EXCLUSIVE! Shanaya Makani On Starring in Jass Manak's Comeback Music Video: Felt Like Full Circle Moment

Shanaya Makani interview: As Punjabi singer Jass Manak makes his much-anticipated return to the music scene with his latest track, audiences are not only celebrating the singer's comeback but also taking notice of the leading lady in the music video, Shanaya Makani.

A dancer, creator, and performer who has steadily built a name for herself through projects like Sirra and Dopamine, Shanaya describes being part of Jass Manak's latest release as nothing short of a dream come true.

"It honestly felt like a full circle moment," she says. In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Shanaya got candid about the collaboration, reminscing how she became a professional dancer.

For Shanaya, the collaboration wasn't something she had actively pursued. Instead, it arrived unexpectedly at a time when she least expected it.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

1. Congratulations on the release of Raho Bachke. How did your collaboration come about?

It's honestly crazy how this came about because when I first became a professional dancer, one of my biggest dreams was to be a part of Punjabi music videos. I was heavily into Punjabi music at the time, and I remember one of my friends even suggested that I reach out to Desi Melodies. Back then, though, I don't think I had enough confidence to actually go through with it.

Then out of nowhere, a mutual friend texted me saying Desi Melodies wanted to work with me on a music video with Jass Manak . The moment I read that message, I just knew I had to do it. It genuinely felt like a full circle moment. What made it even crazier was when I told one of my closest friends, Yassh, about it and found out he was choreographing the project. It all felt too aligned for me to say no. It was one of those right place, right time moments where everything just clicked.

2. What was your first reaction when you heard the song?

I instantly started grooving. I remember I had my headphones on, and the second I played the track, it picked up almost immediately and completely hooked me in. It's one of those songs where your body reacts before your mind even processes it.

3. What drew you most to this project - the music, the concept, or the performance aspect?

I think it ties back to my first answer because this project felt very personal to me. It was a full circle moment in so many ways, especially because one of my closest friends, Yassh, was choreographing it.

I genuinely loved the song, and I've always wanted to explore the Punjabi music industry and space more deeply. Ive always listened to Jass Manak's music. so being part of this project felt surreal. Honestly, it just felt like something that was meant to happen at this point in my life and career.

4. Can you share any memorable moments from the shoot?

Honestly, the entire shoot was memorable for me. We shot for almost 24 hours straight, but not once did it feel exhausting or draining. Nobody wanted to leave set because the energy throughout was just amazing.

The entire crew was so warm, loving, and supportive, and that made such a huge difference. It genuinely felt like such a fun environment to be in, and I think that energy translates on screen too.

5. What was it like matching the energy and screen presence required for a comeback track of this scale?

This was my third time being on a set like this, and with projects of this scale there's always a certain amount of pressure, but in a good way. I definitely carried that feeling with me because I knew this was an important comeback track and I didn't want to disappoint.

But at the same time, everyone on set was so warm and encouraging that I never felt intimidated. I came prepared and gave it my all, and Jass was incredibly easy and supportive to work with. By the end of it, even the pressure faded away and I was honestly just enjoying myself and having fun.

6. You're often described as a dancer and performer at heart. When did dance first become such an important part of your life?

I think everyone around me knows this story because dance genuinely changed my life overnight. I initially started dancing because I wanted to become an actor and was advised to join dance classes to improve my performance skills.

The first time I stepped into a jazz class, something shifted instantly. It wasn't gradual at all. I remember walking out of that class and thinking, "I want to do this for the rest of my life." From that moment on, dance became such a huge part of who I am.

7. How has dance helped shape your identity as a creator and performer?

Dance has completely shaped me into the person I am today. I know it sounds cliché, but I used to be an extremely introverted kid. I could barely speak in front of a classroom of ten people. If a teacher asked me a question, I'd completely freeze up.

To go from that version of myself to performing confidently on sets with crews of over 200 people is honestly something I owe entirely to dance. It gave me confidence, helped me express myself, and made me feel comfortable taking up space creatively.

As a creator, I've also been incredibly lucky because people have always shown so much love toward my work. Every time I shared my art online, the response motivated me to keep going. A huge part of why I continue doing this is because of the people who have supported me from day one and watched my journey from my very first dance class.

8. You've been part of projects like Dopamine with Guru Randhawa and Sirra. Looking back, which project has been the biggest turning point for you?

It definitely has to be Sirra. That project received so much love, and even today when people recognise me, they still call me "the Sirra girl." It genuinely changed everything for me, and I'll always be grateful to Guru for that opportunity.

I always say that when dancers are given a platform to truly showcase their potential, it can completely transform their careers, and Sirra did exactly that for me. Before that, mostly my Instagram audience knew I could dance, but after the project, even random people on the street would recognise me as a dancer. Honestly, that's one of the best compliments I could ever receive.

9. What have been some of the biggest challenges in establishing yourself in the music and entertainment space?

I still feel very new to the industry, and right now my biggest challenge is simply finding my footing. I have so many dreams and aspirations of working with different artists and constantly pushing myself creatively that sometimes the challenge is just to keep going and not stop.

I want to do so much with my life and career that I don't think I've even reached a point where I'd feel completely satisfied or "done." Right now, my biggest challenge is continuously trying to outdo myself and figure out what the next big thing is that I can bring to the music and entertainment space.

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And if Shanaya Makani's story is any indication, this full-circle moment may only be the beginning of an even bigger chapter ahead.