Walking the musical path

Tell us something about your early beginnings in the industry

Though, I always aspired to become a music director, I tried my hand at other things in the industry while growing up. One of them was acting and I did a role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, in which I played Jhunku. After my brief stint as an actor, I started composing songs two years back. Fortunately, a few people heard my compositions. It was director Sanamjit Talwar, producer Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Harman Baweja who were instrumental in me coming on board for Dishkiyaoon.

What genre of music are you most comfortable with?

I enjoy composing songs of all kinds. I always try to get into the mood of the track that I am composing. It’s good that I am getting different kind of projects to work on, be it the gangster based Dishkiyaoon or the fun Bhoothnath Returns. It gives me the chance to try my hand at different genres and experiment with my style as well.

Do you think being a composer who is still in his teens is an added advantage, since you have age on your side and a lot of opportunity to gain experience?

I believe that age has nothing to do with achieving goals. It is dedication and determination that matters. But, I do feel that it’s an advantage as I am getting to learn a lot from my seniors, especially veteran singers and programmers who have been around since a long time. They are much more experienced than me. And of course, I am also pampered a lot.

You are working on several projects this year. What can music lovers expect from you this year?

I am working on 17 films this year, which include Tere Aane Se, Miss Tanak Pur Haazir Ho among others. Dishkiyaoon is up for release this Friday, where I have got an opportunity to experiment with a variety of musical genres, including romantic and dance numbers. I’ve also composed Party to banti hai for Bhootnath Returns featuring Amitabh Bachchan, which is an energetic party number.

With several composers turning singers, are you planning to take the big plunge anytime soon?

Not really! Though I can sing, my main priority right now is to explore and work with the variety of talented singers that we have in the industry. In fact, people keep asking me if I will be cutting an album or single anytime soon. But I don’t think that is on the cards, at least not this year. Right now, I only want to concentrate on my film projects as a composer.

Have you also been involved in charitable causes like your sister?

Yes, I was actively involved in a couple of charitable causes. My sister and I did several live performances and concerts for poor kids suffering from heart diseases. My sister has done more concerts than me and so far, 624 operations have been done through funds raised by us through our concerts.