We caught up with Natania Lalwani and Subhi to talk about their collaboration on Higher Love for the latest Smurfs movie and how they brought a joyful desi twist to the soundtrack.
A new Smurfs movie might just be what we all needed to break the monotony of our routines, and luckily, one is on its way. Even before the film hits the screens, its latest track “Higher Love” is already taking over our playlists. What makes it extra special is the fact that two talented Indian artists, Natania Lalwani and Subhi, have added their unique touch to the song. They’ve teamed up with music heavyweights like DJ Khaled and Cardi B, and in the process, made history by introducing Punjabi lyrics into a major Hollywood animated film for the very first time. It’s a fun, powerful reimagining of Belinda Carlisle’s classic “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” bringing together Natania’s bright English vocals with Subhi’s earthy Punjabi hook. We caught up with the duo to chat about how this all came to be, what it means to represent their roots on such a big stage, and the joy of creating something truly global and truly them.
Also Read: #KetchupTalks: Natania Lalwani discusses the cross-cultural appeal of her song “Gulzar”
Here's what they had to share -
"Higher Love" is a milestone moment, being the first-ever Punjabi Indian song in a major Hollywood animated feature. How did this collaboration come to life?
Natania: It’s such an exciting moment! Ty Ty Smith, who is the co-founder of our label Desi Trill and is also working on the Smurfs movie, heard the song and really believed that it would be the perfect fit. The collaboration came to life in such a beautiful way!
Subhi: I am signed to Desi Trill both as an artist and a songwriter. Ty Ty Smith, who’s the co-founder of Desi Trill, is also a producer on Smurfs. It was through him that this opportunity came to us, and I am grateful to have been a part of this amazing track, Higher Love.
Adapting a classic like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” is a bold choice. When it came to reimagining it with Punjabi elements, how did you decide what to preserve from the original and what to completely reinvent?
Natania: We actually started singing that chorus joking around over chords in the studio while we were writing, and we were like, “Wait a minute… should we do this!?” We really had this vision of switching it up with anthemic Punjabi to add to the feeling of joy and euphoria while creating a new sound by blending worlds. I'm so happy with how it came to life!
Subhi: Natania and a few other songwriters had come together to give the classic a cool spin. I was brought in to add the Punjabi elements by Natania after the English parts were written. I found it to be such a clever and cool adaptation of the classic that I fell in love with the song the minute I heard it. From there, it was all about writing the Punjabi parts that would complement what these amazing songwriters had already written. It was such a fun experience being in that room and creating this together!
The music has English and Punjabi vocals. How did you approach this creative fusion while making sure both styles complemented each other?
Natania: I love finding ways to blend English with South Asian languages and have it feel effortless. I try to just go off feeling and not overthink. I think that’s when the styles complement each other the most. Music is universal, and when we let the feeling lead, I think magic happens.
Subhi: When I was in that room with the team working on the Punjabi section of the song, it was pure magic. I wanted to make sure the Punjabi section was as empowering as the rest of the track, which meant the lyrics and melody should stand out. We jammed on a bunch of ideas. The Punjabi section is such a cool contrast to the track that together they sound amazing—one isn’t expecting this section to show up in the song, but when it does, it adds energy and joy to the track.
What was it like working alongside industry giants like DJ Khaled and Cardi B? How did their involvement influence the creative direction of the track?
Natania: Truly such an honor to be a part of something with such legends! They bring such incredible energy to the track, and artistically, I think they just elevated the emotion with their signature sounds.
Subhi: DJ Khaled and Cardi B are incredible! I love Cardi’s verse—when it comes, it’s so crisp and punchy that it gives the track a whole new swag. This sets up the mood and tone for the rest of the track. DJ Khaled brought so much energy to the track. He’s pure joy!
What was the most enjoyable part of collaborating on “Higher Love”? Was there a particular moment in the studio that you wish you could relive?
Natania: I think making music with your friends is the best feeling in the world, and the whole process was such a joyful one. I remember the moment we added the Punjabi section—I had goosebumps all over and thought, “Whoa, this feels so special.” I would bottle up that feeling if I could, to relive it over and over again!
Subhi: The most enjoyable part was that I was working with friends. When I started working on Higher Love, none of us knew it would be pitched for the Smurfs movie. The joy of creating something together because we all believed in it, without thinking of the end result, is so pure and fulfilling.
The Smurfs are all about community, positivity, and a bit of mischief. Do you see any parallels between the themes in Higher Love and the world of the Smurfs? How do you think the audience, especially younger viewers, will connect to the song's fusion of cultures?
Natania: I think music is universal, and it brings people together in the best way. I’m so proud to put out something with such an empowering and joyful message into the world. I hope young viewers feel empowered and keep the self-love message with them—the feeling of positivity—while dancing through their days with the sounds of Punjabi music fused into it.
Subhi: The back and forth between Cardi B, Natania, DJ Khaled, and me creates this world of many characters, which is also what Smurfs is all about. The song is about blending many uniquely different personalities to come together and create something magical. I feel the Smurfs world, with the many different kinds of Smurfs, is the same. We all are trying to bring happiness, joy, and love into the world—in our own way.
What are your views on the latest Smurfs track? Share with us in the comments below.
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