If you’re looking for a good party anthem for 2024, tune into Mashuka, which features artistes RUTVXK, Somanshu and Nikhita Gandhi. The song strikes a chord with Gen-Z party-goers. It has been written and composed by the dynamic duo of RUTVXK and Somanshu, and they are joined by Raabta singer Nikhita Gandhi.

Mashuka’s peppy beats and vocals aren’t the only bonuses of the track. The video also shows Nikhita shaking a leg with RUTVXK and Somanshu, and the trio appear super-stylish in the shots throughout the music video. The video, directed by Garry Bhullar with suave sets and captivating colours, emanate a charm of its own. A t2 chat with the trio.

How did you guys come up with the collab?

Rutvik: The first thought was we needed a female vocalist for this number and there was nobody on our mind but Nikhita. It was very random but fun!

Somanshu: It started as an idea; we were so attached to the texture that it had to unfurl this way.

Nikhita: We’ve collaborated before, and a part of Mashuka was a part of another project we’ve done together, so it all fits.

How will Mashuka attract the audience?

Rutvik: It has to be Nikhita (laughs).

Somanshu: It has to be the visual aspect. Nikhita literally carries the music video.

Nikhita: I think it’s the hook that’s the most attractive. I instantly fell in love with the hook that they created. We had used a part of the production in a different song, which I also was a part of. So my association with the sound of Mashuka was through the previous project; the melody was addictive.

What are your takeaways from the production?

Somanshu: I think we bond really well, it was comforting to share insights and suggestions, whether it was of changing scales or something else. So the workflow was super-smooth. We just had fun throughout the whole process without the stress of typical ‘work’.

Any anecdotes from the making of Mashuka?

Rutvik: I think when Somanshu sent the beats to me and the music, it was a smash hit for me in my head. I started freestyling to it and 75 per cent of it was freestyle. Somanshu, as a producer, has evolved a lot, and the music was worth it.

As a collab do you have more projects lined up?

Nikhita: As a trio we’ve a song lined up, dedicated to the monsoon. And right after this chat, we’ll be heading to the studio to finish that song. It will be out soon!