Mannan Shaah Teams Up With Javed Akhtar For Independent Debut ‘Mohabbat Ki Zabaan Hai Khamoshi’

Music composer Mannan Shaah has marked his entry into the independent music space with his debut single, ‘Mohabbat Ki Zabaan Hai Khamoshi’, featuring lyrics by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar and vocals by Anuradha Juju.

The romantic track draws from semi-classical and raga-based influences, with Carnatic elements at its core. The song was recorded entirely live, bringing together around 55–60 musicians, including a 50-piece string ensemble featuring musicians from Chennai Strings and the Sunshine Music Orchestra founded by A.R. Rahman.

Shaah said the song reflects his desire to explore traditional musical roots through contemporary storytelling, while retaining the warmth and authenticity of live musicianship.

The collaboration also holds personal significance for Shaah, who describes Javed Akhtar as a mentor and father figure. According to Shaah, he composed the melody first, after which Akhtar wrote the lyrics in about 20 minutes.

Akhtar, meanwhile, praised Shaah’s musical talent and the warmth and stillness of the melody, calling it increasingly rare in contemporary music.

The release marks Shaah’s move into independent music while bringing together traditional Indian musical influences, live orchestration and contemporary storytelling.