Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan has been in the film industry for almost four decades, and has seen it go through several changes. On the lyric writing scenario for films now, he says, “The people in the industry are talented, but they are not getting the right kind of work. Freedom of creativity khatam ho gayi hai. Ek gaane pe teen lyricist kaam karte hain.”

Anjaan is upset that the process of music-making has changed entirely, causing deterioration of the quality. “Things that were important don’t even exist anymore. Earlier, everyone — makers, composer, lyricist and singers — would sit together to decide the music for a film. The process is not disciplined anymore. Dimag se kaam ho raha hai, dil se nahin. Producers are only looking for hit songs. Since one song is recorded by 20 singers, no one likes to give their 100%,” he says, adding, “The music of Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 (2021) was not extraordinary. But it worked, as it showcased the kind of effort that was invested by everyone working together.”

Anjaan has been keeping low as far as writing music for films goes. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have work. “Mujhe achha kaam karne ka mauka nahin mil raha. If I get a full soundtrack to work on and the music doesn’t do well, main apna pen chhor doonga. Since I don’t like to work on half or one track, I’m working on independent projects. I enjoy the independence singles give. I’m releasing independent music to tell people that I’m still around,” says the lyricist, who celebrated his 63rd birthday yesterday, by indulging in charity.