‘I want to create music that makes a difference’: Vishal Mishra

Vishal Mishra is currently celebrating the success of Kabir Singh’s Kaise Hua followed by Jabariya Jodi’s Macchardani and Ki Honda Pyaar. But he’s had a streak of successful numbers much before the new releases. In the past 18-odd months, the singer-composer has worked on Veere Di Wedding, Race 3 and Notebook. In a chat, the music composer talks about his process, ambitions and whether this is his purple patch.

How was the experience of working on Jabariya Jodi?

It was amazing. As an artiste, you get to live so many different kinds of lives. Before Jabariya Jodi, I worked on Kabir Singh, when I felt like I was living in Delhi and working as a medical student. Then in Jabariya, I had to get into the vibes of Bihar and its surroundings. I am happy that people have appreciated my music.

Ki Honda Pyaar and Macchardani are contrasting songs. How did the compositions come along?

Every script demands a certain kind of sound and music and depends on the situation. As an artiste, you have to get used to all these things and have to deliver what the makers ask for. Macchardani was a folksy song with Latin grooves. I hail from Uttar Pradesh, so I know a lot about North Indian traditional music. While I was reading, I came across a word called Macchardani and we made a song out of it. Ki Honda Pyaar is an Indian melody but sounds western and contemporary because that’s how I have created it. I feel blessed to make different kinds of compositions.

A still from Macchardani

Do you think your career gets a boost when a project is associated with big stars?

It is never thought about who I am working with. I am an emotional person and you can see it in my music. The beauty is that I feed off people that I work with, and it is important for me to be in that zone. I did Notebook with two new faces (Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl) and Nai Lagda is still topping the charts. My job is to make music that helps the film. Of course, it attracts more listeners when big stars are part of the project. If your music is good then it can’t be ignored.

What comes naturally to you — singing or composing?

They’re interconnected. I am a composer first, for sure, and a creator. God has blessed me with a voice that people like. There are vulnerable and lonely people in the world and whether you make a dance, sad or romantic number, it should act as a companion. I want to create music that makes a difference. I always feel that the artiste seeks understanding. They are lonely because they are not understood. I feel blessed that my listeners understand me; that is above any name and fame.

Where do you stand on rehashing and remixing of old songs?

I don’t have any problem with it. There are composers who are not working anymore and it is great that they get the money for the recreations. Producers, singers and music companies are making money out of it, too. Though, I would like to create original songs. Later on, other people can remix them (laughs).

What are your upcoming projects?

I have a single coming out later this month, which has been shot in London and I have written, sung and composed it. I am working on Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar starrer Saand Ki Aankh, which is a very interesting project. There is also an untitled movie, which is being produced by Anurag Kashyap. I am also working on independent music and 15 songs will be coming out. This year seems pretty interesting and hopefully,  will all work out.