Ankit Tiwari, popularly known as the Sunn Raha Hai Tu music composer and singer from Aashiqui 2, has struggled to make a name for himself in the music world. Post Aashiqui 2, Tiwari has been known for his love songs in films such as Ek Villain and Roy. He says, “If my name is associated with love songs, I am proud of it, because to get associated with a genre is an achievement in the Indian music world. Having said that, I do want to explore other genres and have around 100 different songs in my bank.”

He adds, “A few years ago, I sang a song called Dil Cheez Tujhe Dedi from Airlift, but people were not ready to believe that it was my composition. They felt it belonged to Pritam Chakraborty. It was much later that people realised that I had composed it. The image of being a composer of love songs has stuck and I am happy about it now.”

Ankit is currently seen as a mentor for one of the teams in the music reality show Indian Pro Music League. He says, “I am junior to all the singers, who are participating in the show. Kailash Kher, Shaan, Sajid Khan and Mika Singh are all my seniors and have done a huge amount of work on television. I can never compete with them. I am new in this arena and learning my way around here.”

Ankit also had a music band, which unfortunately had to split up due to the lockdown. He says, “We are living in very uncertain times. I had some talented musicians in my band, but they had to relocate to their hometowns because there was not much work happening due to the pandemic. We are hoping for things to get better soon. If you are alive and healthy, then I consider it a blessing during these times.”

Barely a few days after the Mumbai Sessions Court acquitted singer Ankit Ti wari in a 2014 rape case citing lack of evidence, the complainant said that she was planning to move the High Court to reopen the case. Talking to BT last week (edition dated May 3), she said that her decision was prompted by the post-acquittal statements made by Ankit and his brother, Ankur. According to the complainant, the brothers had signed a document promising that they would not speak about the case or her in the media.

Now, Ankit has reacted to her claim saying that he had never signed any document. He also denied being in a relationship with the woman or committing to marriage. Ankit and Ankur spoke to BT about the trauma of the three-yearlong trial and more...

'IT WAS PURE FRIENDSHIP'
Ankit says, “I never spoke about the case during the trial. I opened up only after I was acquitted by the honourable court. And even then, all I said was that I had complete faith in the judiciary. Having said that, we haven't given her any written acknowledgement. I first met her during Durga Puja celebrations in 2013. We were introduced by a mutual acquaintance and exchanged numbers. Then we started meeting as friends and going out for coffee. From my side, it was pure friendship. There was no shaadi ki baat. In fact, she had lied to me about her marital status, but since I was not romantically interested in her, it didn't matter. There was no physical intimacy between us. This feels like a film script. Ek script nayi nayi taiyyar kee jaa rahi hai. Her version has changed at least four times.“ Ankit adds, “The first notice that I received was different from the FIR, which was again different from what was mentioned before the court. And now, all of it is different from what is being reported. Rape is a serious offence and it becomes even more serious when it involves a celebrity. It is to be noted that she lodged the complaint only after I became popular.“

'NO GRUDGES, NO COMPLAINTS'
Talking about the three-year-long trial, the composer-singer says, “It was extremely tough. I faced many problems and lost out on projects. I was a very positive person till this incident occurred. It also made me realise the value of family. I could not face my parents; when the case was going on, I didn't speak at all. I spoke only after my acquittal, but I'm being put to trial even now. I have no grudges or complaints against her or anyone else. It's unfortunate that people are believing a scripted story and that too, after my acquittal. Main khud ko toh sambhaal loonga, but mummy daddy ko kaise sambhaaloon?“ About the complainant's allegations that she had supported him financially during his days as a struggler, Ankit says, “My struggle has been graceful. Yes, I have taken money from family, but never from outsiders.“

ALL SET FOR A SECOND INNINGS
Ankit says that he wants to restart life and his career on a positive note. “All I know is that I have to work hard and get cracking again, which I will. My priority is my work. I am shattered, but can't let my family see it. I have to keep smiling for their sake. After this incident, I am scared to even meet friends who are girls. However, they supported me during the trial. In fact, they still come home to meet me since I don't go out much and was never the partying kind. I am not interested in anyone and will let my mother decide about my marriage.“

I DON'T WANT TO REACT TO SOMEONE'S COOKED-UP STORY: ANKUR TIWARI
Ankit's brother Ankur, who was also accused of threatening the complainant, says that contrary to her claims, she never visited Ankit's parents with a marriage proposal. Ankur says, “She could have visited our parents in Kanpur as a friend, but it is not on record. Why are we being asked about it now? All these complaints started only after Ankit became popular. I don't want to react to someone's cooked-up story. Kal sadak se uth kar koi bhi kuchh bhi bolega toh main apna kaam dekhunga ki answer doonga? The latest development has affected us, especially since we have been acquitted.“

