Himesh Reshammiya Reflects on His Music Career, Early Television Success, and Defining Break with Salman Khan on Komal Nahta’s Game Changers

Komal Nahta, one of India’s most respected trade analysts, is back with a fresh season of his podcast Game Changers: The Music Series. This edition shines a spotlight on celebrated singers, composers, and music maestros as they share their creative journeys, inspirations, and the untold stories behind the music that has shaped generations. The latest episode featured Himesh Reshammiya.

A multi-talented force in Indian cinema, Himesh Reshammiya has carved an extraordinary niche as a composer, singer, and actor, delivering some of the most iconic album chartbusters of the 2000s. Talking about his journey and early breaks during the conversation, he shared, “I get very emotional and feel grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey. If Salman Bhai had never given me a break, there is a possibility that I would never have wanted to struggle.

I was doing well in television serials, so why would I go out and sell music? The songs were genuinely superhits. My school friends heard them, and whoever listened to the songs said they were superhits. There was not a single sitting where someone walked out saying that the song wasn’t good. I had four ongoing serials and was working every day. I even composed music for my serials and thought I could make films myself now.

By then, I got my big break, and those songs went on to become hugely popular hits. I would like to give David Ji credit because I was working on Salman Khan’s film for two songs when he came in. David Ji arrived, and I told Salman that he had come for Dulaara. Salman said, “Let him listen to my songs. I’m doing that film.” David Ji locked all the songs in 15 minutes, as a solo composer. After that, Ratan Ji and Abbas-Mustan came along. Then came Tere Naam. We thought the character had to be in the Devdas zone. He had to be a brooding hero; he couldn’t be smiling and all that. That’s how Tere Naam happened. That is why I always say it’s important to jam.”

With Game Changers Season: The Music Series, Komal Nahta is redefining the landscape of Indian cinema conversations. Tune in to the YouTube channel for Game Changers: The Music Series!