VIKRAM MONTROSE | Composer, singer, songwriter and record producer, who is known for his songs like Kar Har Maidaan Fateh, Baba Bolta Hai, Tera Baap Aaya, speaks with SUPRIYA RAMESH about his new song for Bachchhan Paandey, his journey and future projects

How did you come up with Maar Khayegaa?

For Maar Khayega the brief was from our music supervisor Azeem Dayani with whom I have previously worked on the movie Shershah, the song was Jai Hind Ki Senaa. For this, we wanted to create a song as lethal and menacing as Akshay sir’s character in Bachchhan Paandey. I had an idea that I played for Azeem and he instantly liked it. And then he was thoroughly involved in the making of the song and also a major portion of the lyrics are written by him including the superhit dialogue, mujhe bhai nhi godfather bolte hai is penned by him. And the ideas he gets on the table when it comes to the creatives are amazing. Farhad Bhiwandiwala is the lead singer and the writer in Maar Khayega who previously sang and penned Tera Baap Aaya for me.

How long did it take for you and the team to come up with the composition?

It took a week to complete the intial draft of the song in totallity. But then again it differs from song to song. Some take lesser some take more time. What takes time is the idea, the hook and the soundscape. I want to get it right. Once I am clear about that then its an easy ride.

You have composed, sung and written the song, tell us something about the process.

For every song there is a different process that I try to incorporate, because for me it is always the movie and the character. I wanted to create a song which can showcase Akshay sir’s character and make people ready for what magic they are about to witness on screen. I feel that the theme song always prepares the bed for a movie.

The bigger and closer it is to the character, the more it appeals to the masses and is better for the film. So, I went with a fast pace, larger than life song approach. And this genre is something that comes naturally to us and its our signature style. I also wanted to get more heroism back in Hindi film music so I knew this could be that song. I tried that in the song Tera Baap Aaya and this was yet another chance.

I try my best to have my own approach for a song and every song I make has a different process behind it. For me, composing, writing, music production and at times singing makes it much more easier, faster and effective. Because I only start a song when I can think of a hook and if I am totally convinced with that then I go for it. Moreover, as I do my own music production it becomes easy for me to translate the song the way I want to and stylise it in my own way.

How has the journey from your first song with Sanjay Dutt to your current song with Akshay Kumar been?

It has been a blessing. Sanju sir has an impeccable taste in music. I am glad that my first movie was Sanju and my first hindi film song was Kar Har Maidaan Fateh. You know when you start your career with the likes of Mr Sanjay Dutt and Mr Rajkumar Hirani, your half the battle is won. Though it took almost 13 years to reach there, I got to learn so much about the creative process and that knowledge will help me always. Later I met Mr Eric Pillai, he has been an inspiration to many musicians like me. The support and guidance that I got from him changed everything for me.

I wanted to do songs with Akshay sir for the longest period of time because what he gets on screen is beyond imagination and the heroism, style, swag and attitude would only be best translated by him. I am thankful to Mr Eric Pillai and Mr Azeem Dayani for making this possible for me. One great thing that happened with Maar Khayega is that now people know that Kar Har Maidaan Fateh and Tera Baap Aaya are my songs.

Tell us about your future projects?

There is an interesting line up in place. I am eagerly looking forward to introducing a totally different soundscape in the Hindi film music scene. There is also a different style of music that I love doing and I really want to present it to people through my own company. So yes, there are some interesting songs on the way.