Vivacity

Back with a bang

Shrabasti Mallik

Apart from coaching contestants in the reality show The Voice India, Himesh Reshammiya is ready to hit the big screen after two years. In a chat with Shrabasti Mallik he shares that he has composed nine romantic tracks for Salman Khan’s next, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

  • You have stayed away from the judge’s seat all this while. Why did you chose to be a part of The Voice IndiaIJ
I chose to be a part of the show because of its overall concept. The blind auditions and the battle rounds are very unusual and the format of the show has worked with the universal audience. And the best part is, here there are no judges — we are all coaches.
  • What kind of talent are you looking for in your teamIJ
The talent that I’m looking forward to in the show is absolutely fresh, unconventional and unique. I do not want a voice which is similar to anybody in the industry. I am looking for a voice that will have its own individual quality and style.
  • As a coach, what kind of challenges will you put them through to enhance their talentIJ
As a coach I will be sharing my experience of 650 super hit songs and will also take a very practical approach of how they should perform.  In the practical field of shows, performances and film industry bookish knowledge doesn’t work. So I will train them in being super performers who are great singers with superb pick up sense besides having a quality of spontaneous audience interaction in them.
  • Do you think singing reality shows are beneficial in making a career in the industryIJ 
I believe that reality shows play a very pivotal role because it works both ways. It gives a platform to the contestants to showcase their talent and it gives us an opportunity to tap the right one. I have given break to so many fresh talent who are stars already. These shows besides providing entertainment is also great platform for new talent to kick-start their career.
  • Today filmmakers are recording a song with more than one artiste. How fair do you think it isIJ 
A filmmaker has the choice to do what he wants in his film but he should clarify his stand before commencing work with any artiste so that there is no misunderstanding later.
  • We see now that actors themselves are lending their voices. Is that not a challenge to professional singersIJ
There are actors who are dabbling in playback and some of them are really good. If they are singing well and churning out hits I think it is a beautiful trend. As long as the songs are converting into success, like in the case of Salman Khan, then there is no harm.
  • Tell us about your forthcoming projects.
As a composer I have Rajshri’s Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo and Bhushan Kumar’s All Is Well coming this year. Also there is a film with directors Radhika and Vinay called Sanam Teri Kasam for which I’m composing. Besides these three films I’m acting and composing for Ravi Rai’s Guns N Roses starting this September where I am playing a gangster who goes to Greece to protect his love. It’s a fantastic love story with a lot of meaningful action written by Rai. I have built my body and got a new lean look for Guns N Roses, too. The other film that I’m doing as an actor is Essel Vission’s Heeriye which is directed by critic turned director Vishal Mishra. It will be shot in lucknow and Kanpur this winter.
  • Everyone is eagerly waiting for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. What kind of music have you composed, considering the fact that everyone is waiting to see the soft-sweet side of Salman Khan in this film after a long timeIJ
Yup I agree Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo is the most eagerly awaited film of the year and I have tried to live upto the expectations of Sooraj ji’s script and Salman bhai’s persona which is historic. I have composed nine pure romantic melodies which are very soulful and yet have the Salman Khan stamp on it.