Speaking about one of his songs, 'Luka Chuppi', in which veteran Lata Mangeshkar sang with Rahman, Joshi said that it was developed while discussing with Rahman the scene about a mother losing her son. Confessing that the film's soundtrack was his favorite out of all his previous works, Joshi felt that it 'was a wonderful experience getting to know the mindset of today’s youth and to pen down their feelings'. Joshi, one of the lyricists, was impressed with the director, Rakeysh Mehra, who was ready to adjust to his style of writing as well as his creativity.

In addition, screenwriter and director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Rahman were reported to have chosen him to sing for one of the songs, though his recorded performance turned out to be more a poetic recitation. Star Aamir Khan, with his knowledge of Hindi and Urdu, worked with Rahman and Joshi for the film's soundtrack. In a press conference with pop singer Nelly Furtado, he said that she was to originally have featured on the soundtrack, although this was ultimately prevented from happening due to a change in producers and other factors. From the film's announcement in April 2005, Rahman was slated to compose the music.

Rang de basanti song