Breaking all stereotypes, women in India are forging ahead and repeatedly making their mark in all spheres of life. One such example is of Payal Dev (30) - a singer and music composer from Ramgarh, Jharkhand, who has been creating ripples in the Bollywood music industry.
Her music composition for the romantic song ‘Tum Hi Aana' from the upcoming movie Marjaavaan has struck cords with many across the globe. Featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria, the song composed by Payal has crossed over 41 million views in just a little time from its release.
The song has been sung by Jubin Nautiyal while the lyrics have been penned by Kunaal Verma.Payal made her debut as a music composer with the Sonakshi Sinha starrer Khandaani Shafakhana, which released earlier in 2019.
“I used to record my compositions in voice notes. But I always wanted to do something different. In the Hindi film industry there are very few female music composers and I did not want to be known just as singer,” said the musician.
The composer shifted to Mumbai in 2006 and since then there has been no looking back. Her Bollywood debut as a singer was for the movie Grand Masti (2013) directed by Indra Kumar where she sang the title track along with singers like Mika Singh, Sanjeev Rathod and Darshan Rathod.
“Initially I had recorded a scratch for the movie. It was later that the director decided to release the song in my voice. I had not thought that the film makers would like my voice so much and choose to use the version for the film which was a very pleasant surprise,” remarked the singer.
The versatile composer-singer Payal is known for songs like Bhare Bazaar from Namaste England, The Jawaani Song from Student of The Year- 2, Albela Sajan and Ab Tohe Jaane na Doongi from Bajirao Matani.
“In Bollywood once you get noticed and work for some big banners, directors and producers, there is no dearth of opportunities for someone with talent,” she added.
Payal’s musical journey started at the age of 10 at her house with her mother being her first teacher.
“My mother used to take music classes so there was always a musical ambience in my house. Whatever I have learned in Indian classical music is from my mother. What started as a bobby with me soon turned into a passion and now I am in Mumbai to give wings to my dreams,” said the singer.
The composer is of the opinion that her mother apart from being her mentor and guide has also played a major role in bringing her where she is today.
“As a child I was very shy and apprehensive to perform in front of others and that is when my mother pushed me to do stage shows to overcome my shyness and stage fright. I owe a lot to my mother for all my achievements,” said Payal.
“Apart from my mother, like numerous other singers including the living legends Lataji and Ashaji have always inspired me.
I have grown up listening and humming to their songs and later on also learnt a few from my mother when she would train me,” she said.
Payal did her schooling from Saraswati Vidya Mandir Ramgarh and her intermediate from Ranchi Women’s College from deciding to make her career in music.
Her mother Anita Banerjee is a home maker, while her father Sameer Kumar Banerjee is a retired professional.“
Coming from a small town, initially people were not very open to the idea of working in Bollywood.
But it really did not matter as my parents have always encouraged and supported me today they are more than happy with my achievements,” said the ecstatic singer.