Jasbir Jassi: Felt a sense of joy and sorrow

Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal and Jasbir Jassi

The Sharmaji Namkeen track, Ye luthrey, isn't the first one that Jasbir Jassi has rendered for the late Rishi Kapoor. His previous work for the actor was the Patiala House song, Laung da lashkara, but it is Jassi's Dil lagi kudi that seemed to have a special place in Kapoor's heart.

"When the song came out, Vinod Khanna ji called me from Jammu, and told me that Rishi ji was sitting with him. He made me sing the song then. On another occasion, I met him and Neetu ji at a restaurant, and he asked me to render it again. This time, he sang along, drawing the attention of those around us. We've shared many such moments," says Jassi, recalling his interaction with Kapoor.

Jassi admits that amid discussion on how the makers would showcase Paresh Rawal in the role that was being enacted by Kapoor until his demise, there was a sense of uncertainty. "When I heard that he was being replaced, I felt a sense of sorrow and joy. I saw the rushes, and could barely notice the difference. It was like a thinner version of Rishi ji was on screen. Rishi ji's presence will always be felt."