Swanand Kirkire on 'Maati': 12 years in the making with Shekhar Ravjiani
Synopsis
A song conceived at a coffee shop on a rainy afternoon over 12 years ago is finally seeing the light of day. Swanand Kirkire and Shekhar Ravjiani's 'Maati' — a six-song collection where every track is a raindrop — is as much a statement about artistic patience as it is about music. 'Piyarva' drops first.
Key Takeaways
Swanand Kirkire and Shekhar Ravjiani have released an independent musical project titled 'Maati' , comprising 6 songs .
The idea for Maati was first conceived nearly 12 years ago during a rainy afternoon coffee shop conversation after a studio session.
Kirkire describes Maati as the most significant expression of their 12-year creative partnership.
Each of the six songs is conceptualised as a 'Boond' (raindrop), collectively forming the larger work.
The first track to be released is 'Piyarva' , the opening song of the collection.
National Award-winning lyricist and musician Swanand Kirkire has spoken about his enduring creative partnership with composer Shekhar Ravjiani, calling their new independent musical project 'Maati' the most meaningful expression of their 12-year collaboration. The six-song collection, rooted in emotion and nostalgia, marks a significant moment in both artists' independent music journeys.
A Song That Simmered for Over a Decade
The seeds of Maati were planted nearly 12 years ago, on a rain-soaked afternoon when Kirkire and Ravjiani found themselves at a coffee shop after a studio session. What started as an informal conversation about creating something intimate and unconventional gradually grew into a full musical vision. 'For a song to simmer for over a decade truly means for us as artists that this song means more than just a single or an album; its very fabric and meaning goes beyond for us,' Kirkire said.
What Kirkire Said About the Collaboration
'Working with Shekhar has always been something I look forward to. We have always had a great collaboration together whenever we work with each other. But this song particularly is significant of our working journey together over the past 12 years,' Kirkire said. He added that bringing the project to the world after such a long gestation 'means a lot' to both of them.
The Vision Behind Maati
Maati is a soulful romantic ballad collection comprising 6 songs, weaving together Kirkire's lyrics and vocals with Ravjiani's music. The two artists have conceptualised each track as a 'Boond' (raindrop), with every song representing a distinct drop that collectively forms the larger body of work. The first song to be released from the collection is 'Piyarva', the opening raindrop of this musical journey.
Why This Project Stands Apart
Unlike conventional film soundtracks or album releases, Maati is positioned as an independent artistic statement — one that prioritises emotional depth over commercial formula. The decade-long evolution of the project reflects a rare commitment in the Indian music industry, where independent releases are increasingly gaining ground alongside film music. Notably, both Kirkire and Ravjiani have individually built substantial careers within Bollywood, making this independent venture a deliberate creative pivot.
With 'Piyarva' leading the release, audiences and critics will be watching closely to see whether Maati resonates as the labour of love its creators describe it to be.
Point of View
Kirkire and Ravjiani's willingness to let an idea breathe for 12 years before releasing it is either a sign of extraordinary artistic conviction or a savvy rebranding of delay as depth. The 'raindrop' conceptual framework is evocative, but the real test is whether the music sustains that metaphor across all six tracks. Independent music in India is growing, but emotional storytelling still needs a hit to anchor the catalogue — and that is the pressure 'Piyarva' now carries.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Maati' by Swanand Kirkire and Shekhar Ravjiani?
'Maati' is a six-song independent musical collection featuring Swanand Kirkire's lyrics and vocals alongside Shekhar Ravjiani's compositions. The project has been in development for over 12 years and is described by both artists as deeply personal.
When was the idea for 'Maati' first conceived?
The concept for 'Maati' originated nearly 12 years ago when Kirkire and Ravjiani were at a coffee shop on a rainy afternoon after finishing a studio session. What began as a casual conversation about creating something fresh evolved into the full musical project.
What is 'Piyarva' and how does it relate to 'Maati'?
'Piyarva' is the first song to be released from the 'Maati' collection. The two artists have conceptualised each track as a 'Boond' (raindrop), making 'Piyarva' the opening raindrop of the six-song journey.
Why is 'Maati' significant for Swanand Kirkire?
Kirkire has described 'Maati' as more than just a single or album, saying its meaning goes beyond conventional releases. For him, the song's decade-long evolution makes it the defining expression of his 12-year creative partnership with Ravjiani.
Is 'Maati' a film soundtrack or an independent release?
'Maati' is an independent musical project, not tied to any film. It represents a deliberate creative pivot for both Kirkire and Ravjiani, who are primarily known for their work in Bollywood film music.
