Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon

"Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" (transl. Whether I Live or Not) is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language romantic released as a standalone by T-Series. Sung by Armaan Malik, the track was composed by his brother Amaal Mallik and features lyrics penned by Rashmi Virag. The song's melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics revolve around enduring love beyond one's existence, making it a poignant expression of eternal commitment. Directed by Amit Sharma and produced by under the T-Series banner, the music video stars Bollywood actors and , marking their third on-screen collaboration, following the 2012 films and Raaz 3. Shot on location in , the narrative unfolds as a reflective love story where Hashmi's character, David, recounts his first romance and emotional turmoil to a young child, emphasizing the theme that "Stories End, Love Stories Don’t." The video premiered on on November 24, 2015, and has garnered widespread acclaim for its visuals and emotional depth. As of 2025, the music video has amassed over 443 million views on . The achieved significant commercial success as part of T-Series' series of popular non-film singles, following hits like "Dheere Dheere Se." It achieved significant on platforms like , with over 195 million streams, where it maintains high streaming , and received a 9.0/10 user rating on based on over 10,000 votes. An unplugged version was later released in , further extending its appeal among listeners.

Background

Development

"Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" was conceived as the debut single for singer under the T-Series label, emphasizing themes of romantic persistence in love. The project was greenlit by T-Series producer , marking a significant launch for the young vocalist in the Indian music industry. The lyrics were penned by , centering on the concept of eternal love that transcends physical presence, with lines expressing a desire for the beloved to remain in memories and dreams even if the singer is gone. This poetic approach captured the essence of unwavering emotional connection, aligning with the song's core message. The track represented an early collaboration between brothers , handling vocals, and , responsible for composition, as a nod to their family's musical heritage tracing back to their grandfather, the renowned composer . Drawing from traditional Bollywood romantic motifs of undying affection, the brothers adapted the idea into a contemporary to appeal to a broader, modern audience.

Production

The song "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" was recorded in 2015 at T-Series studios in , where lead vocalist laid down his vocals over multiple takes to capture the emotional depth of the . This process involved close collaboration between the Malik brothers, with composer overseeing the sessions to refine nuances like a specific line that required re-recording after initial completion. Amaal Mallik managed the composition, arrangement, and overall production, blending acoustic guitars performed by Vinod Hutton with piano elements and subtle electronic programming by and Gaurav Vasvani to achieve the song's intimate style. Vocals were produced by Amey at Audiogarage Studios in , ensuring a polished vocal texture that complemented the instrumentation. The project was executive produced by alongside Amaal Mallik, with final mixing and mastering handled by Eric Pillai at Future Sound of Bombay, completed by early November 2015 ahead of the song's release. The production reflected a focused effort by the T-Series team.

Release and promotion

Commercial release

"Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" was released as a digital single by T-Series on November 24, 2015, marking the official commercial launch of the across streaming platforms including , , and . The audio version of the song runs for 5:10 minutes, and its initial upload to quickly accumulated views, bolstered by T-Series' promotional efforts targeting the audience. This release served as a strategic move by T-Series to establish as a solo artist following his playback singing debut in films, positioning the track as an independent single without affiliation to any parent album in the competitive market. The commercial rollout coincided briefly with the simultaneous launch of its accompanying to maximize initial exposure.

Music video

The music video for "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" was directed by Amit Sharma and filmed in the scenic locales of , , including and , starting in late October 2015. Production wrapped after three days of shooting, capturing a visually striking aesthetic in the coastal settings to convey emotional depth. The video stars and as the central couple, with in a supporting role, enacting a tale of marked by reunion and eventual loss. It follows their emotional arc through phases of romance, friendship, nostalgia, yearning, craziness, and heartbreak, culminating in a poignant, bittersweet ending that underscores persistent affection despite separation. Clocking in at 6:47 minutes, the video was released alongside the audio single on November 24, 2015, with its cinematic styling in designed to amplify visual appeal and encourage shares on platforms like .