THERE APPEARS TO BE NO GROUND FOR REOPENING THIS CASE: ANKIT'S LAWYER
Rizwan Merchant, who is defending the Ankit and Ankur, says, “The complainant's problem is that she doesn't want to be declared hostile, but she has stepped in the witness box once and told the court that Ankit and she were just friends. She said that they knew each other and used to go out for parties. If she now claims that she was pressured by the other party to take the case back, why didn't she complain to the court at that time itself? Had that been the case, any court would have cancelled the bail and they would have been taken into custody. There was no physical relationship at all and that's been our line of defence. Also, there is no mention of rape in the first handwritten complaint submitted by her. In that, she has mentioned consensual relationship. However, we have not even admitted to that. And if you say consensual, it can't be rape. And if it was rape, it couldn't have been consensual. There appears to be no ground for reopening this case.“

Bollywood singer composer Ankit Tiwari was acquitted of rape charges by the Mumbai Sessions Court on Thursday. The court acquitted Ankit and his elder brother Ankur of all charges after the woman, who had filed the complaint, turned hostile and the prosecution failed to gather enough evidence against the brothers.

The woman, allegedly Ankit's girlfriend, had filed a case against the Sunn Raha Hai Na Tu singer saying he had assaulted her several times between October 2012 and December 2013 after promising to marry her. She had also filed a case against Ankur saying he had threatened her. Ankit was subsequently arrested by the Mumbai Police on May 8, 2014 and later let out on bail.

A relieved Ankit spoke to us. He said, “Justice has finally been done to me.I knew that God and truth were on my side and that I had done no wrong. Finally, everyone knows the truth and I can't thank the court and the people who helped me through this ordeal, enough, ever.“

He added, “For three-and-a-half years, my family and I suffered this ordeal. Sabse zyada mere mummy-papa affected thay. For them it was a big shock when this had happened. But now we can finally put all of this behind and move on in our lives. Mummy ne toh jabse verdict suna hai, woh ro hi rahi hain. Unhone aur papa ne bahut tapasya aur prayers ki thi mere liye. I am only thankful now that our family's name has been cleared.“

When asked if there is any bitterness in him, Ankit said, “There's no bitterness. Jo ho gaya, I have put it all behind me. Because I know that I had done no wrong. So, I have told my mother to look for a girl for me. Woh jisko pasand kar lengi uss se shaadi karunga. But when, I don't know.“

The singer had suffered professionally too because of the case. He found it tough to find work post his arrest. “But I am immensely grateful to filmmaker Mohit Suri who gave me work in Hamari Adhuri Kahani. It did take some time to gain back people's confidence, but eventually I did.“

Ankit's elder brother Ankur, who is also his manager, too heaved a sigh of relief when the verdict was delivered. “We had refrained from commenting on anything related to this case as it was subjudice. Finally, we have won the case. Iss din ka bahut dino se intezaar tha. And we are happy about it. Ankit and I just want to thank our well-wishers, family, friends and his fans who believed in him and stood by him.“

His parents too are delighted that their son's name has been cleared in the case. Ankit's father Rajendra Tiwari said, “Ankit aur Ankur ka case lagbhag teen saal tak court main chala aur yeh teen saal mere aur Suman (his wife) ke liye bahut hi zyada tough rahe. I always knew that both my sons were innocent. Kai baar celebrity hone ka bhi aapko khamiyaza bhugatna padta hai. The same happened with Ankit and Ankur. I still remember the day they both were taken into police custody. At that time, my wife and I were in Mumbai and we both felt really helpless because there was no one to help us. Going to the court on every hearing was also a painful experience, but I always had strong faith in the judiciary.“

Echoing Rajendra's emotions, his wife Suman Tiwari, said, “Mujhe bhagwaan aur judiciary par pura vishwas tha. Jab yeh pura incident hua tha tab bahut hi pareshaani wale din thay. Mujhe maloom tha ki ghar se dur rehkar bhi mere bete koi galat kaam nahi karenge. Mujhe lagta hai ki woh samay hi kharab tha iss liye yeh ghatna hui. Aaj jab Ankit aur Ankur court se nirdosh saabit hog aye hai toh mujhe kisi se koi shikayaat nahi.“

