Singer-composer Vishal Mishra who has given music to films like Veere Di Wedding and Race 3, talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about his favourite instrument among other things
How has this last one year been for you professionallyIJ
It has been an amazing year. I have had the opportunity to work with some beautiful people. I am now at the final stage —a stage where you know that you have finally reached a place where whatever hard work that you have done and whatever time and months that you have put has finally arrived.
How are your songs like Aap Ke Kamre Mein and Veere Di Wedding differentIJ
Whether it is an untitled song from Phantom, Veere Di, Aap Ke or Race 3 or Yamla Pagla Deewana, whatever I have done is different. When you are doing films it is all about the script. It is great that I have got scripts that are different from each other. First, there was Munna Michael which was a different script from a Qarib Qarib Singlle which is totally different from Race 3.
You mentioned Race 3. How easy or difficult was the projectIJ
I have been guided in this project by Salman (sir). His vision in whatever that he does it very clear, he is transparent and knows what he wants. The rest of the team — Ramesh Turani and Remo sir, all have been so cooperative. I am happy that I have been part of this franchise. Nobody thinks that the music from the previous film was better. Of course, there are expectations and we have done a fair job. The rest is for the people to judge us, whether it is good or not.
I understand that you play 16-17 instrument. Do you have a favouriteIJ
Actually, I play 21. I love the piano. I have always lived by it. The singer in me connects with the piano. Music for me is all about emotions. I don’t know any other language. Things that I can’t express come out through the piano and the guitar.
What does it mean to be a successful singer-composerIJ
I don’t think whether I am successful or not at this particular juncture. This kind of thought doesn’t come to me success or failure doesn’t worry me. My aim is to make great music as long as there is a fire in me to do so — this is what I do 24x7. Even when I am sleeping I am composing subconsciously. Music is in my blood.
What is important right now—do different kind of music, make a name for yourself or moneyIJ
Money will follow if you are good at what you do. My aim is to explore what I am good at. There is such a big world out there. I am blessed that I am a musician who has no boundaries. I can’t be content with just exploring music for a small country that we are a part of. I want to express myself, follow the world I all possible languages. I want to make all kinds of music. And when I look at this goal I am not even 0.1per cent there.
Bollywood is coming up with different scripts. What are the challenges that this possesses for composers like yourselfIJ
When you are doing independent music you have a free hand. But when you are making music for a film, you are restricted and guided. It this is fun since you meet different people who speak different languages and have a different vision.
How do you want your career progress from here onIJ
I want to make a lot of music. I want to release 100 tracks so doing a lot of independent music. I am in talks with Willie Williams. I want to explore all possibilities that music has to offer and make singles. Also, do the kind of music that films prevent from doing.
Should we be surprised that there is so much independent music happeningIJ
It was always there. There was a time when it had gone down a bit since there was no proper support system. But it is back now since there are so many platforms available where people can go and listen to music.