Composition

Music and arrangement

"Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" is classified as an song with romantic elements. It received the Mirchi Music Award for Best Song of the Year in 2016. The track is composed in the key of and maintains a of 136 beats per minute () in 4/4 , giving it a measured, emotive pace suitable for its romantic undertones. The song's structure adheres to a conventional pop format, beginning with an intro followed by a , multiple interludes, two verses, and concluding with repeated . This allows for a gradual emotional build, starting with sparse elements in the intro and verses before intensifying in the choruses. Key includes strums, which form the rhythmic backbone as detailed in arrangements. melodies provide melodic support, highlighted in dedicated tutorials for the track. The overall production blends these organic sounds with contemporary pop styling, drawing influences from Bollywood romantic melodies while aiming for broad radio accessibility.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon," written by , revolve around the core theme of eternal and emotional permanence, emphasizing that true connection endures beyond the singer's physical presence. The central , "Main rahoon ya na rahoon, tum mujh mein kahin baaki rehna," translates to "Whether I remain or not, stay somewhere within me," underscoring a selfless devotion where the beloved's memory sustains the singer's . This motif of immortality through portrays the as an indelible part of one's identity, with the narrator imploring their partner to retain their influence in everyday sensations and subconscious realms. Key verses vividly depict longing and cherished memories, such as "Mujhe neend aaye jo aakhiri, tum khwabon mein aate rehna" ("If sleep comes to me for the last time, keep appearing in my dreams"), which evokes the of separation while affirming the lover's role as a comforting constant. The chorus reinforces this by highlighting the beloved's lasting imprint on the heart, using imagery of to symbolize ongoing presence: "Baarish ki boondon mein mehke tu, dhoop ki kirnon mein chamke tu" ("Bloom in the raindrops, shine in the sun's rays"). These lines illustrate a narrative of quiet sacrifice, where persists through absence, blending personal with universal sentiments of attachment. The poetic style employs simple, repetitive phrases to heighten emotional resonance, with the recurring titular hook creating a that mirrors the inevitability of enduring . Metaphors drawn from breath, dreams, and —such as winds carrying fragrance or shining in moonlit nights—add layers of intimacy without overt sensuality, relying on subtle to convey depth. This restraint aligns with romantic ideals of selfless, love, where emotional bonds transcend material or physical desires, reflecting Bollywood's of portraying as a profound, non-possessive force.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" achieved significant popularity upon its release in November 2015, particularly on platforms in .

Certifications and sales

The was released exclusively as a single by T-Series, with no physical sales reported. As of November 2025, the official music video has accumulated over 443 million views on . On , the track has surpassed 195 million streams as of November 2025, reflecting its enduring popularity. No formal certifications were issued for the track, with its commercial success primarily driven by digital streaming and video views.

Reception

Critical response

Critics praised the song for Armaan Malik's emotive vocals, which conveyed deep emotional depth in the narrative, and Amaal Mallik's composition that blended contemporary pop elements with heartfelt orchestration. highlighted its "heart touching" quality, noting how the track captures the essence of enduring love through its poignant delivery. Similarly, described it as a "soothing number," emphasizing the smooth fusion of and that resonated with listeners seeking emotional solace. The music video was noted for its cinematic appeal, featuring stunning visuals of that enhanced the song's themes of selfless love and sacrifice, with and Esha Gupta's performances adding a layer of visual . commended the video's for illustrating why "love stories don't end," portraying a poignant tale of unspoken emotions and lasting bonds. However, some reviewers pointed to minor critiques regarding the predictability of its Bollywood-style romance, suggesting it relied on familiar tropes of and dramatic farewells, though these did not overshadow the overall charm. The overall reception was positive, with the track lauded as a breakthrough for in 2015, marking a significant non-film success for the brothers and establishing their signature style in releases. referred to it as a "love anthem that is still a fan favourite," underscoring its enduring appeal and role in elevating Armaan 's profile beyond Bollywood soundtracks. This critical acclaim aligned with its commercial success, contributing to widespread streaming popularity.

Accolades

"Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" garnered recognition at major Indian music awards ceremonies. At the 8th Mirchi Music Awards held in 2016, the song won the Best Indie Pop Song award, highlighting its impact in the independent pop genre. The accompanying music video also received honors at the 6th Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) Awards in 2016, where it was awarded Best Music Video for its compelling visuals featuring Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta.

