Maha Shivratri Special: Kailash Kher On His Devotion For Lord Shiva, Singing 'Jay Jay Kedara' & More (Exclusive)

As we immerse in the divine fervour and festivities of Maha Shivratri and conclude the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, we speak to Padmashree Kailash Kher.

In an exclusive interview, he tells us about his devotion for Lord Shiva and how he feels connected with the divine. The singer of ‘Jay Jay Kedara’ and ‘Chalo Kumbh Chale’ recollects instances from his musical career.

Excerpts:

Your thoughts on Maha Shivratri.

Har Har Mahadev! There’s no place where one can find peace, calmness and truth, except in God’s name. Keeping oneself engaged in Shiva’s name brings bliss and happiness. It keeps you in true consciousness.

Is music your way to connect with God?

God is already connected. Bholenath is always connected with me and he is with me 24x7. He is the doer. I am the output created by him. He is the ‘karta’ and he is making me do things. Music is a way to connect with the world.

Watch full interview below

Maha Kumbh Sangam & Chalo Kumbh Chale: You have given a couple of songs for Kumbh Mela and they are trending. Your word on Maha Kumbh.  

It’s God’s blessing and compassion that these songs are on the top list. Bharat is very special and many significant events happen here. One such is Kumbh. This year, we are observing Poorna Maha Kumbh which is taking place after 144 years. It has its own greatness and significance. One important thing is that people must experience this as a Tirth Yatra and not as a picnic to soak in its essence.

Bollywood or Bhakti Geet, what do you like the most?

I enjoy both. Earlier, Bollywood playback singers wouldn’t engage in recording many songs dedicated to God. In 2006, I stepped into the industry and brought a wave of Bhakti Geet. Along with typical filmy beats, I gave a message that singers can also give their voice to spiritual music… I initially approached Amitabh Bachchan Ji and gradually 16 music artists agreed to perform ‘Jai Jai Kedara’.

Can you hint us about a song you are currently working on?

‘Shiv Ki Alakh’ is an unreleased song of mine and that’s currently on my mind. A glimpse into its lyrics: “Hat hateele hatti, jidd ke adiyal jiddi…bhasma Mahakal ki…saari saari raat Shiv ki alakh”.

As a composer, what’s your take on people using abusive words in the lyrics these days?

We must realise God himself is seated in the Vishuddha Chakra (throat). Thus, we must not utter indecent words and instead involve in something pure and good.

Not only Shiva songs, you’ve also sung 'Allah Ke Bande', 'Maula Mere’...

Hahaha! Interestingly, yes, I have sung so many songs in Allah’s name. Maula, rabba, hey Allah… I believe Mahadev is making me perform these songs noting the world is busy living with the concept of religion. True religion of a person is ‘dharma’, not Hindu-Muslim.

An unforgettable memory with any other artist/s.

I was at a recording session with AR Rehman and it was already night. We were working for a song from ‘Swades’, which comes in the voice of three singers. Who will sing which segment of the song was not yet determined. So, we were being made to sing the entire lyrics. Before me, Udit Narayan Ji was singing at the studio. The young me was both anxious and excited noting it was getting late. Seeing me, Rehman sir asked, “You wanna sing? You wanna record entire song?” … It was a beautiful learning experience. And, that’s how ‘Yuh Hi Chala Chal Rahi’ happened.

What inspired you to write 'Teri Deewani - Shabdon Ke Paar'?

It is my first book and it is available across the globe. I have captured and put down the trivia and anecdotes about my songs like Teri Deewani, Saiyaan, and many more in this book. It is a heartfelt piece of writing that reflects on the emotions and experiences around my songs.