The Timeless Charm of “Kya Karoon” and Why It Still Feels Like the Soundtrack of Growing Up
Some songs don’t just play in the background of a movie. They slip quietly into people’s lives and stay there for years. “Kya Karoon” from Ayan Mukerji’s 2009 film Wake Up Sid is one of those songs. Even today, it feels like a breath of fresh air, the kind that arrives when life suddenly begins to make sense. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma, and together they created a coming-of-age story that still resonates deeply with young adults navigating independence, identity, and the chaos of early adulthood.
The track was created by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, a trio that has shaped the sound of modern Hindi cinema with their effortless blend of Indian melodic roots and global pop-rock influences. “Kya Karoon” sits in a sweet spot in their discography. It feels weightless, sincere and joyful without trying too hard. Clinton Cerejo’s warm, textured vocals carry the song with a kind of easy confidence, supported by Dominique Cerejo and Loy Mendonsa, who add lightness and harmony. Javed Akhtar’s lyrics tie everything together with his signature clarity, turning simple emotions into a relatable inner monologue.
In the film, the song arrives at a turning point. Sid, played by Ranbir Kapoor, has spent most of his life drifting through college, friendships and responsibilities without any real sense of direction. After a fallout with his parents, he moves in with Aisha, a new writer in the city whose independence and sincerity inspire him in quiet ways he doesn’t immediately understand. “Kya Karoon” plays over a montage of Sid helping Aisha set up her tiny Mumbai apartment. The two of them shop for curtains, arrange furniture, unpack boxes and share small conversations. Nothing dramatic happens, yet everything shifts.
These scenes show Sid experiencing something new. For the first time, he feels useful. He feels needed. He begins to understand that life isn’t only about luxury or privilege; it is about finding meaning in ordinary efforts. The song mirrors that feeling with its upbeat strumming, gentle rhythm and optimistic tone. It captures that moment when a young person realizes they are capable of more than they believed. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter, filled with small discoveries and the first spark of real purpose.
Part of the reason “Kya Karoon” feels so timeless is the honesty in its composition. The music is not loud or dramatic. It is simple. It feels like sunlight through a window on a slow morning. It carries the energy of a young adult taking the first steps into adulthood, not with confidence, but with curiosity. Many people who watched Wake Up Sid during their school or college years now look back at this song with nostalgia, remembering a time when they too were finding their way.
Fifteen years later, “Kya Karoon” still feels like a companion to anyone beginning again. Whether someone is moving to a new city, trying to understand their passion, starting a job, or restarting life after setbacks, the song gently reminds them that change can feel delightful when you lean into it. It celebrates the beauty of small beginnings and the joy that comes from finally waking up to who you can become.
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