Write Like Gulzar: The Fast-Track to 'Dard-E-Disco'

Write Like Gulzar: The Fast-Track to 'Dard-E-Disco'

Procrastination Nov 15, 2025

A Brief Moment of Genius

Who would have believed that a playful challenge could conjure magic? In the world of Bollywood music creation, Farah Khan’s intriguing tale about ‘Dard-E-Disco’ underlines just that. With a tongue-in-cheek request to write like another lyrical heavyweight, she teased eminent lyricist Javed Akhtar into a whirlwind of creativity. According to her amusing anecdote, the germ of this song was planted in just five minutes, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge.

The Procrastination Puzzle

Farah Khan pulled back the curtains on a rare insight: Javed Akhtar, though a master at his craft, sometimes found himself bogged down by procrastination. This revelation came during the Take 2 podcast, where Farah humorously detailed how often they waited for days, hoping he’d scribble his magic on paper. The solution to this delay? A simple yet effective trick: invoking Akhtar’s renowned counterpart, Gulzar.

The Challenge of ‘Gibberish’

Presented with an unusual directive—crafting ‘gibberish’ lyrics—Javed Akhtar further confirmed this whimsical incident. As highlighted on the Cyrus Says podcast, the circumstances surrounding the song called for lyrics that were nothing short of absurd. Akhtar cheekily noted that crafting nonsensical verses tested his prowess like never before.

A Cascade of Creativity

It’s not every day you witness artistry overflowing in such rapid succession. Farah also unveiled a fascinating episode about another iconic song, “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga.” The initial panic of a lyricist forgetting his work swiftly transformed into a moment of brilliance as Javed Akhtar seamlessly generated soulful verses on demand.

Musical Miracles on Speed Dial

In an impressive continuum of creativity, RD Burman’s response to Akhtar’s lyrics was equally instantaneous. Farah recounted with awe how RD Burman, upon hearing the freshly crafted words, instantly composed a befitting tune. It was a crescendo of rapid ingenuity, with the pair epitomizing how groundbreaking work often arises when creativity is given carte blanche.

The Magic of Bollywood’s Tunes

Farah Khan’s stories grant us a cherished glance into the exhilarating world behind some of Bollywood’s most beloved songs. From spontaneous lyrical strokes to immediate musical compositions, these tales are a testament to the fact that sometimes the most iconic creations emerge out of thin air—a reminder of the marvels of spontaneity.

As stated in The Times of India, these narratives invigorate our appreciation for the genius behind the silver screen’s musical magic.

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