STILL NUMBER 1 by Emiway Bantai

STILL NUMBER 1 works because it does not try to do too much — it finds one feeling and holds it perfectly. The music, composed by Emiway Bantai, Mohd Bilal Shaikh, carries the song forward with a confidence that matches the performance.

What sets this recording apart is how Emiway Bantai handles the emotional weight — never overplaying, never holding back. Hearing STILL NUMBER 1 without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen STILL NUMBER 1.

2023 marked the release of STILL NUMBER 1, and STILL NUMBER 1 was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. It fits the playlist for almost any occasion, which is rare — most songs have a narrow emotional window. This one does not.

At 3:55, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. Songs like STILL NUMBER 1 are the reason people fall in love with Indian Pop music and never quite fall out of it.