Image Source : YouTube
A wave of nostalgia swept through the internet this week as an AI-powered cover of the hit song Saiyaara, recreated in the classic voice style of legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar, went viral. Produced by creators RJ Kisna and Anshuman Sharma, this digital rendition blends state-of-the-art technology with old-school musical flair, drawing both heartfelt praise and pointed criticism from music lovers, retro enthusiasts, and Bollywood fans everywhere.
How Did It Happen?
The viral version of Saiyaara started gaining traction after snippets surfaced on Instagram, YouTube, and X, featuring AI-generated vocals that closely mimic Kishore Kumar’s signature timbre, phrasing, and expressive emotion.
Creators RJ Kisna provided the base vocals, which Anshuman Sharma processed with AI tools to recreate Kishore Kumar’s style. Sharma also produced the retro-inspired background music, reinforcing the illusion that this song could have been a lost track from a 1970s film.
Clips pairing the AI version with classic Bollywood visuals—especially scenes of Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee from Rain-drenched Mumbai in “Rimjhim Gire Sawan”—helped the edit explode on social media feeds.
What Makes This Trend Special?
For millions of listeners, hearing the emotionally resonant Saiyaara reframed in Kishore Kumar’s voice delivered instant nostalgia and a sense of what-might-have-been.
Fans flooded comment sections, saying the cover was so convincing that they searched for an “original” lost Kishore song. Many described this AI experiment as a moving tribute, with phrases like “better than the original,” “Kishore Da could sing anything,” and “this version I can hear forever.”
The timing also coincided with Kishore Kumar’s birth anniversary, lending an added sentimental dimension to the project and making it feel like a digital homage.
A Divided Response: Innovation and Its Limits
While much of the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, there’s been a vocal minority who find AI re-creations unsettling, even disrespectful. Some fans argue that, no matter how sophisticated technology gets, the soulful essence of Kishore Kumar’s singing can never be truly imitated or replaced.
Critics brought up concerns about erasing the unique artistry behind originals like “Rimjhim Gire Sawan,” and wondered aloud if future generations will struggle to tell real from recreated.
The project also sparked conversation about AI’s rapidly growing role in music—can it help honor legends, or does it risk crossing lines and diluting originality?
Saiyaara’s Viral Run and Bollywood’s Evolving Soundscape
The attention surrounding this AI cover came as Saiyaara’s original soundtrack (from Mohit Suri’s film by the same name) continued to dominate streaming charts, becoming the first Bollywood song to crack Spotify’s Global Top 50 this month.
The remix culture, amplified by AI, is fast becoming a staple of modern Indian music, with creators looking to blend classic voices with current hits for new generations.
In Summary
The Kishore Kumar AI version of Saiyaara is more than a novelty—it shows how technology can evoke nostalgia, spark debate, and bridge generations with sound. As the viral trend continues, it’s clear that AI is poised to reshape our relationship with musical legends, sometimes delighting fans, sometimes ruffling feathers, but always keeping the conversation alive.
Source: Times of India, India Today, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Instagram, YouTube, and today’s trending music news as of August 5, 2025
Advertisement
Advertisement
