Dev Negi, who has given hit numbers like Chalti Hai Kay Nau Se Barah, has lent his voice to Rang Taari in Love Yatri. The singer speaks with Shalini Saksena about his journey among other things
What is the best part of your latest song Rang Taari in Love Yatra?
The song is energetic and peppy. Even the dance by the lead is so energetic.
How did your journey in the industry begin?
I am from Uttarakhand and went to Jalandhar for my graduation in music. In 2010 I moved the Mumbai. I got my first break for a movie in Ankur Arora Murder Case only three years later. A few years I got Badrinath Ki Dulhania. After that it is a steady flow of work.
What about struggle?
The only way that I managed to survive in Mumbai was by working for TV serial tracks. This money went to take of basic needs. The problem back then was that I would get one project and then get work only after six-eight months. Even when I started getting work, the problem was that I was not getting a hit that would make people notice me. Even today, the struggle continues. But it is a bit different. I don’t have to worry where the money will come from, Now, the struggle is to make my songs better and how to reach out to everyone.
What did the years of struggle teach you?
I didn’t know how the studios worked. I didn’t know how the industry moved. I would meet composers who would discourage me. Some were good who told me to continue my hard work. That made me stick to my path.
Would it have been better if you knew someone within the industry?
Yes, but then there would have been expectations. A contact in the industry makes it possible to meet the right kind of people. For a newcomer, a couple of years are spent in just trying to get in touch with the right person. If you know someone within, this time period gets reduced. This doesn’t mean that a Godfather ensures that you don’t have to work hard. Everyone who wants to be part of the entertainment world has to prove his worth.
How did it feel when your first song was a hit?
When I told that the song was a hit I finally understood that miracles do happen. I give Badrinath Ki Dulhania full credit for this. Azeem (Dayani) is the music supervisor who works with Dharma Production I had worked on many projects with him. He had promised me that one day he will give me a hit and it finally happened.
You need to know beforehand who you are singing for. Why?
It helps me to get into a zone. If I know who I am singing for and know a bit about the story of the movie and the song situation, it helps me to imbibe that into my voice. It gives that bit of energy to the song. For example, when I was singing for Varun Dhawan in Badri... the fact that he was from a small town and is a bit of a Romeo gave me the clue to modulate my voice in that manner. Earlier playback singers would also do this when the same singer would playback for Shammi Kapoor or Dev Anand. The singer tries to take on the character of the actor to make a difference.
You sing in Punjabi, Marathi and Bengali.
Since I studied in Jalandhar I know Punjabi. But for Marathi and Bengali songs I just learn the word and go out and sing it.
Do you inspiration from something when you are singing?
It is not necessary that I need it but if I am able to do so, it is great since it adds energy to the song.
Do you have a dream song?
I would love to sing a purely romantic song.
What next for you? And why a ghazal?
I am working on an independent song— ghazal. It is a fusion where I have taken elements of pure ghazal and mixed it with the modern tune so that even the youth can find a connect with it.