Describe your experience of AR Rahman on Ek Deewana Tha.
As magical as it has always been. Rahman is the music director who guided me in this industry. I continue to be fascinated by his compositions and style of working. Ekk Tha Deewana is a romantic film and Rahman’s music in this movie oozes romance with each and every note.
Do you regret not being able to sing for him for some years?
Ever since he won the Oscar (for Slumdog Millionaire), he’s become so busy with international assignments that he hardly stays in India. But I’m happy that if he is working on a film in India, he does call me whenever possible. I feel honoured that he has such faith in my singing. My journey with him started in 2002 and it is still going. I missed only last year, where I sang for him, but it has not been released yet.
What do you think of the song Sharminda Hoon which you sang with Rahman in the film?
It is a romantic song. It has such a sweet melody. And the subtle variations in the orchestration, the arrangement, make it a song that touches your heart.
The effect is sheer magic which only a legend such as Rahman could conjure. And the lyrics by Javed Saab take it to a different level and make it unforgettable. It is complete in all its aspects. And yes, Sharminda Hoon is also my first duet with Rahman.
We heard the lyrics were written to fit the already composed music. Was that difficult?
As you are aware, Ek Deewana Tha was originally made in Tamil and then in Telugu by director Gautham Menon. Both were hits. And Rahman composed for them. Now, Hindi lyrics had to be fitted into those compositions. It was difficult. But Javed saab has done it so beautifully that it is impossible to realise the words have been written around the tune.
You all worked so hard on the lyrics, but it’s the item numbers which have become the real rage in Hindi films. As a singer trained in traditional classical music, what do you think of this trend?
I have nothing against item songs. Every situation demands a different type of song. These are times when foot-tapping songs are loved by the people. There’s nothing wrong with that. I have also sung a number of item songs for films from the south (of India).
Which Hindi film has been your most satisfying as a singer?
As a singer, I am never really satisfied. After every song that I sing, I feel I should do something better. I would love to sing as many different types of composition as possible.
Is there any other composer you would like to work with?
All of them. And I am not being diplomatic. Every composer today has a different style. I would love to sing their compositions for their sheer variety.
You have been associated with Rahman for the past 10 years. What changes have you noticed in his music and in him over the years?
He moves with the times. His music in Rockstar is proof of that. I have also noticed his treatment and arrangement of the songs have evolved, too. And so has his singing. I must also say he has become quite media savvy. He now seems to know a lot more about camera angles and the way he projects himself. I think it is his wife who has made that possible.
How would you describe your first decade working in Bollywood as a singer?
It has been an enriching period. I got to learn a lot of things and am happy with it. My journey is still going on. And I look forward to doing even better work, more challenging compositions with a greater number of music directors in the coming years.
Do you think this has affected your work in any way?
I believe if you are doing good work, people will notice it and work will come to you. My focus is on my music. That is the only important thing, I feel. I don’t know if that has affected by work in any way. But I do think that work comes when it has to.
Tell us about your future films and albums you are working on.
Well, I’m working on some exciting projects with some young composers and established ones. But as you know, things are very unpredictable in this field. So I will talk about things only when they are finalised and set for release. But yes, I’ll be singing a lot more songs this year. – Indiaglitz.com