Satinder Sartaaj Brings the Charm of Old-School Romance with ‘Challa’

Maati Season 2’s latest offering is soulful ode to romance, capturing the beauty of unspoken emotions and enduring connections

As part of Warner Music India’s Maati Season 2, which celebrates India’s diverse folk traditions by bringing regional sounds and traditions to contemporary audiences, acclaimed singer-songwriter Satinder Sartaaj presents ‘Challa’, a soulful Punjabi folk-inspired ballad written and sung by him. Rooted in the musical heritage of Punjab, the song captures the beauty of unconditional love, unspoken emotions and enduring connections.

The music video features Satinder Sartaaj as a photographer at an old-fashioned studio, capturing moments of love through portraits of couples, families and individuals. His world changes when a young woman walks in, and he gradually finds himself falling for her. His growing affection transforms him from an observer of others’ happiness into the subject of his own love story. Interspersed with expressive portrait-style performances, the video also features a visually rich setting with a phulkari-inspired backdrop.

Speaking about the song, Satinder Sartaaj said, “Punjabi folk music has always been close to my heart, and it is wonderful to see its traditions reach newer audiences. With ‘Challa’, we wanted to celebrate love and devotion through lyrics that capture the joy of cherishing someone and wishing the best for them. The vintage setting and visual storytelling made the shoot particularly special, bringing the charm of old-school romance to life. I am also delighted to be part of Maati Season 2, an initiative that celebrates India’s diverse musical traditions and cultural identities.”

With four tracks already released, including ‘Jalwa-e-Jaanaan’ (Urdu), ‘Khus Raha’ (Bhojpuri), ‘Poda O Chandu’ (Telugu) and ‘Challa’ (Punjabi), Maati Season 2 will continue its musical journey across more languages – Tamil, Haryanvi and Koshur– featuring an exciting lineup of artists including Shubha Mudgal, Alif, Sudan, Orfo, Sublahshini, Keli Thee, Saikia and MC Square. These upcoming releases will further showcase India’s diverse regional sounds and musical voices.

Released via Warner Music India, ‘Challa’ is now available across all major audio and video streaming platforms.