Two years after Shekhar Ravjiani and Shreya Ghoshal first expressed their interest in collaborating on this property, mid-day is finally able to have them arrive at a time suitable to both. Brought together via a video-conferencing app, the talkative singer-composer duo leave little scope for a third person’s intervention. Over cups of coffee, they amuse one another with poor jokes, and us, with noteworthy stories of their respective journeys in the music industry. Edited excerpts from the interview:  

Shekhar: This has been a great year for me. I understand that people have gone through a tough time, physically, mentally, in their relationships and due to the pressure of work. But, for me, it was like a gate had opened. I didn’t have to think about anything, and simply went with the flow. If someone asked me which year has been among my most favourite in recent past, it will be 2020. Things rolled with ease. I was busy [working for] my music school, and making songs without worrying about the platform for which they were being created, or how they were being promoted. I wanted to go back to that stage in my life when I had no films, and created music because I loved to do so. Those wings are out now, and I am experiencing that feeling of flying [again].

Shreya: I had a similar experience. I have never spent as much time in my kitchen or living room as I have been spending now. The first few days were about cooking meals. Then, it seemed like [we had been in lockdown for] too long. At some point, I [feared] for the future. Then, I gave in, and took to a routine I had once diligently followed. [I began to] do my riyaaz regularly. An aspect of self-improvement was completely lacking in my life. And implementing that again has brought about a big change. 

Shreya: Had the things that happened to me, not have happened, I would not have been able to take the decisions that I did to reach here. I lived in Rajasthan, in a township of scientists and engineers. No one in the community had made a career out of music, and often [school authorities] would frown upon me for skipping school to fulfil a music commitment. But, my parents were supportive, and made me believe that what I was doing was special, and I was privileged to have this gift. I didn’t have a degree. My friends are all big techies today, and I could have been among them. But I would have been mediocre, and I am glad that I didn’t [choose another career]. I realised early on that I may not be great, but I felt good about myself when I sang. 

 

Shekhar: It started pretty early. Luckily, my family members were such that if any chord was struck at home, each member was capable of catching the note and singing in tune. We didn’t come from a music background, but music was always played at home. When guests would come over, people would jam. My dad was a phenomenal accordion player, which he pursued as a hobby. I eventually took music lessons from the piano player Xavier Fernandes. I was never interested in the first 50 minutes of the sessions, which involved theory. But, the last 10 minutes, when he taught me a song, were cherished. I would practice what he’d teach in those last minutes, long after he would leave. Thus, I say, I have learnt by listening. A friend who worked for Mr Mukul Anand took a tape of mine to him. He heard it, and wanted to meet me. At 16, I got my first job as a composer and singer, and at 17, I was among the busiest composers for 60-second ads. 

Shekhar: I had been working in the industry for seven years before it came my way. It was made by Mukul Anand’s assistant Raj Kaushal, and most of the artistes associated with the film, went on to [achieve immense fame]. 

Shekhar: In 2018-2019, I did workshops in Singapore. The kids were so talented, and sang Carnatic and Hindustani classical music so well, that the limited workshops that I did there were very successful. That’s when we locked the GIIS and Shekar Ravjiani Music School, with 22 campuses and 15,000 students. Fifteen of them will be personally mentored by me. I will pick those students who really have the desire to learn, and who are happy souls. Your heart has to be happy to flourish. 

Shreya: The music that we have around us is not inspiring. With Angana more, I wanted to do a bandish, but decided to make a song instead. I wanted it to be unique, and that is when [I roped in] my brother [Soumyadeep]. He is a full-time techie, but has always been passionate about music. But, neither did [the family] encourage him to take it up [professionally], nor did he consider it a [career option]. But, he has found an outlet [to express himself]. I have been a singer and have not been [exposed to] the process of composing. So, this is a journey I really enjoyed. 

Shreya: I want you to start working on the collection of songs you have created. When do we begin? I am supposed to work on many of them. 

Shekhar: Yea, unfortunately I haven’t been able to connect with Shreya Ghoshal. Do you have a line on her?