Gulraj Singh: I love singing but my priority is composing music

Music composer Gulraj Singh talks about how he ended up singing his Sufi song 'Pakeezah' from 'Ungli'
How did Pakeezah happen?
I was actually approached to compose another song, Aadarniya Ungli, which is the theme song of Ungli. After (lyricist) Manoj Yadav and I had cracked that song, I was asked to do Pakeezah. The brief was that it’s a love song. As we know, Emraan Hashmi is known for his hit love songs, especially in the Sufi genre.Huge credit goes to Manoj because the word ‘pakeezah’ came from him. The word itself is very beautiful, because it means pure and it sounds beautiful too. The guitar riff that plays throughout the song came to me when I was driving to the studio. I rushed to the studio and recorded it. I composed the rest of the song and Manoj wrote the lyrics. I played the song to (Ungli’s producer) Karan Johar and he instantly commented that he loved it.
READ: Ungli response on Twitter
How did you end up singing it?
Initially, I was sure I’d get another singer for it. I had sung the rough track just to present the song. But with time, a lot of people started liking my voice. They liked the expressions and the feel of my voice. We still considered different singers. One of the executive producers told me that Karan sir mentioned that he had liked how I had sung it and I could keep my voice. It was sweet of him to give me the freedom to take a call on it. So, unintentionally, I am also on the song as a singer. I love singing but my priority is composing music.
Was it easier to sing the song since you’d composed it?
It makes a lot of difference when you sing a song which is your own composition since you know the song in and out. It’s like a flow. When you are singing your own songs, you give justice to it and are sure about what you are doing.
Were you surprised when you won the Mirchi Music Award for Best Upcoming Male Vocalist?
Yes, it really means a lot because all the other nominees are very good. It wouldn’t have been possible without Manoj, the backing vocalists, musicians, engineers and the studio staff who are working day and night to take care of us.
What is your equation with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy?
I’ve been working with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for 7-8 years. I started playing keyboards with them on their gigs and soon started doing music production for them. I have been a part of a lot of their films for the past few years, including Johnny Gaddar, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and 2 States. They’ve been an important support through my journey because they have always encouraged me. When I was doing my album Ganaraj Adhiraj, they happily became part of it — singing and playing guitar on some of the songs. I think they are all legends but when you work with them, they never made me feel like a newcomer. Every time I work with them, I learn something.
You’ve also been working with AR Rahman.
I have been playing keyboards on Rahman sir’s live shows for over a year. We’ve gigged in Malaysia, Singapore and across India. It’s a big learning experience to watch the master work. It’s like nostalgia because I used to listen to his songs in school. And today, the opportunity to perform those same songs with him is a great honour. Also, to work with some amazing musicians like Salim-Sulaiman and Ranjit Barot.
What kind of music would you like to compose?
I am excited about the blending of organic music with electronica. I would love to come up with something which has soul and at the same time has something new to offer.
Listen to Pakeezah song from Ungli on Gaana.com
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Watch: Composer Gulraj Singh's musical journey