We respect each other: Shekhar Ravjiani

Shekhar Ravjiani of Bollywood composer duo Vishal and Shekhar recently released his sixth single, Devi, a tribute to women and girls in the country. The composer, singer, and occasional actor talks about the inspirational women in his life, love for ghazals, and more...

What led you to the single, Devi?

Devi is my heartfelt tribute to women and a celebration of everything they stand for. They are sheer powerhouses of strength and have risen time and again from even the most extreme circumstances. The single represents this power in a musical form and is different from my other singles in terms of the sonic space it occupies. It is based on the “traditional Indian aarti” sung in every household.

Who have been the most influential women in your life?

My grandmother played a pivotal role in my upbringing. My mother is the pillar of strength, and my daughter, Bipasha, shows me what the future will be. I’ve to say, it looks even more beautiful through her eyes.

What are Bipasha’s musical aspirations?

She has shown love for music from a very early age and has great taste in music, too. She keeps me abreast of the latest tracks and has even been part of a small band at school. On the odd weekend, she and I love to sit down and play some notes together on our piano and that’s something I really cherish.

What are your upcoming projects?

In Bollywood, Vishal (Dadlani) and I are doing soundtracks for Tiger Zinda Hai, Naa Peru Surya (Telugu), and Student of the Year 2. I have some interesting solo projects and collaborations on the cards; you’ll hear about them soon.

You’ve said that Vishal and you have broken up many times. What makes you come back together each time?

When two people have to collaborate creatively with each other, there are bound to be differences of opinion during the process. What’s important is that you can respect those differences and make them work for you. We both respect each other’s talent a great deal and know how to give space to pursue our independent interests as well.

Ever thought of a solo music career in Bollywood?

Film music has always been a joint effort by Vishal and me and will continue to be that way.

Any acting projects after Neerja?

After Neerja, I realised how much I enjoyed being in front of the camera. I’ve been receiving calls and scripts for films and am still in the search of the perfect story and role.

You seem to have a special fondness for ghazals...

I absolutely love ghazals and grew up on them; Jagjit Singhji was my mentor. I have done two concerts called Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (which also happens to be my favourite ghazal), in Singapore and Jakarta, to pay a tribute to him. The aim of the concerts is to rekindle the appreciation for ghazals. If I succeed, more people will want to hear them as part of Bollywood films too.

Like ghazals, is there a musical instrument you’d like popularised?

The Harmonica. I play it at every concert and its sound is much loved. It’s a simple instrument with a lot of potential and needs to be used more.

Since your debut with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) to now, what’s the biggest change in music?

When I started, fewer films were made and with every soundtrack, listeners were given enough time for the music to grow on them. This allowed us to make slightly more complex tracks and experiment more with voices and instruments. Today, music is meant to instantly gratify — which could be dangerously pushing the world towards a more factory-oriented approach towards music.