Abhay Verma & Pragati on recreating 'Pehla Nasha 2.0,' blending old-school romance with a modern touch.

During an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Abhay Verma and Pragati shared their excitement and emotions about being part of the modern rendition of the iconic love song "Pehla Nasha. 2.0" The duo discussed the magic of recreating a classic, their on-screen chemistry, and their personal experiences with first love. Here's what they had to say:

1. "Pehla Nasha" is an iconic love song that holds a special place in everyone's heart. How did it feel to be part of its modern rendition?

Abhay: It actually felt too good to be true when Saregama approached me for it because Pehla Nasha is one song I have always dreamt of being a part of. I’ve imagined myself in it all my life, whenever I got the chance. But of course, these are big shoes to fill.

Pragati and I often discussed this, especially during the iconic sweater sequence. I remember taking a moment, holding her hand, and with a glint in our eyes, realizing that we were recreating something so legendary in the history of Hindi cinema. To be part of such a pure and timeless love song was truly surreal.

Pragati: Yes, Pehla Nasha is undoubtedly an iconic song, and everyone knows that. Recreating it did come with a bit of pressure, but seeing how the audience is reacting positively has been really encouraging.

We tried our best to retain the original essence of Pehla Nasha while adding some Punjabi Qawwali elements and contemporary, fresh music to give it a new vibe.

2. What was your first reaction when you got to know you'd be recreating this classic? Did you feel any pressure to live up to the original?

Abhay: You know, a lot of good things in my life have started with a "no." And honestly, I initially said no to this because, of course, Pehla Nasha is unimaginable without Aamir Khan.

But when Kartik sir from Saregama told me, "We are imagining you in this role, and we can only imagine you as him," I was speechless. Believability is one thing, but when a senior person says they see you in that space, I was just actually very overwhelmed and I had nothing to say. So I just bowed my head down and shut my mouth up. And just quietly and with the purest of intent, did it with an intention of giving sort of like an ode to Aamir sir.

Pragati: I was involved in the whole process when I got to know that we are doing Pehla Nasha. Since I am a Saregama talent, I knew from the very beginning that we are doing this song. I was a little nervous because this song is sung by Sadhna ji, which is a very difficult song to sing.

But I practiced a lot, and we had several jam sessions where we worked together to make it happen.

3. This version blends nostalgia with a modern touch. What elements do you think make it the perfect Valentine's anthem for today's generation?

Abhay: I think it’s the amalgamation of today’s dating culture—like dating apps and other modern elements—while also sprinkling in that old-school romance we all cherish. Blending these two time-defining aspects into a sweet concept made it even more special.

Love is a language older than humanity itself, and I don’t think there could be any song better than Pehla Nasha to define love, no matter the timeline.

Pragati: The message this song conveys is that real love exists beyond right swipes. I think it serves as a reminder to this generation that everyone should experience the purest form of love at least once in today’s fast-paced world. And Pehla Nasha is the perfect song for that.

4. Shooting romantic sequences requires chemistry. How did you both break the ice and build that effortless on-screen bond?

Pragati: I was very nervous, to be honest. But Abhay made me feel comfortable because he was so supportive on set. Would you like to add something to that?

Abhay: Yeah, I’d like to say that the ice was never really there to break. We had only met once before—for about 45 seconds—and the next thing I knew, we were shooting together. Pragati is such an inspiration for young people, and I was honestly very happy to work with her. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-actor, to be very honest.

As for chemistry—well, the chemistry, physics, and biology were all there to make it happen in the best way possible. For both of us, it wasn’t just a song; it was a love language. And we wanted to express that language in the most sincere and heartfelt way possible.

5. Do you personally relate to the emotions of 'Pehla Nasha'? Have you ever had a real-life 'first love' moment like in the song?

Abhay: Oh yes, of course! I have, and it was during my school days, to be very honest with you. It really does feel like violins are playing in the background, just like in the movies.

As Ranbir Kapoor once said in an interview, even water starts tasting like sharbat. And that’s exactly how it feels. Even the biggest problems suddenly seem so small, and that’s what love is all about.

Love makes you feel extraordinary, special, and important. It makes you feel like you truly matter. And I think that’s the greatest feeling in the world.

Pragati: For me, my Pehla Nasha moment was also during my school days. When you like someone at that age, it's so pure and innocent because there are no expectations.

That love comes from a place of genuine innocence. You’re not expecting anything in return—you just like that person wholeheartedly, and you’re fully expressive and completely into them. So, yeah.

6. Any fun or memorable moments from the shoot that you'd love to share?

Abhay: I think one of the most memorable things I discovered about Pragati is that she likes Italian food with an Indian twist. So, we had the most Indian version of pizzas ordered on set!

But beyond that, what truly stood out to me was how, in so many ways, she embodies the qualities every boy would dream of in a life partner. She is gentle, kind, supportive, and giving.

I think that is the most special thing about her, and I sincerely hope she continues being that way—for herself and others.

With a beautiful blend of nostalgia and fresh elements, Abhay Verma and Pragati’s recreation of 'Pehla Nasha' is a heartwarming tribute to the original. Their passion and dedication to keeping the song’s essence intact while bringing a modern touch make it a perfect love anthem for today’s generation. Fans are already showering love on the duo, and their chemistry on-screen is making waves.