The poetic doyen

After Kai Po Che, your next was Shaadi Ke Side Effects this year. Are you selective about the projects that come your way?

Well, not really. As a lyricist, I think I belong in a very different space. Not every film-maker comes to me and I am not someone whose name is a part of every track, because I am not a hookline writer who only writes songs that have one or two catch phrases that become popular, while the rest of the lyrics are forgotten. When I write a song, I get married to the DNA of the film during the process. My songs are an intrinsic part of the film’s plot. They are not created just to fit in somewhere and are not written for the heck of it. None of my songs have had lines where you simply hear a word, which catches on and then people forget it. I love the medium of cinema and I always try to follow the proper process, where I read the script, understand the mood and characters and then, sit down to write. Maybe that’s why, only makers who want such songs, sign up with me.

Were you inclined towards music since childhood?

The inclination towards music happened because of my family. My parents were musicians. My father was a classical singer who had trained under Pandit Kumar Gandharva and my mother is a singer. But funnily enough, as a kid, I was never fond of the musical atmosphere at home. I was more attracted towards cinema, theatre and the likes. I became a part of National School of Drama, that changed my life. It was only when I came down to Mumbai that I realised, my musical roots haven’t left me at all. After Banwara mann in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, which was originally written for some other purpose, I didn’t look back since I had no option but to explore my musical side. It happened unknowingly, but there is a lot of music in me.

Which is that one project as a lyricist that you are extremely proud of?

I think all of them, because choosing one will be very difficult. Be it 3 Idiots, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Kai Po Che or any other film, all of them have helped my career in some way or the other. But 3 Idiots is definitely special, because it gave me the name, fame and a lot of awards. I was very lucky that some of the best, most incredible projects were offered to me.

While working on Bobby Jasoos as a lyricist, you were simultaneously shooting for four different films as an actor. Juggling the two roles must have been difficult.

Of course, it was very tough! I have completed four films, that includes one with Vivek Agnihotri and a Prakash Jha production venture. There is also Ghoomketu in which I play Nawazzudin Siddiqui’s chacha and Sonali Cable. I am doing diverse roles in these projects. Being a lyricist and actor are two different disciplines.
As an actor, you are constantly pampered on the sets. As a writer, you are always behind the scene and things are not very glamorous. But I was enjoying both the roles to the hilt! Donning different hats is not in your hands. It all depends on how you perform. I just go with the flow and accept things that come my way. If people love your talent, good work will keep pouring in. It won’t work out if I just keep thinking, ‘arey, ab mujhe sirf gaana hain’, or ‘Ab toh main sirf acting karunga’.

What about your future projects?

There are several interesting films coming up. I have finished working on the songs for R. Balki’s next titled Shamitabh. There is also Abhishek Kapoor’s Fitoor and the Aamir Khan starrer P.K. I am also writing an animation film, the details of which are being kept under wraps. I am also penning the script for a film that I will be directing. I am just in a happy space where I am enjoying various things.