meeting in an elevator over a decade ago. What’s been the secret behind such a long creative partnership?
Vaibhav Modi: What started as a chance encounter soon became a genuine friendship. Beyond music, our outlook on life is remarkably similar. Our creative frequencies naturally align, which makes working together feel effortless. When that kind of understanding exists, collaboration becomes something much more meaningful than just professional work.
Q: You’ve created songs that have stood the test of time together. How has your creative equation evolved since Khumaar and Tauba?
Vaibhav Modi: The beauty of a long-term collaboration is that you know each other’s instincts so well, yet you’re always trying to surprise one another. That balance between familiarity and curiosity keeps the process exciting, and more often than not, it leads to something special.
Q: Sar-e-Shaam took nearly six to seven years to shape. What kept both of you committed throughout such a long journey?
Vaibhav Modi: Our commitment to the ghazal form has always been the driving force. I grew up surrounded by legendary poets and singers at the studios of All India Radio, where my parents worked, so I’ve always considered myself a student of the genre beyond commercial ambitions. Papon, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the strongest voices in this space-not only because of his expressive singing but because of the emotional honesty he brings to every composition.
Q: The title Teri Adaa suggests admiration, but the song also carries wit and playful banter. What inspired that emotional balance?
Vaibhav Modi: Anyone who knows me would tell you I naturally find humour even in unexpected situations. I’ve always enjoyed bringing contrasting emotions together. As I often say, “Zindagi asaan ho jaati hai, zara gham ko khushiyon se mila ke toh dekhiye.” Life becomes easier when you blend a little sorrow with joy. That mix of lightness and emotion felt like the perfect emotional space for Teri Adaa.
Q: Your ghazals have featured in projects like Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy, and now in an independent musical setting. How different is the writing process?
Vaibhav Modi: At the end of the day, a poet is simply a medium. A poem is born either from personal experiences or from stories that deeply resonate with you. The difference with films or web series is that you’re writing within a defined brief and timeline, collaborating closely with the director and composer. Independent music allows the creative process to unfold much more organically.
Q: Looking back, what was the biggest creative challenge in shaping Sar-e-Shaam, and why was it important to take your time?
Vaibhav Modi: Interestingly, our biggest challenge became our greatest strength. Papon and I have one simple rule-we should remain as excited about a song years later as we were on the day we created it. If that excitement fades, we revisit the composition. Every ghazal on Sar-e-Shaam passed that test. These songs sustained our passion for six to seven years, and that’s why we felt they were finally ready to be shared with the world.
