Machchli Jal Ki Rani Hai - What The Fish by Sandeep Chatterjee, Pinky Maidasani, Rhydun Chatterjee

Machchli Jal Ki Rani Hai - What The Fish is one of those rare Hindi tracks that manages to feel both fresh and familiar the moment it begins. Sandeep Chatterjee sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

Sandeep Chatterjee, Pinky Maidasani, Rhydun Chatterjee inhabits this song completely, making every phrase feel like it was written specifically for this voice. Dimple Kapadia, Manu Rishi, Manjot Singh, Anand Tiwari gave the film its soul, and Machchli Jal Ki Rani Hai - What The Fish is the song that most directly channels that feeling into music.

2013 was a strong year for Hindi music, and Machchli Jal Ki Rani Hai - What The Fish was among the reasons why. Whether it plays on a long drive, during a quiet evening at home, or through earphones on a crowded commute, the song meets the listener where they are.

Running to 2:48, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. The song continues to find new listeners, which is the surest sign that it was made with something genuine at its core.