The interview which appears below, was originally published on Planet Radio City in February 2009. ©The rights to this material are reserved to the owner. If you have any concerns or comments, please send an email to info@rahmaniac.com.
As Slumdog Millionaire enjoys its dream run across the world, one man from Bihar who always harboured dreams of being a singer is pleasantly surprised.
Raqueeb Alam’s interests clearly lay in music from an early age. When his father saw no signs of that changing, he packed his son off to Chennai to study engineering. What the senior Alam may not have realised is Chennai is home to the biggest name in Indian music today – A R Rahman.
In a way, Raqueeb’s fate has been as lucky as the movie’s run at the box office. The ‘Ringa Ringa’ writer and singer tells us about his experiences with Rahman, his decision to turn lyricist and his forthcoming projects.
Tell us about your journey as a musician so far.
I am originally from Bihar where I would spend my time loitering with my friends and listening to music. We had local orchestras that I would participate in. I’d reach home post 1 am daily, so I could not concentrate on my studies. That’s when my father sent me to Chennai to study engineering. As my course was nearing completion, I met Rahman Sir and at last my career took off; I became the singer I always wanted to be.
How did he offer you your first project?
I am grateful to late P K Mishra for introducing me to Rahman. Mr Mishra wrote lyrics for the film Roja, and introduced me to Rahman as a singer. At that time, I would just sing a few lines for different songs. I had sung a few lines for ‘Columbu Columbus’ for the movie Jeans as well.
My first proper offer as a lyricist was for Deepa Mehta’s film Water. Rahman asked me if I could write. I told him I would try to do my best. In that one night, I wrote ten mukhdas. Out of those, one song was for Holi. Deepa Mehta selected that one and it was decided that I would sing it along with Surjo Bhattacharya and Richa Sharma. The next day, we recorded ‘Shyam Rang Bhar Do’.
Tell us about the first song you recorded.
I sang my first song for a film called Mr Romeo, with Sonu Nigam. The song was written by P K Mishra and was called ‘Hum Ne Dekhi Hai Duniya…’. I got the lyrics 10 days before the recording, so I practised day in and day out. All my friends and neighbours would tease me about it. When the time came to record, I was so nervous that I was shivering. But the recording went so well that the song was okayed in one take…that’s a very memorable experience for me.
You have always worked with Rahman. Don’t you want to work with other people too?
Sure, I want to work with Pritam, Shanker-Ehsaan-Loy and many others. But it took so long to get in touch with Rahman, that I’m happy I made it. Of course, I’m willing to work with anyone who offers me a job.
How did you get an offer to sing on Slumdog Millionaire’s soundtrack?
I am honoured to be a part of the film. Rahman had called me from the UK to say he would mail me the requirements. Later, I went to his office for a video conference with him to discuss the song. The next morning, we called Ila Arunji and Alkaji to record. I did not think that the film would be nominated at the Oscars, but I am sure Rahman will win an Oscar for us.
What was your brief like?
Rahman told me the scenario: There is a boy called Jamaal who goes to a red light area looking for a childhood girlfriend. I wrote one version that he liked but he told me to try a different one as well. When I wrote the second version, he said that I should go ahead with it. But I told him I was writing a third version. He heard the last version once and loved it.
Did you anticipate Slumdog Millionaire’s mammoth success?
Frankly speaking, I did not expect it. I knew it would be a hit but I never thought that it would be nominated for the Oscars. I am very happy for Rahman; he deserves the award.
You are a lyricist as well as a singer. Which role do you prefer?
In the past few years, a lot of competition has emerged with regards to singing, so I prefer writing lyrics. Nowadays, singers just come and go. The time when singers such as Rafi and Kishore were in the business for decades and became legends is gone. Rahman sir also told me that I should make my career as a lyricist. When it comes to being a lyricist, there are two people I look up to – Gulzarsaab and Javed Akhtarji.
What are your future projects?
I have just finished working on Rahman’s album, which is based on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. I am also doing Rashid Ali’s album and a movie that will be directed by Rajeev Menon and star Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan.
