Singer-Songwriter Rounak Maiti's Latest Release Captures The Angst & Restlessness Of Youth

Karanjit Singh

Known for his deeply personal lyricism, Rounak Maiti, a singer-songwriter and producer confronts aspects of his identity through his music. Having grown up as part of the diaspora community in America, Rounak’s upcoming release Enlightened! via Pagal Haina is the first song he wrote upon returning to India in 2019.

It highlights his longing to understand the past while continuing to reflect on themes of selfhood. It is nostalgic and moving as it confronts the past while capturing the advent of a new beginning. It sees the singer in pursuit of something greater as he is confronted with the angst and restlessness of youth.

"Enlightened! is a love song, but also a coming-of-age song. It captures my restlessness to ‘become something’ or achieve some kind of greater, higher purpose - if there even is one - while at the same time acknowledging that this pursuit can often distract you from focusing on the ones you love and the ones you truly care about. I think ultimately I try to make peace with the fact that there isn't some greater meaning to uncover, but just love that persists in the end."

Rounak Maiti

Through 'Enlightened!' Rounak attempts to tackle his relationship with memory as well, which is a fraught and fragmented thing and is highly influenced by the historical artefacts of his life. Items like photographs, videos, letters, and old text messages that remain close to his heart. Furthermore, as one of the first songs he wrote on moving back to India, it allowed him to confront aspects of his identity that were initially put aside while living in America. The song embodies nostalgia and seeks to reckon with a potential future.

The song is accompanied by a music video directed by Rounak & Surabhi Chowdhury, shot by Jayant Parasher and edited by Rana Ghose. It also features Rounak's sister, Rohini Maiti and her presence as the imaginary 'protagonist' of this story is crucial; as it explores themes of memory and family; bringing the entire project full circle.

You can listen to it here: