Jantar Mantar

The muscle man talks about his latest project, Jantar Mantar, a music album targeted at childrenWhat prompted you to try your hand at cutt...

The muscle man talks about his latest project, Jantar Mantar, a music album targeted at children

What prompted you to try your hand at cutting a music album?
It wasn8217;t my own idea. I was approached by the music company to do an album for children, but I was skeptical at first because I know I can8217;t sing to save my life. But when I gave it a second thought, I decided it might be a good idea if I could tie up this project with a charity cause. Therefore, the royalties for Jantar Mantar will go to a charity organisation for children.

Does that mean you stand to make no money on this album?
Zilch. I get nothing out of this but pleasure. If I were looking for a commercial project, I would make sure it was something I could carry off, not singing which I am very poor at.

You seem dissatisfied with your work8230;
Not at all. I worked very hard on the album and I8217;m completely happy with the result.

Exactly what has been your involvement in the project?
I have been a part of the project right from the conceptualisation stage. I was keen to make sure that the album has just the right mix of music and language. Eventually, there is a little bit of English, some Hindi, and a dose of Hinglish too. Also, we have variety in terms of the music used.

So have you actually sung the songs yourself, or simply rapped with the singer?
I have sung a little bit here and there, but I8217;ve also rapped. In the album I8217;m also encouraging the other children to sing along.

Was it difficult?
It was. Most importantly, one had to think at that level where this music is going to appeal to little ones. One has to make sure that the music isn8217;t your regular Hindi film music. The lyrics have to be right too. Our songs are mostly about family bonding, about hygeine and about health. As for the singing itself, it took a lot of rehearsing before I finally went into recording.

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What kind of feedback have you been receiving for the album?
Everyone has been very positive. It8217;s not the kind of project one would criticise, specially because it8217;s a charity effort. On Republic Day last month, the music company hosted a concert at Rang Bhavan to promote the album, and it drew a fairly impressive audience.

8211;RAJEEV MASAND