The Story Behind Selfish
Selfish is the romantic ballad from Race 3, the 2018 Salman Khan action film directed by Remo D'Souza, and it carries an unusual signature: the lyrics were written by Salman Khan himself. Composer Vishal Mishra built the track as a soft, mid-tempo number and handed the lead vocal to Atif Aslam, paired with Iulia Vantur, while Aditya Dev produced the track. On screen the song plays across Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Bobby Deol. It also arrived near the close of Atif Aslam's Bollywood chapter: after Pakistani artists were pushed out of Hindi cinema in 2019, Selfish stands among his last film playback songs for the industry. Atif leans into his trademark ache on the hook, letting the melody breathe over a restrained guitar and string arrangement rather than chasing a big climax.
Meaning & Translation
The word Selfish is used here with warmth, not reproach. The song is an invitation to a loved one who pours everything into others: for once, be a little selfish and live for yourself. The hook, 'ek baar baby, selfish hoke apne liye jiyo na,' translates roughly as 'just once, be selfish and live for your own sake.' In the verses the singer notices a smile that does not quite reach the eyes, asking why there is moisture in them when the person seems so happy, then gently insists they let go of every lingering worry. It reframes selfishness as self-care, a quiet plea to hold on to your own share of joy.
Details
- Artist
- Atif Aslam, Iulia Vantur
- Category
- OST
- Collection
- Race 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- Released
- 2018
- Language
- Hindi
- Mood
- Romantic, Melancholy
- YouTube Views
- 48.91M
Artists & Credits
- Atif Aslam singer
- Iulia Vantur singer
- Vishal Mishra composer
- Salman Khan lyricist
- Aditya Dev producer