Folk music will never go out of vogue: Vipin Patwa

Hailing from a mofussil town in Uttar Pradesh, composer Vipin Patwa defied familial norms to pursue his passion for music. After working in All India Radio, the young artiste composed for a few Hindi films like 'Luv U Soniyo', 'Ye Stupid Pyar' and 'Bollywood Diaries'. For his latest composition, 'Kharch Karod' in the crime drama 'Laal Rang', he managed to convince actor Randeep Hooda to rap in a Haryanvi accent.Vipin talks to BT about why he loves to incorporate folk elements in his compositions and the significance of rhythm, soul and melody in music.
When did you realise that you wanted to become a composer?
I was fond of music since the age of 10. It was close to my heart as it made me happy. However, I came from a middle-class background where it was perceived that higher-class people consider it as a leisure activity or it is a means of livelihood for the lower strata. My parents told me categorically that I needed to have a proper education and pursue music just as a hobby. Then I moved to New Delhi and convinced them that I wanted to do a MA and MPhil in music. Finally, they conceded. Later, I joined the All India Radio and started composing jingles etc. Eventually, I came to Mumbai to try my luck in Bollywood.
You never thought of participating in reality shows?
I never felt the need as I was confident about my calibre. Some of my friends who participated in these shows did well, albeit for a short time. I feel that in life whatever you get easily isn���t meant to last long. I wanted to wait for the right time and opportunity. If you work diligently, you will attain success.
How did you convince Randeep Hooda to rap in Haryanvi?
I approached various rappers for the track 'Kharch Karod' but unfortunately things didn���t work out. All of a sudden, Randeep���s name came to my mind. I penned the lyrics keeping his off screen personality and onscreen character in mind. Initially, Randeep was apprehensive but I was happy with the way the track had shaped up.

While earlier only a few actors would try their hand at singing, now many artistes are open to the idea. What is the reason?
Today, there are more opportunities in the music industry. Earlier, there were a limited number of singers who sang all the songs. But now, things have changed. Performing arts has three aspects: singing, dancing and acting and an artiste has a basic rhythm. Music has rhythm (taal) and soul (sur). If an actor has a basic rhythm, he or she can sing. Even singers like Honey Singh, Shaan and Sonu Nigam have acted in films. So, artistes are expanding their avenues.
But do you feel this encourages more usage of technology as composers try to enhance actors��� voices through software?
There are two sides to every coin. You can polish things with technology but can���t replace the soul of a song. At the end of the day, a person needs to have soul and rhythm. Among the current lot of singers, Arijit Singh is technologically sound but he has a soulful voice too.
A few of your compositions have folk elements but do you feel the significance of folk music has reduced over the years?
It is the purest form of music, so it will never go out of vogue. Songs like 'Banno tera swagger' and 'Sasural genda phool' have folk elements. It sounds good to the ears as one doesn���t need to put in a lot of effort to understand it.
Do you plan to foray into the indie music scene?
In India, there is no concept of independent music. Here, everything is synonymous with films. Music is a medium to emote through songs. But, now things have changed. Today, people want to see big stars in songs and a lot of emphasis is laid on the visual appeal rather than the sound. If a video doesn���t have a known face, it will not be promoted. So, independent artistes have less freedom here. Hopefully, things will change over the years. The day I feel I don���t have to compose songs as a means of livelihood, I���ll make the kind of music I want to.
Listen to the songs of Laal Rang on gaana.com