The interview which appears below, was originally published on Hindustan Times in October 2008. ©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.
It’s taken you almost eight years to get back to work with Subhash Ghai. Why?
(Shrugs) We were working on other projects in the interim. There was Motherland, for instance… fabulous story, six decent songs recorded. But he couldn’t get dates from his chosen hero. So the film and my tunes were shelved. He approached me for another film but this time I didn’t have the dates. After that, he got busy with his Whistling Woods institute.
How would you describe the score?
Well, it was something of a challenge. Yuvvraaj is the story of an Indian family settled in Europe so Subhashji (Ghai) was looking for a western classical-meets-Bollywood kind of music. I think I delivered.
The Bombay Dreams experience must have come in handy?
Bombay Dreams had eclectic Indian compositions. It was a stage musical with lots of ballads. No, it didn’t really help inspire Yuvvraaj.
What will happen to the Motherland tunes?
I don’t think I will use them. But Mr. Ghai might want to use a song or two in one of his forthcoming films.
Subhash Ghai is known to take special interest in the music of his films. Did he contribute this time?
This film was a journey of discovery for both of us. We had long discussions before we zeroed in on a tune. The results on screen were greatly gratifying. The songs look magnificent!
You’re known to ask for a share in the music sales. That’s why you didn’t do Om Shanti Om? Did the greed get to your conditions?
Sharing profit is every composer’s right if he is responsible for the audio’s success. With Om Shanti Om, they wanted me to work in haste which is impossible. I told them that I would work free if I was given enough time. But they didn’t agree. So we didn’t agree. (Smiles)
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is a huge hit. Now expectations from Delhi 6 are sky-high.
Jaane Tu… was an out-and-out commercial score. Pappu can’t dance saala is a favorite with my children. The music of Delhi 6 has to be different. It’s about Chandni Chowk in Delhi, you can’t have such songs there. I’ve put a lot of myself into Delhi 6. Hope it does well.
Slumdog Millionaire has got rave reviews.
(Laughs) I don’t think I contributed much there. I only worked with Sukhwinder Singh. Danny Boyle (the director) used some of my earlier songs. We worked for more than 18 hours a day for two weeks. Slumdog Millionaire is based on a novel by Vikas Swarup. The music is out in the UK. The CD is not out here yet but songs are available online.
You were going to collaborate with Akon. What’s the update?
The wait is on. There was a query about collaboration but since then there’s been no news.
You’re back on the reality show circuit with The Big Band…
Yeah. New voices emerge every five years and as a composer and music patron, I should look for them. Otherwise my songs will sound boring. A musician who shows I’m going to take them to a sponsor to make a band. Honestly a major gig.
You’ve introduced several newcomers on every big film after a couple of years. Is this a strategy?
I see who can do justice to a song. I give breaks so that the artist doesn’t sit there worrying about his day of being famous. But if after a break the artist forgets everything and thinks I can take his career forward, he is wrong. I have to keep giving someone new the same kind of breaks.
Will Himesh Reshammiya sing for you?
He’s been waiting for two years now. He finally got him. He’s going to be there.
Have you seen Karzz?
(Surprised) He’s done a movie? Oh (laughs). I’m excited to do it.
Watched Karzz?
Yesterday. (Excitedly) Then I must book my tickets today.
What’s happening with Ada – A Way of Life?
The arrangements are yet to begin but I’m getting positive feedback from the unit. The background score was heard on the festival circuit. I’m now waiting for the formal music launch. (Smiles) And more good news.
When are we going to collaborate with Yash Chopra again?
(Laughs) There’s been news.
And Ghajini?
Another raw and vibrant score. It’ll rock!
Do your children show signs of following your footsteps?
They are still studying but I plan to get them into the music industry by next year.
And is your wife Saira?
(Smiles) She’s my biggest critic. And she’s my wife. What’s better than that? For now, I have to go…
