Suneeta Rao shares 1996 'Talaash' studio gem with Ranjit Barot
Synopsis
Suneeta Rao has surfaced rare studio footage from the 1996 making of her album 'Talaash' with producer Ranjit Barot — a candid window into a defining moment of India’s 1990s Hindi pop era. With nostalgia for that decade running high on streaming platforms, the clip is a timely reminder of how independently Rao and Barot shaped the sound of a generation.
Key Takeaways
Suneeta Rao shared rare behind-the-scenes footage from the 1996 recording sessions of her album 'Talaash' .
The clip features studio moments with producer and drummer Ranjit Barot , whom Rao called ‘an absolute pleasure and honour’ to work with.
Songs captured in the footage include 'Kesaria' , 'Sanam' , 'Talaash' , and 'Deewangee' .
Rao’s debut album 'Dhuan' ( 1991 ) sold over 75,000 copies and earned her the nickname 'Paree of the Masses' .
Ranjit Barot’s live show 'Chingari' is scheduled at NMACC on 13 August .
Singer Suneeta Rao has shared a rare behind-the-scenes video from the 1996 recording sessions of her album 'Talaash', offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into the making of some of her most beloved tracks. The clip, which she described as the ultimate 'hidden gem', captures candid studio moments with acclaimed producer and master drummer Ranjit Barot.
What Suneeta Shared
Posting the throwback footage, Rao wrote: 'HERE IT IS! The ultimate “HIDDEN GEM”! In the studio with the inimitable producer and master drummer @ranjitbarot1 during the recording sessions of my album “TALAAH” in 1996!!!' She recalled the fun moments while dubbing songs including 'Kesaria', 'Sanam', 'Talaash', and 'Deewangee', calling the collaboration “an absolute pleasure and honour.”
Rao also used the post to spotlight Barot’s upcoming live show 'Chingari' at NMACC on 13 August at The Studio Theatre.
About the Album and 'Kesaria'
'Talaash' was released with Gramophone Company India, with music composed by Ranjit Barot. The album featured folk-infused pop tracks, with 'Kesaria' — a lively, celebratory number with lyrics by Shyam Anuragi — among its standout songs. Two music videos, for 'Dehka Dehka' and 'Kesariya', helped reinstate Rao at the top of the charts upon the album’s release.
Suneeta Rao’s Career in Context
Rao first rose to national prominence with the song 'Paree Hoon Main' from her debut Hindi pop album 'Dhuan', released in 1991 with Gramophone Company India, with music by Lesle Lewis. The album sold over 75,000 copies, and the accompanying video earned her the press nickname 'Paree of the Masses'.
Beyond pop albums, her career has spanned film soundtracks, with contributions to movies including Ghulam-e-Mustafa, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, and Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye. She also featured in 'Chhoti Chhoti Baatein', released as part of the Magnasound album 'A Reason To Smile' to mark 50 years of Indian Independence.
Why This Moment Resonates
The post arrives as nostalgia for 1990s Indian pop continues to surge, driven by streaming platforms revisiting the era’s catalogue. Rao’s 'Talaash' sessions represent a formative chapter in the decade’s Hindi pop boom, a period when artists like Rao and producers like Barot helped define an independent pop identity distinct from the Bollywood mainstream. The studio footage offers a rare, unfiltered window into that creative process.
Point of View
Not merely a Bollywood offshoot. Ranjit Barot’s dual role as producer and musician gave albums like 'Talaash' a sonic coherence that most film soundtracks of the era lacked. As streaming platforms mine the 1990s catalogue for new audiences, artists like Rao who built careers outside the film-music pipeline deserve sharper critical re-evaluation. The 'hidden gem' framing is apt — this era has been systematically under-documented.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'hidden gem' Suneeta Rao shared from the 'Talaash' sessions?
Suneeta Rao shared a rare behind-the-scenes video from the 1996 recording sessions of her album 'Talaash', featuring candid studio moments with producer and drummer Ranjit Barot. The footage captures the dubbing of songs including 'Kesaria', 'Sanam', 'Talaash', and 'Deewangee'.
Who produced Suneeta Rao's album 'Talaash'?
The album 'Talaash' was produced by Ranjit Barot, an acclaimed producer and master drummer. It was released with Gramophone Company India, and its folk-infused tracks 'Dehka Dehka' and 'Kesariya' became chart hits.
What is 'Kesaria' by Suneeta Rao?
'Kesaria' is a folk-infused upbeat pop song from Suneeta Rao's 'Talaash' album, with lyrics by Shyam Anuragi. It blends traditional-style lyrics with a vibrant, celebratory rhythm and was among the album's most popular tracks.
How did Suneeta Rao first become famous?
Suneeta Rao rose to fame with the song 'Paree Hoon Main' from her 1991 debut album 'Dhuan', which sold over 75,000 copies and was produced with music by Lesle Lewis. The press nicknamed her the 'Paree of the Masses' following the song's success.
What is Ranjit Barot's upcoming show mentioned by Suneeta Rao?
Ranjit Barot's upcoming live show is titled 'Chingari', scheduled at NMACC on 13 August at The Studio Theatre. Suneeta Rao highlighted the event in her post sharing the studio footage.
