Rishab Shetty recalls how Diljit Dosanjh became part of 'Kantara: Chapter 1': 'I got stuck as I couldn't remember his name'

Diljit Dosanjh has crooned the Hindi version of the song 'Rebel' for Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1', which was released in theaters on October 2, 2025. In an interview, the actor-director shared how the Punjabi sensation became a part of the film. Shetty also expressed how they bonded while working on the song.In an interview with News18, Rishab Shetty shared that he wanted to work with Diljit Dosanjh; however, he couldn't remember the singer's name. The filmmaker revealed that he was in Kochi as post-production of the movie was ongoing. Shetty added that at that time, he wanted to get a singer who knows different languages and is not from Karnataka.Rishab Shetty added that the next morning he thought of Diljit; however, "I got stuck as I couldn't remember his name (laughs). I felt that with a strong voice like he has, he would be the perfect fit to sing 'Bole Re Kantara.'"Shetty shared that he did his research and recalled his name. After getting on a call with the producer and the music composer, the filmmaker told them that Diljit's voice would be the "perfect choice" for the track. He said, "They all got really excited."Rishab Shetty even recalled getting shocked after he called the singer's manager. He said, "I contacted his manager, who told me that Diljit cancelled his shows and took his entire team to rewatch Kantara. I was told that he's really fond of me and my film."Shetty added that within the next three to four days, he came on board and recorded the song at Aditya Chopra's studio in Mumbai. The actor stated that after the recording, Diljit told him that he wants to speak in private.Rishab Shetty told the publication, "Diljit spoke to me about his experience of watching 'Kantara' and how the film aligns with his personal beliefs. Woh bhi mere jaise bahot bade Shiv bhakt hai (He is also a devotee of Lord Shiv like me)."The actor shared that he felt it was like "a divine connection." He said, "It was divine energy that led him to Kantara and brought us together."Earlier, the Punjabi pop sensation dropped a picture with Rishab from the recording studio. He wrote, "With Big Brother @rishabshettyofficial. Salute to This Guy Man… Who made The Masterpiece KANTARA I have a Personal Connection with This film which I can't tell.. But I remember when I was watching in the theatres.. In The End when The song VARAHA ROOPAM Played I cried in so much ecstasy..."The film has earned Rs 94.71 crore at the box office, as per the Sacnilk report. The film is a prequel to the 2022 movie. It clashed with the Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer 'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari'.