A. R. Rahman was initially considered as the composer for the film after previously collaborating with Lagaan (2001), Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005), Rang De Basanti (2006) and Ghajini (2008); he was involved in the project during July 2015.[1] Prasoon Joshi was also confirmed to write the lyrics.[2] But once the production was delayed, Rahman and Prasoon Joshi opted out of the project citing scheduling conflicts.[3] Later, Amit Trivedi and Kausar Munir were brought in as the composer and lyricist respectively.[4] Calling it as a "dream come true" moment on working with Khan,[5] Trivedi enjoyed the composition process and found Khan as a delight to work with, being mentored and guided throughout the music curation, especially while recording the songs and background score under Khan's supervision, where the latter provides suggestions for the music.[4] Khan complimented Trivedi's work as the film revolved around a 15-year-old singer-songwriter and music was considered a pivotal part in the film.[6]
Meghna Mishra was chosen as the singing voice for Insia Malik (Wasim) performing five songs for the album. She received the offer for the film in March 2016, when Mishra had completed her 9th standard exams, from Trivedi's studio manager Ashish Narula through a telephonic conversation and presented her a contract, which she never signed before.[7] She then met Trivedi, Munir and Chandan at Khan's farmhouse in Panchgani, where he had composed all the songs outside the house and discussed with her about the tune. She rehearsed for her vocals throughout the day, and record it in the evening at a mini studio setup by Trivedi in one of the rooms. Post the recording and mixing, he would call all of the team members to ensure that he would listen to the songs and share their opinions, except for Khan who joined 3–4 days later. Upon working with Khan, Mishra said that "It doesn't feel like you are working with Aamir sir; you feel so comfortable [...] He used to make suggestions, taught me good things. I learnt a lot from him like dedication, passion for work."[8]
The first song "Main Kaun Hoon" was released on 23 August 2017 at a launch event in Mumbai.[10][11] It was released as a digital single and a music video that released two days later.[12] The second song "Meri Pyaari Ammi" was released in a music video format on 7 September 2017.[13][14][15] The music video for the third song "Sapne Re" was released on 17 September.[16] The soundtrack album was released on 21 September 2017.[9]
Reception
Joginder Tuteja of Bollywood Hungama wrote "Secret Superstar boasts of a decent to good soundtrack and though this one isn't really a major musical that one would have expected out of it, as an overall package it should make an impression in the film."[17] Manish Gaekwad of Film Companion wrote "Trivedi's tunes and Munir's lyrics do a splendid job of illustrating Insiya's world; her hopes and dreams, and faithfully remain secondary because her struggle isn't just about the music."[18]Karthik Srinivasan of Milliblog described it as a "charming—and conventional—soundtrack."[19] Vipin Nair of The Hindu wrote "Secret Superstar’s music scores high owing to Kausir Munir’s words and singer Meghna Mishra".[20]
Meena Iyer of The Times of India wrote "Amit Trivedi’s music is pleasing but the score doesn’t have the winning quality needed for a film like this. The lyrics by Kausar Munir just about pass muster."[21] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare described the background score as "soul stirring" while further added "Secret Superstar's most magical moment also comes thanks to Trivedi's song Nachdi phiran. This song and the way it plays out in the film’s screenplay is pure magic."[22] Udita Jhunjhunwala of Scroll.in wrote "Amit Trivedi’s music and Kausar Munir’s lyrics are not very catchy and are cheesy even. But put them in the context of a 15-year-old’s imagination and the simplistic rhyme makes sense. What remains unconvincing however, is Insiya’s rapid rise. With Meghna Mishra doing the vocals for Insiya, she sounds competent but still a long way from being a superstar who would get instant online fame."[23] Mayur Sanap of Deccan Chronicle wrote "Amit Trivedi's winsome music is another striking aspect of the film. Songs like ‘Main Kaun Hoon’, ‘Pyaari Ammi’, ‘Nachdi Phira’ are very charming and will stay with you after the film."[24]
Chinese versions
For the film's China release, a Mandarin Chinese version of the song "Main Kaun Hoon" was sung by actor-singer Huang Bo. He was previously Aamir Khan's voice actor for the Mandarin dub of 3 Idiots.[25]
For the film's Hong Kong release, a Cantonese version of "Nachdi Phira" has been sung by Cantopop star Kay Tse. The Cantonese version of the song is entitled "Ko Sing Yue Cho" and was released digitally on 11 April 2018.[26][27][28]
^Tuteja, Joginder (19 October 2017). "Secret Superstar Music Review". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
