Shartan by Mankirat Pannu

Shartan arrived from the Shartan album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2022. Khan Bhaini's arrangement gives the track a layered quality that rewards repeated listening.

Mankirat Pannu brings a warmth to Shartan that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. Hearing Shartan without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Shartan.

When it came out in 2022, Shartan felt timely. Years later, it feels timeless. Shartan is the song for the end of a long day when you want music that understands something without being asked to explain it.

The concision of Shartan — just 2:40 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Years from now, Shartan will still be the track that plays at the right moment and lands exactly as it did the first time.