Exclusive: Shaan's son Maahi: My father doesn't put any pressure on me but I can't slack off, have a legacy to carry

Exclusive: My father doesn't put any pressure on me but I can't slack off, have a legacy to carry, says Shaan's son Maahi

The official music video of Jaan Se Zyada is out—and it will transport you into a sweet summer of love, led by young singing sensation Maahi and his soothing voice. Featuring Maahi alongside actress Aadhya Anand, the video captures a heartfelt story of love and longing, unfolding like a tender dream. A special surprise awaits fans: Maahi's parents, including his legendary father Shaan, also appear in the video, making it a personal and emotional milestone for the young artist. In an exclusive chat with Moneycontrol.com, Maahi poured his heart out.

At just 20 years old, Maahi has already captured attention—not just because of his lineage, but due to the sincerity and soul he brings to his music. In a candid chat, Maahi opened up about life, music, legacy, and the path he's paving for himself.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Saregama India (@saregama_official)

Story continues below Advertisement

Remove Ad

"I am feeling very blessed and very honored that I am getting these opportunities. As soon as you get these opportunities, you want to make the best of it, you want to give it your all. My focus is to practice more, get better as a singer, as a performer, so that I can give justice to these opportunities."

When asked about the best piece of advice his father has given him, Maahi reflected not just on music, but on life itself:

"As soon as I get this question, I naturally think of music, but in terms of life. Obviously, more than a senior singer, he is my father. I think the advice is just life-based, not just what to do in music.Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. Whatever you eat, eat it with all your heart. Whatever you do, do it 100%. Not just in singing, but when I play gully cricket, I dive. That philosophy is for life, not just for music."

Jaan Se Zyada marks a unique moment in Maahi’s career—not just musically, but emotionally, as both his parents appear in the video.

"It was really, really good. I think this music video will stay with me for a long time. I have never done a video like this before. I don't know if I will get an opportunity like this in the future. For me, this music video is very special. I think I will be looking at this video for years and years ahead. This is a song that celebrates eternal love. The best example for me is my parents. Which is why this music video is all that."

Also Read: Why Shefali Jariwala was taking skin glow and anti-ageing tablets? Final cause of death to be revealed in next two days

Speaking of musical influences, Maahi shared his deep admiration for modern Bollywood music and the tracks that inspire him:

"Yes, of course. I think there are a lot of such songs. I don't know if I could have sung it better. But one of my favorite songs is Sajni. That came out Laapata Ladies. Obviously, I know I wouldn't be able to sing it as well as Arijit. It's a different level. But it's a beautiful song. I cover this song in my life. But along with that, I think a lot of music is always at the top of my priority list. There are so many good songs. I think in Nadaaniya, yes, your debut. There is a beautiful track in Ishq. All these songs are at the top of my playlist."

As for upcoming projects or offers, Maahi keeps his approach grounded and honest:

"Right now, my focus is on music. But I don't know about life. But it's not like I'm rejecting offers. Right now, I've just started. And there are so many Indian playback singers. I'm open and ready to sing. So, it's not like I'm getting a lot of offers. In fact, I'm very excited and looking forward to getting some offers for singing."

With a surname like Shaan’s, one might expect pressure—but Maahi views it with maturity and grace:

"I think it would be impossible for no pressure to come. But there's no pressure from dad and mom directly. They don't put much pressure on me. Actually, there is a bit of pressure. But I think that pressure is also important. When they want to practice for more than 10 minutes, or when they want to do something, that pressure is less. But no, I have a legacy to honor and carry forward. I can't slack off. So, this is the mentality. But at the same time, there is no crumbling pressure."

When a reel introducing him went viral, the internet embraced Maahi warmly—something he does not take for granted.

"I'm very, very grateful. I think I'm blessed that people online, netizens, Yeah, netizens. I've been very, very kind and very, very sweet. And I promise that I won't be complacent. They said, let's sing in tune. But that doesn't mean that I'll stop practicing. I'm a top class guy. I still know that I have a lot to learn. Right now, my focus is that only. I'm just trying to get better as a singer. Sing in tune, stay in tune. All of this is my priority right now. And I promise that I'll keep practicing. I'll keep getting better."

Does Maahi resemble his father in more ways than just musical talent? Many say yes.

Of course, I think it's a testament to, you know, his legacy that he's left behind. That people also, you know, they recognize the way he speaks and moves. And I think it happens naturally. I think with a father-son relationship, if you see a son who has a great relationship with his father, naturally, their gestures and movements become a little similar. But, you know, I'm also, I mean, trying to sort of carve my own path."

As a young artist often labeled a "nepo kid," Maahi remains aware but unfazed—choosing instead to let his dedication speak.

Yes, I naturally read them. I think it's an inclination to say, no, I don't read comments. I just reply to them every morning. But it's not like that. You know, I'm 20 and I always read the comments. Very, very heartwarming to see the love and praise. I think it's something I've been working on hard. And it's not like, you know, I'm not, I wasn't a natural with singing. Especially in the beginning. It's pretty bad.

Even a few years ago. Along with that, it motivates me to get better. Because I also know that I'm not very good. I've seen the level of, you know, people who are my age, people who are younger than me and better singers than me. So that motivation, you know, keeps coming to me. I want to get better, better, better than myself yesterday. Which is why I think that practice is important. I'm talking about practice again and again. Because I think my main goal is that only. It's not like, you know, obviously, I mean, we have aspirations that I have to do this, I have to do that in life. But the goal is to wake up tomorrow, do your practice. And I feel like everything else will follow."