References

  1. [1]
    Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta's soothing number 'Main rahoon ...
    Nov 24, 2015 · Raaz 3 stars, Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta, have again come together for Bhushan Kumar's music video 'Main rahoon ya na rahoon.'
  2. [2]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Full Video | Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta
    Nov 23, 2015 · ... main-rahoon-ya-na-rahoon-songs/16790304 ---------------------------------------------- Set "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" song ... song || #lyrics ...
  3. [3]
    Armaan Malik: Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon (Music Video 2015)
    Rating 9/10 (361) Armaan Malik: Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon. Music Video; 2015. IMDb RATING. 9.0/10. 361. YOUR RATING. Rate. Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta in Armaan Malik: Main ...
  4. [4]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon - Amaal Mallik - Musicstax
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon is very popular on Spotify, being rated between 30 and 90% popularity on Spotify right now. It is likely that this track is being ...
  5. [5]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Unplugged - Spotify
    Listen to Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Unplugged on Spotify. Song · Amaal Mallik, Armaan Malik, Rashmi Virag · 2018.
  6. [6]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Full LYRICAL Video - YouTube
    Dec 8, 2015 · Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon LYRICS - T-Series presents Bhushan ... Song - Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Director - Amit Sharma Music - Amaal ...
  7. [7]
    Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik perform together on TV - DNA India
    Nov 2, 2017 · The duo, who shot for the episode a couple of days ago gave a tribute to their grandfather (Sardar Malik) by singing the song Main Rahoon Ya Na ...
  8. [8]
    Armaan Malik Interview | Entertainment - iDiva
    Oct 10, 2016 · For instance, when I sung Main Rahoon ya na Rahoon and I finished recording, Amaal was not happy with one line. I had left from the recoding ...
  9. [9]
    When did Armaan Malik & Amaal Mallik release “Main Rahoon Ya ...
    When did Armaan Malik & Amaal Mallik release “Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon”? Armaan Malik & Amaal Mallik released “Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon” on November 24, 2015.
  10. [10]
    COVER STORY: Armaan Malik | The Making of a Pop Star
    Sep 8, 2020 · “Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon” was a song of mine which was released in 2015 [featuring actors Emraan Hashmi and Eisha Gupta] and it was a non ...
  11. [11]
    Interview of the Week- Armaan Malik, Singer-Songwriter - Musicplus
    While some would call him a child prodigy, Armaan Malik only became a household name after the hit single, Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon (2015), composed by his ...Missing: multiple | Show results with:multiple
  12. [12]
    Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta come together for a music video
    Oct 27, 2015 · 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon' will take the viewers through a ride of different emotions like love, friendship, nostalgia, craziness, yearning and ...
  13. [13]
    Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta steam it up again | Filmfare.com
    Oct 27, 2015 · The duo will be directed by Tevar director, Amit Sharma with the single, Main rahoon ya na rahoon ... shot completely in Goa, mainly Chapora Fort ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Esha Gupta and Emraan Hashmi's single gets audience emotional
    Nov 28, 2015 · WATCH: Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Full Video | Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta | Amaal Mallik, Armaan Malik. End of Article. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
  15. [15]
    Rahoon ya Na Rahun Lyrics Translation | Bas Itna Hai Tumse Kehna
    Music: Amaal Malik Lyrics: Rashmi Virag Singer: Armaan Malik Features: Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta Music Label: T-Series main rahoon ya na rahoonMissing: details | Show results with:details
  16. [16]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon (Title) Lyrics - LyricsBogie
    Nov 25, 2015 · The music of “Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon (Title)” song is composed by Amaal Mallik, while the lyrics are penned by Rashmi Virag. go to: Lyrics | ...
  17. [17]
    Armaan Malik's Marathi tadka | Marathi Movie News - Times of India
    Jan 16, 2017 · You shot to fame with T-series' 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon' which had Emraan Hashmi. And, now again 'Bol Do Na Zara' from Azhar has Emraan in it.
  18. [18]
    Flashback 2015: When Bollywood music took a trip down the ...
    Dec 17, 2015 · Hashmi reunited with his 'Jannat 2' co-star Esha Gupta for 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon' sung by Armaan Malik and composed by his brother Amaal.
  19. [19]
    Most Viewed Music Videos of All Time - YouTube - Kworb.net
    Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever (Official Music Video). 443,243,017, 189,922. Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Full Video | Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta | Amaal Mallik ...Missing: Billboard | Show results with:Billboard
  20. [20]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon - Wikipedia
    "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" is a 2015 song by Indian recording artist Armaan Malik, composed by Amaal Mallik. The accompanying music video has been shot in Goa, ...
  21. [21]
    Armaan Malik - Spotify Top Songs - Kworb.net
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon (From "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon"). 193,678,026, 146,383. Bol Do Na Zara (From "Azhar"). 173,162,232, 158,353. Buttabomma - Telugu.
  22. [22]
    Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta's new single is heart touching, watch ...
    Nov 25, 2015 · Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta have come together for Bhushan Kumar's new single 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon'. · The Indian Express.
  23. [23]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon video: Watch Emraan-Esha tell you ...
    Nov 25, 2015 · The new music video Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, starring Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta, is already a hit with netizens.
  24. [24]
    8 Best Songs Of Amaal Mallik And Armaan Malik | Filmfare.com
    Mar 21, 2025 · Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon is another track where the Malik brothers ... This is a love anthem that is still a fan favourite. All songs ...
  25. [25]
    8th Mirchi Music Awards: Complete list of winners | Hindi Movie News
    Jan 16, 2017 · Indi Pop Song of the Year. Song: Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon. Album: Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon (single). Raag Based Song of the Year. Song: Albela ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  26. [26]
    GiMA 2016: Winners list - BizAsiaLive
    Apr 7, 2016 · Over the years, Gionee Colors GiMA Awards has established itself ... – Best Music Video: Main RahoonYa Na Rahoon by Armaan Malik. – Best ...
  27. [27]
    'Bajirao Mastani' leads GiMA Awards nominations - India Forums
    ... Main rahoon ya na rahoon" by Armaan Malik and "Mere Gully Mein" by Divine feat. Naezy are the nominees. The voting process for the award ...
  28. [28]
    Main Rahoon Ya Na RahoonSong | Armaan Malik - YouTube
    Feb 4, 2023 · ... Music Video, Mirchi Music Awards for Indipop Song of The Year . ... Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Full Video | Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta ...