Shah Rukh Khan was sceptical about the word ‘Gerua’: Amitabh Bhattacharya

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol’s latest love song from 'Dilwale' is winning hearts but lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya says the superstar was initially sceptical about the word 'Gerua'.

Picturised on the iconic pair of Bollywood, 'Gerua', penned by Bhattacharya, features Shah Rukh and Kajol romancing in the backdrop of scenic visuals of Iceland.

“Initially Shah Rukh was sceptical about the word ‘Gerua’. It is not a commonly used word in film songs so he thought will it work, will it be accepted, how will the audience react to it. He liked the word and said it’s nice to hear but just that it is used less,” Bhattacharya told PTI.

The “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” lyricist previously worked with Shah Rukh in 'Chennai Express' and said it was a wonderful experience writing for him and Kajol, who have a “cult following”.

“This was the first time I was writing for a Shah Rukh-Kajol song. They have a cult following. They have done so many memorable songs like ‘Suraj Hua Madham’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania…’ It was a very wonderful experience.”

Bhattacharya, whose recent projects include 'Shaandaar' and 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', was not nervous while penning the song.

“Honestly, while we were making the song, we were not consciously wanting it to be a blockbuster. After the song was recorded and shot, we saw a basic rough cut. Then we realised that this is a grand song with great chemistry of Shah Rukh-Kajol.”

The song’s melody happened spontaneously and the team was ready with the first draft of “Gerua” within 45-min-to -one-hour. Bhattacharya came up with the title word almost instantly after music composer Pritam gave him the tune.

“I had been wanting to use the word for a long time in one of my songs. I think when you use a word which is slightly uncommon, it elicits an interest in the listener’s mind.”

The song has been compared to other SRK-Kajol hit numbers which Bhattacharya says, was “bound to happen.”

“Shah Rukh and Kajol have a cult following so comparisons are bound to happen. But every song has its own space and mood. As an artist you just have to do your best and hope the audience likes your work.”