'Success comes with a lot of hard work'

Musical duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant’s latest offering ‘Ek India Happywala’ became an instant hit. They have now have partnered with Qyuki, a digital broadcast network that helps artistes build their fan following by producing and distributing videos across YouTube and other networks. Salim talks to Puja Gupta about the collaboration and their music.

Why did you partner with Qyuki?

The minute I met Samir (Bangara) and Sagar (Gokhale) (from Qyuki), I knew that we could work together and do projects that will give us all mutual satisfaction and joy. Also, it is very important for us to work together to have a thought process that works in sync and that is exactly what we have been doing.

How does it help aspiring musicians?

Aspiring musicians in these times have immense talent but it becomes very difficult to actually reach out to the right target audience. The way Qyuki markets the videos is unique and hence it helps aspiring musicians get appreciated for their talent.

How has internet helped artistes grow?

Today, the world is a small place and it’s because of the world wide web. You can reach out to anyone anywhere if your music has its own voice and personality. The amount of talent available on the internet is huge, and I have seen so many artistes grow into superstars through online videos and content. So, it has become an integral part of every industry.

‘Ek India Happywala’ was an instant hit. How does it feel?

It is always a challenge to make songs that have India in it. Add cricket to it and it becomes mandatory for us as music composers to deliver something special. We are happy that ‘Ek India Happywala’ has gained so much love and we hope people enjoy it as much as we did when recording it.

How was the song conceptualised?

India has been going through a lot of political tension and controversies. The only thing that brings the nation together is cricket. We are happy that people think of Salim-Sulaiman when it comes to sports anthems, as we had also created the IPL eight theme song ‘India ka Tyohar.’ That is exactly how ‘Ek India Happywala’ also happened.

How difficult was it for you to make a mark in music?

Every bit of success comes with a lot of hard work and failures. We don’t believe in an easy path to success because it does not give you the kind of happiness you get when your hard work pays off. It is really important to make good music that makes you happy rather than go in for something that will give you hits and not personal satisfaction.

How has your journey in the industry been?

Our journey has been very exciting, fulfilling and satisfying over all these years. I have had a lot of fun, making music of different genres. I enter my studio with a feeling of calm and happiness and it never seems like work. I think I have been on a vacation for the longest time now.

Which is your favourite piece of work?

There are so many like ‘Chak De India’, FIFA, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Khalipan’, and the Lady Gaga collaboration.
 
What next?

There is a lot in the pipeline. We are working on two movies and three more singles. As and when we finalise the details we will be making announcements.  Also we are preparing for a world tour and a global concert in Dubai.