SUNDAY POST FEB 15-21
DEBINA BOSE
He recently bagged the 60th Filmfare Award as the best playback singer for his song ‘Galliyan’ in the film Ek Villain. Kanpur boy Ankit Tiwari is the current toast of Bollywood and his songs have become quite a rage, with some of them being considered as love anthems of Bollywood. After singing in and composing music for films like Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, Singham Returns and PK, the singer-composer has made a rocking start this New Year. Songs in films like Alone, Khamoshiyan and Roy are topping the chartbusters, and the credit goes to the immensely talented Ankit. In a chat with Sunday POST he reflects on his initial struggles in the music industry, his family and its long tradition of music, and why he can never compose songs with the sole objective of winning awards.
Congratulations for winning the prestigious Filmfare Award for ‘Galliyan’. Did you expect the song would be such a hit?
I feel extremely humbled to win the lovely black lady. It’s like a dream come true. I don’t compose songs with awards in mind. My sole aim has been to justify the director’s requirement and compose popular songs that have mass appeal. Mohit Suri, the director of Ek Villain, was very clear about the different sequences of the movie and, accordingly, I composed the songs. They were mostly romantic numbers; I had a feeling during their composition that they would strike a chord with the listeners.
Starting from Do Dooni Char in 2010 to Aashiqui 2 and now Roy, how has your journey been in the Hindi film industry?
It has been a memorable journey, but wait I am still new in the industry. I am yet to gain experience and am looking forward to working with many creative people. I have been fortunate enough to work with people whom I idolised during my childhood. But yes, Bollywood has been extremely nice to me and the unflinching love and support of people encourage me to work better.
You shot into instant limelight with Aashiqui 2 and ‘Sun raha hai na’ is still a love anthem. How did Aashiqui 2
happen?
Aashiqui 2 happened at the time when I was struggling hard to get my songs heard. I used to call on music directors and insist they heard my compositions. Through an acquaintance I managed to get Mahesh Bhatt’s contact and, shortly after, came across Mohit Suri. I gave a live presentation on piano and the first song I presented before Mohit was ‘Sun raha hai na’. It was almost after a year I met him first that I got a call from Mohit. He said he loved my songs and wanted to feature them in his movie Aashiqui 2.
In Aashiqui 2, and later on, your hits have had female versions. Has it been a conscious decision?
In Aashiqui 2 the situation demanded it. We had to establish the connection that the heroine sings the hero’s superhit. In Ek VIllain, it was a promotional activity. But it’s was director’s call. After all, he is the captain of the ship. I even feel the audience can relate to both the male and female versions of the songs, and overall this makes the songs more popular.
What is your take on the multiple-composer trend in Bollywood these days?
The movie which brought me to the limelight itself had multiple music directors. I feel this emerged as a trend after Aashiqui 2. Also, having several composers on a soundtrack saves time and is cost-productive. More competition means the product that emerges is of sound quality. Having more people on the board means your work gets done faster. At least, that’s how I believe producers and directors see it. As long as the audience likes my numbers it doesn’t matter whether it is a single or a multi-music director movie.
Your songs from Roy are topping the chart-busters. What is your experience working with Vikramjit Singh, the director of the film?
‘Tu Hai ki nehin’, ‘Yaare re’ and ‘Boond boond’ are my compositions and I am glad they have been accepted well by the audience. Roy revolves around the story of a thief and his love life. Vikram briefed me in advance about the sequences, as he wanted some unconventional romantic numbers. Each song has a different setting: while one is a travel song another is a sensuous one. Once the movie hits the floors I am sure the songs will become more popular.
Tell us how you began your musical journey.
My mom is a professional bhajan singer. My parents are part of a troupe called Raju Suman and Party and they perform at Mata ki Chowkis. I used to accompany them as a child. I told my parents about my musical dreams. They encouraged me and urged me to try my best. If you believe in your dreams nothing can stop you from pursuing them. My brother Ankur has been a great support system over the years, and whatever little success I have achieved today I owe entirely to him.
What do you personally prefer the more, singing or composing?
The composition comes first, singing only after that. Singing for other music directors, however, is something different.
We know you’re awesome with romantic numbers. Do you intend to come up with some peppy stuff in the short term?
If a director wants me to pep up a sequence I am ready to compose one. One of my upcoming films, Mr X will feature peppy tracks composed by me – quite different from my usual genre. I am ready to work with different genres. But, then, there’s a time for everything.
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
After Roy, there is Mr X, Humari Adhoori Kahaani, Sonali Cable, Yaara, Lag Gayi Luck Ki, Yaara Silli Silli, two films with Vidhu Vinod Chopra starring Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan. There are other projects in the pipeline which I can’t reveal now. I only hope 2015 turns out to be a lucky year for me.
