Vishal Mishra, who has composed the latest song for Munna Michael — Pyaar Ho — talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about his love for romantic numbers and upcoming projects
Tell us about your composition for Munna Michael.
I met Sabbir Khan during Baghi. He liked my voice. One fine day, I got a call from him asking me if I was still making songs and asked me to compose a love song. He told me to create a song that was simple, hummable and one which anybody can sing. I told him I would try since I am prone to making complicated compositions. To create this song was complex. But when I sat down to create it, it took me only eight-and-a-half minutes. The song is close to my heart as I am a fan of Michael Jackson and this song is about him.
So you have a preferenceIJ
I am all for love songs but open to other genres too since I am a creative person. This song sounds great.
Do you have any key points while composingIJ
For me, what is important is what the director wants, what his vision and brief are. When he told me it was a love ballet, I needed to understand the intricacies. That is why I call Sabbir Khan the co-composer of this song. He gave me a canvas and I painted on it.
You have not had a formal training in music. Does that put you on the backfootIJ
I don’t understand formal training. I am trained professionally since I can play 16 instruments, understand ragas and write music. One needs to be good at what one does. If you need someone to guide you it’s great but if you can do it yourself it works best. I work 18 hours a day. Whatever you learn yourself, sticks with you forever.
Where is Bollywood music heading towardsIJ
We are in the best period. People say, old is gold. I agree. Back then, more movies were being made and songs coming out but only a select few musicians. Today, we have facilities due to which more and more people can be heard. Those were legends. Today we have good talent, good writers and good work. We have more people to work with and more options which is good for music.
A lot of technology is being used now. Is this helping young composers like youIJ
The basic process is the same and, therefore, there is still sanity in the music. Technology is just helping speed up the process since there is more work being done. The technology is only adding to the time process and helps churn out the best.
Composing or singingIJ
I am biased here. I am a natural composer-turned-singer. The important thing is that I am able to do justice to the work I have been given. I am blessed that people love my voice. I used to write my songs and sing them since I could not afford to hire anybody to sing them for me. I wrote my songs since I could not hire anybody to write for me.
From law to a composer, tell us about your journey.
Nobody in my family is from the industry. My father is an advocate-builder, my sister is a software developer and my mother a homemaker. I am the odd one out. I was creating songs and got rejected many times so I decided to study law. It just happened that there were auditions for a reality show which I gave, got selected and won. I never realised that four years down the line, I would be doing a song for Munna Michael.
What other projects are you working onIJ
I am working on Anand l Rai’s Aapke Kamre Main Koi Rehta Hai. Also Irrfan’s next movie Kareeb Kareeb Single. Then there is a Marathi project called Bhikhari.
How was the experience of working with Salman KhanIJ
When I met him for the first time, I never realised he would only take 45 minutes to sing the song (Friendship Unlimited Marathi movie). It was very inspiring. He is so into whatever he does. Despite being a superstar, he constantly thinks of work. Recording with him was a great learning experience.