Leslee Lewis, the celebrated singer and performer who played a pivotal role in shaping India's pop music revolution during the 1990s, has made a notable comeback. He has unveiled 'Tere Bina Main', the final installment in his much-talked-about 'Phir Se Rock & Roll' series. The track, which dropped on November 28, carries a signature quiet confidence and melodic subtlety, reflecting the artist's lifelong commitment to following his unique creative path rather than chasing fleeting trends.
The Emotion and Inspiration Behind 'Tere Bina Main'
Marked by deep emotion and introspection, 'Tere Bina Main' delves into universal themes of love, physical separation, and yearning. The sound feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Leslee Lewis opened up about the creation of this poignant song, his undiminished excitement for music, the wisdom gained from decades in the industry, and his unwavering love for live performances.
When asked about the core emotions driving the final track of his series, which has been warmly received by audiences, Lewis explained the modern context of relationships. "In today’s times, relationships often face sudden distances—like when a partner’s job gets transferred to another city, say Delhi. Love ends up becoming long-distance," he shared. The entire song revolves around the central idea of "tere bina main, mere bina tu"—exploring how to sustain love when geographical separation intervenes.
Contrary to what the raw emotion might suggest, the song was not born from a personal memory. "It was more about imagination—what happens when someone you love is suddenly far away. That emotional space, that longing, becomes the song," Lewis clarified, highlighting his skill in channeling universal feelings into music.
A Childlike Curiosity Tempered by Experience
Having entered the music industry at a very young age, Lewis reflected on the parts of his artistry that have remained constant and those that have evolved. "The excitement I had when I started making music at 15 or 16 is still there. That curiosity hasn’t gone anywhere," he affirmed, crediting this enduring passion for the authentic sound of 'Tere Bina Main'. He proudly stated that his vocal style and vibe remain uniquely his own.
For Lewis, this excitement is non-negotiable. "If that excitement ever disappears, then music becomes just a job. For me, excitement is essential to stay artistic," he said, drawing a line from his pioneering of indie pop in India to his current work. This innate drive is balanced by the maturity of experience. Starting his composition journey in the 80s and 90s has taught him what to avoid, what not to overdo, and how to refine his work for balance.
Staying True to His Sound and Embracing Live Music
As one of the artists who introduced independent pop music to mainstream Indian audiences, Lewis was asked if he ever felt pressure to conform to the dominant Bollywood sound. His answer was a firm and philosophical no. "I never competed with anyone. I only compete with myself. My level is my own. That’s how music should grow," he remarked.
When the spotlight fades, Leslee Lewis describes himself as a simple man who enjoys cooking his own food, eating in peace, and relaxing at home—a stark contrast to his dynamic stage persona. Speaking of stages, he expressed a clear preference in the current musical landscape. "Today, everyone has a studio at home—a laptop is enough. Live performance is where the real connection happens now," he asserted, revealing ambitions to take his live shows to new conceptual and creative heights.
His journey hasn't been without its phases of uncertainty. He admitted to a period of confusion between 2011 and 2018, but emphasized that he never stopped creating, recording a song every day. The clarity, he says, returned after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the most rewarding chapters of his storied career was the intensely demanding yet fulfilling experience of recording 51 songs in just 40 days for Coke Studio. He also shared a thoughtful critique on some contemporary music, noting that it can feel mechanical when "passion is missing" and melody and emotion are sidelined in favor of formula.
Lewis concluded with a direct message for his listeners: "Listen to my songs at home or in your car—but if you come to my live show, I promise I’ll entertain you completely, in my own way." With 'Tere Bina Main', Leslee Lewis not only closes a significant musical series but also reaffirms his lasting and authentic voice in Indian music.
