Shekhar Ravjiani: When SRK, Farah, Vishal and I jam together, it’s madness

Shekhar Ravjiani’s job as a music composer with Vishal Dadlani is as exciting as his alternate career as a singer, producer and reality show judge. Now with acting offers coming in, he may add that to his repertoire too. To know more, go to follo.co.in/shekharravjiani
What inspired you to create a new version of the Hanuman Chalisa?
The memory of my grandmother triggered this impulse. One day after work, when I was sitting in the studio by myself, I just picked up the mike and sang the Hanuman Chalisa.I recorded the song in two hours flat. I burnt a CD, went home, listened to it and went to sleep with a smile.
READ: Hrithik Roshan spellbound by Shekhar Ravjiani's Hanuman Chalisa
Do you have any favourites from the new breed of singers?
Plenty — Arijit Singh, Neeti Mohan, Papon and Sanam Puri, to name a few. Many new singers are introduced everyday and I wish them all the very best.
You share a special bond with Shah Rukh Khan. How different was it working on Happy New Year after Ra.One? Working with SRK is always a lot of fun. We’ve had many jamming sessions in my studio and when Vishal (Dadlani), Farah, SRK and I come together, it’s madness. We try out different styles and genres, so, it’s always great fun.
Do you think singing-based reality shows are helpful? Yes. There should be more such shows because they help singers showcase their talent. Also, as an artiste, you get a lot of experience by being in front of the camera, with the spotlight on you. It gives you confidence. You learn from other contestants and then there’s personal involvement by the judges.
How easy or difficult is it to judge a reality show? It’s not easy. You need a lot of energy and strength to see a contestant have his or her heart break during elimination. It’s like seeing one of your kids run a race and lose. It’s difficult to see someone who has worked so hard, come to that level and lose. Elimination is painful. You need a lot of courage to sit there and watch that happen. I wish it could only be about learning and teaching, like at a university where they come, learn, gather knowledge and go.
Who is your toughest competitor? Shekhar Ravjiani. I compete with myself every single day and make sure that I push myself to do better.
Any social cause that you feel strongly about? Child education and upbringing. Ma Niketan, the charity that I support, looks after 300 girls between the ages of four and 12. They take care of every aspect till she grows up and gets married. Never underestimate the girl child because she will rule the world.
Do you get acting offers? I’ve been offered a few films. I don’t mind trying it. If it’s meant to happen, it will, if not, then it won’t. I’ll definitely give movies a try.
Any message for your Follo’ers? On social networking platforms where you can post whatever you feel, a lot of communal comments are written. Religion is something we have created. We need to be human beings first and not get into this divisive mode. We are people first and we need to respect that.
-Indu.Mirani@timesinternet.com and Anju.Maskeri@timesinternet.com
Listen to songs of Shekhar Ravjiani on Gaana.com
WATCH: Hanuman Chalisa by Shekhar Ravjian