The wait of a decade is over
How many times have you listened to “Kuchh Toh Bata Zindagi“ from Salman Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan and found yourself swept away by its emotional depth?
Isn’t it just pure magic poured into one song?
The said magic was created when the beautiful lyrics written by Neelesh Misra met the soulful voice of Jubin Nautiyal. It has been a decade since this magic was created and so here we are, unveiling it again.
Now, a decade later, the duo returns with Eeja—a song that is as personal as it is universal.
Why Eeja?
Eeja means “mother” in the Pahadi dialects from the mountains of India. But here, it goes beyond the idea of a biological mother.
This song is a lyrical letter to Mother Earth, to the hills of India, and to the intimate, sacred relationship we once shared with them. It speaks of the grief and longing that comes with watching nature slowly disappear under the weight of development and human greed. It talks about the degradation of the mountains and natural landscapes of India.
Infused with folk influences and minimal instrumentation, Eeja carries strong regional references—phrases and memories that ground it deeply in the culture of the mountains—while still resonating universally.
Neelesh Misra’s poetic writing gives voice to the Earth’s quiet sorrow, while Jubin Nautiyal’s soulful voice breathes life into every word.
The song is full of beautiful pahaadi references like Pichhoda, Neembu Saane, Aipan, Ghughuti and much more. All these make the song s personal nostalgia for all those who have grown up in the mountains, just like Misra and Nautiyal. The beautiful video directed by Bharat Kukteri is a bliss to watch and peep into the lives of people living in the mountains.
Being so personalised for the hills and its people, the song still manages to leave an impact on every viewer’s heart. If you are from the mountains, if you have been there or if you care even a little about nature, this song is surely going to leave an impact on you.
“It’s always a great pleasure working with Neelesh ji,” says Jubin Nautiyal. “Zindagi Kuch Toh Bata was the last song we did together, and it remains my favourite writing of all time. His words carry the fragrance of our land. Eeja is a masterpiece by him, and I feel grateful to lend my voice to such a cult song.”
“This song holds a special place in my heart,” he adds.
Neelesh Misra’s gift to the world on his Birthday
What makes this release even more special is its timing. Eeja was released on May 4, 2025—Neelesh Misra’s birthday.
In a world where birthdays are often about receiving, he chose to offer something instead: a song that moves, awakens, and reminds us of what we’re losing. A gift to the Earth, wrapped in verses.
“This is a song I wish I never had to write,” says Misra. “But sometimes, when you see the place you love the most being wounded every day, you use whatever voice you have. For me, it’s stories. For Jubin, it’s music. Eeja is our shared voice—a love letter, a lament, and a warning.”
“Environmental storytellers from Pagdandi and Baramasa also helped us bring the visual storytelling alive. The video, directed by Bharat Kukteri, is more than just a music video—it’s a timeless piece of our culture.”
Their creative synergy, first witnessed in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, returns here with even more depth. This time, their music is not just a story of love between people—but a love letter to nature, to memory, and to the fading beauty of the hills that once cradled us.
Eeja is now streaming on all major platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
Go listen and let it stir something in you!
