Music maestro AR Rahman has once again proven why he reigns supreme in the Indian music industry with his latest offering for the film Tere Ishk Mein. Released on November 28, 2025, this nine-track album stands as the composer's most impressive work this year, blending innovation with emotional depth while staying true to his distinctive style.
A Musical Journey Through Nine Tracks
The album opens with the title track 'Tere Ishk Mein' performed by Arijit Singh, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil. Rahman establishes his mastery immediately with a beautiful composition centered around piano and violin. The song builds gradually, initially seeming to reach its crescendo too quickly, but then surprises listeners by switching gears and scale, allowing Arijit Singh to deliver an outstanding finishing section that demonstrates why this collaboration works so brilliantly.
The second track, 'Usey Kehna' features Nitesh Aher, who initially sounds reminiscent of Jubin Nautiyal but quickly finds his own voice. Rahman creates a captivating musical narrative using violin, bass, and piano, with every shift to minor chords creating emotional impact. The song takes an unexpected turn when Jonita Gandhi enters, lifting the composition with her graceful vocals and creating a beautiful back-and-forth with Aher before the track gently fades away.
From Qawwali to Jazz: Rahman's Versatility Shines
'Deewaana Deewaana' represents Rahman at his absolute best, showcasing his deep love for Sufi traditions. This qawwali-style composition bursts into the listener's consciousness while maintaining its unique identity. Though it might remind some of 'Kun Faaya Kun' in terms of instrumentation, the track stands on its own as a beautiful creation. Rahman brilliantly blends traditional tabla and harmonium with electric guitar, creating a fusion that stays with listeners long after the song ends.
The album also features 'Tere Zikr Mein', performed by Shilpa Rao with lyrics written like a nazm. Rao delivers a calm, measured performance that perfectly captures the theme of complete surrender to a loved one. While this isn't new territory for Bollywood, Rahman manages to bring freshness to the concept despite genre saturation.
Some Hits and Minor Misses
Not every track reaches the same heights, however. 'Jigar Thanda' featuring Darshan Raval feels like a necessary inclusion to lighten the album's mood, though it underutilizes Raval's talent. Similarly, 'Ladki Jaisi' with Sukhwinder Singh struggles with identity, switching between genres without finding a coherent voice. This collaboration feels particularly disappointing given Sukhwinder's proven capabilities and the overall quality of the album.
Rahman quickly redeems himself with 'Chinnaware', an upbeat track featuring Shankar Mahadevan that picks a musical lane and stays with it consistently. The song maintains its energy from beginning to end, proving that Rahman can create fun, engaging music without recycling old ideas.
The Grand Finale: A Jazz Surprise
The album concludes with what appears to be a female version of 'Jigar Thanda' but reveals itself as a completely reimagined jazz interpretation. Much like 'Tu Bole Main Boloon' from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, this final track showcases Rahman's remarkable ability to incorporate diverse genres within a single album. Shilpa Rao returns for this performance, sounding completely in sync with every instrument and transforming the party track into a sophisticated jazz number that could easily belong in an exclusive speakeasy.
This final surprise demonstrates Rahman's unique approach to film music - he delivers songs that serve the film's central idea while taking creative detours that elevate the entire listening experience. The female version of 'Jigar Thanda' feels like it exists in a different dimension from its counterpart, yet somehow completes the album perfectly.
Verdict: A Winner Despite Minor Flaws
Overall, Tere Ishk Mein stands as a versatile, entertaining, and impressive album that sets a high bar for the film to match. While there are a few loose ends, particularly in the collaborations with Darshan Raval and Sukhwinder Singh, the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. After a period of formulaic Bollywood albums, Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil have delivered a winner that should resonate with music lovers regardless of the film's eventual success.
The nine-track collection proves why AR Rahman remains unmatched in his field, capable of creating moving, brilliant music that pushes boundaries while remaining accessible. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, Rahman demonstrates that true musical innovation doesn't require compromising quality or emotional resonance.