Despite the success of songs like Sunn Raha Hai Galliyan, Ankit Tiwari is and clear that he composes music only for the love of it. Though fans are crazy about his mellifluous voice, he prefers composing to singing. Ankit opens up to Bombay Times about his musical journey, his faith in hard work and why he feels that a performer's real challenge lies in singing live on stage. Excerpts:

How did it all start for you?
Music runs in my family. My mother used to sing jagratas. I earned a Sangeet Prabhakar in classical music, but I always had stage fright. I would play the instruments, but shy away from singing on stage. I learnt a great deal during my initial days in Mumbai, when I sang as a part of chorus and at weddings and hotels to sustain. I won't associate struggle with anything bad. It helps you evolve as a person and makes you stronger. You always learn from difficult times. People used to make fun of my style back then, but perseverance pays off. One should have a high threshold for patience and never compromise on ethics.

Since you have been through a struggling phase, what would be your advice to aspiring composers?
If you want to make a career out of music, pursue it wholeheartedly as there is no dearth of opportunities. You could feel helpless at times, but handle it and work hard. If your work is good, you will connect with listeners, no matter what others say to bring you down. Earlier, when I wore normal denims, people thought that I had no style. Now, even if I turn up in half pants, they find it cool. Success makes you a trend. What's important is to not let it get to your head.

How do you strike a balance between singing and composing?
I came to Mumbai with the dream of becoming a composer. Tigmanshu Dhulia and (Mahesh) Bhatt sahab heard me while I was presenting songs to them. They liked my voice and made me sing. By rule, I sing the composition live and never make directors listen to a recorded version. Composition is my priority. As a listener, I also value the production of the song equally. Hence, I get involved in that aspect too. You enjoy what you do from the heart. And I want to breathe my last while singing on stage.

As a composer, what do you look for in a singer?
I should like the overall personality of a singer because that reflects in the song. But in a creative field, you can't stick to any rule book. You make alterations depending on the requirement.

How is singing for others different from crooning your own composition?
As a singer-composer, I am involved in the song right from the word go. I understand its emotion, flow and feeling better than anyone. If I am singing for someone else, I have to abide by the music composer because it's his song and he knows about it more than anyone. Now, I like to sing for others more. You absorb and learn new things through their distinct music style.

Now that you have started performing on stage, what do you prefer: live singing or recording?
I can't choose one over the other. When you are recording in a studio, the involvement in the song could be gradual and you can redub if you are not happy with the first product. But you are required to be bindaas on stage. There is a direct interaction with the fans and you get an immediate feedback. You understand what they like and dislike. My fans are my biggest achievement. Mujhe meri aukaat se zyada mil gaya hai.

Melody is your strength. Would you break away from it and try other genres?
I won't ever leave melody, be it dance, emotional or romantic numbers. I would like to try disco numbers, but would veer towards melody even in that.

Many of your songs are melancholic. Any particular reason?
(Laughs) I am not sentimental in real life. I just feel that when a song is emotionally rich, no matter what feeling it carries, it will connect with the audience immediately. Dard baantne se ghatata hai. Every genre of music enjoys a loyal audience.

Is there any particular process you follow while composing?
There are times when I compose to a set of lyrics and then there are times, when I have composed first and lyricists have worded it with poetry later. I wish lyricists and technicians got their due like us. They often go unnoticed.

What do you have to say about this sudden trend of having multiple music composers in one film?
The composers of today don't know the script. It's like window shopping. The concept of multi-music composers has been there since long. If a director involves you in the script as a composer, you learn better about the requirement and the flavour: mitti pata hoti hai gaane ki.

And the latest fad of actors turning singers?
I don't see a problem in that. It helps in movie promotions as actors make an immediate connect with the audience because of their face value. When Shraddha (Kapoor) recorded Galliyan for us, we had decided that if the version isn't good enough, we won't use it. But she sang really well.

Do you think the music industry relies a lot on auto-tuning these days?
Auto-tuning has been there since long and I have learnt it on the job. It's like a plug-in. Today, we are exploring so much, including electronic music and international instruments. I don't understand the fuss about it. We should get rid of everything then that exposes us to new things and enjoy new kinds of music.

You are constantly compared to Arijit Singh. Comment.
I don't believe in numbers. Everyone is good at hisher work. I want to be known for my good work, but don't want any tag. The number game comes with its pros and cons.

What has been your biggest learning from life so far?
Keep working hard and live for the moment. Don't let stress and tension bog you down. I try to brave difficult times with a smile.