Will Sudhir Yaduvanshi return with a song in 'Dhurandhar 2'? Singer says it would be a surprise even for him | Exclusive

The title track of Dhurandhar became one of the most talked-about songs from the film’s soundtrack, striking a rare balance between contemporary energy and classical sensibilities. Sung by playback singer Sudhir Yaduvanshi and composed by Shashwat Sachdev, the track stood out for blending modern soundscapes with traditional musical textures.

Now, with conversations around Dhurandhar 2 gaining momentum, fans had been left wondering whether Yaduvanshi’s voice will return to the franchise.

The singer himself, who spoke to us before the release of the trailer of Dhurandhar 2, revealed that he hopes it happens, though even he may not know until the last moment. Thankfully, he is a part of the second part of the film as well, with his vocals featuring in the song Ari Ari which has already taken the audience by storm!

In an interview with Firstpost’s Zinia Bandyopadhyay, Sudhir Yaduvanshi opened up about the creative process behind the Dhurandhar title track, the risks of reinterpreting older musical influences, and whether audiences might hear him again in the sequel.

The fusion behind the Dhurandhar title track

According to Yaduvanshi, the idea behind the title track was to create something that felt both contemporary and familiar at the same time.

“In today’s time, rap and different genres dominate the soundscape,” he explained. “But if you listen to Shashwat Sachdev’s work since the beginning, there is always some element of fusion in his music.” That philosophy shaped the song’s musical identity.

“We wanted a modern sound but also something authentic and rooted. The idea was to mix old and new and create something fresh. Like making a tasty dish with both flavours,” he said.

The team also wanted the song to carry strong energy while retaining emotional depth. “Shashwat sir told me very clearly that even though the inspiration came from an older style, I should not sing it in a traditional way. It had to feel new, powerful and slightly grungy. There had to be freshness in it,” he added.

Walking the fine line between revival and distortion

Reinterpreting sounds that echo older musical traditions is always risky, Yaduvanshi admitted. “There is always fear,” he said. “If a song or tune is already loved by people and you recreate something similar, even a small mistake can invite criticism.”

However, he believes the key lies in respecting the essence of the music while still allowing it to evolve. “Shashwat sir’s style is to keep traces of older sounds but present them in a way that still feels new. The music itself is very powerful and contemporary. At the same time, singers are told not to leave the emotional feel of the song loose. Technology can fix pitch, but it cannot fix feeling.”

A voice shaped by folk roots

Interestingly, Yaduvanshi does not see himself primarily as a classical or modern singer. Instead, he identifies strongly with folk traditions. “I consider myself a folk singer,” he said. “Folk music has a certain rawness that I love. When you hear singers in villages performing, their imperfections carry the soil’s authenticity.”

That raw vocal style, he believes, has shaped his distinctive tone. “Our houses earlier used to be far apart in villages. If you had to call someone, you had to shout loudly. That kind of vocal projection probably stayed with me,” he laughed. Because of this, his voice naturally leans toward a high-pitched, gritty style.

“I have always tried to sing in a grungy, high, folkish tone. Later, when I entered the industry and worked with different composers, they encouraged me to experiment with genres like rock, folk rock and even dance music,” he added.

The uncertain life of a playback singer

The unpredictability of Bollywood music is something Yaduvanshi has learned to accept. “A singer might record 100 songs, but it is not necessary that all 100 will release,” he explained. “Sometimes you sing a song thinking it will definitely come out, and later it gets dropped.”

That uncertainty can be difficult, but patience becomes essential. “In this industry, you have to adopt a philosophy of working and then forgetting about it. If you keep thinking about which song will release or which will not, you will lose motivation.”

Will he sing in Dhurandhar 2 ?

When asked directly whether audiences will hear him again in Dhurandhar 2, Yaduvanshi admitted that he himself did not know yet. “I hope and pray that it happens,” he said during the interv iew which was done before the release of Dhurandhar 2 trailer. “But honestly, even for the first film I had no idea whether my song would finally be part of the film.” He does make a comeback in the second part, in the song Ari Ari.

The reason lay in the complex decision-making process behind film soundtracks. “There are many stages. Songs may change depending on the situation in the film, the visuals or creative decisions. Until the right moment comes, the team usually does not reveal what will stay in the final version.”

Which meant the answer could remain a surprise for everyone involved. “Yes, it will be a surprise,” he said with a smile. “Not just for the audience, but for me too.”

A dream collaboration

While he continues to explore new projects, Yaduvanshi also has one dream collaboration in mind. “I would love to work with A. R. Rahman,” he shared. “I once sang in front of him during a reality show and he appreciated my voice. That moment stayed with me.”

For now, though, fans of the Dhurandhar soundtrack will have to wait and see if his powerful voice returns in the sequel. If it does, the singer promises the same blend of raw energy and rooted musicality that made the original track memorable.