Showing posts with label M M Kreem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label M M Kreem. Show all posts

Everyone wanted me to write songs like Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai-Neelesh Misra

‘EVERYOND WANTED ME TO WRITE SONGS LIKE JAADU HAI NASHA HAI’
Lyricist Neelesh Misra on working on the songs of Jism and why they live on
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 17, 2023)

He forayed into Bollywood as a lyricist in 2003 with Jism. And as the film turns 20 today, Neelesh Misra takes us through the experience of working on the Bipasha Basu and John Abraham-starrer. “Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai was my first song as a lyric writer and it became such a benchmark that everyone wanted me to write songs on similar lines. Since it released at a time when we had just entered the new millennium, it started a new trend of songwriting. Though it was edgy and sensuous, it was beautifully romantic. There was nothing vulgar or obscene about it,” says Misra, as he goes on to explain how it wasn’t easy for him to start out as a lyricist, given the way songs were made back then.

He adds, “It was during my first music sitting in Mumbai when I found out that the tune of a song was created first and the lyricist had to fit the words into it. When I sat down to write Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai, I just couldn’t do it. This was the first time in my life when I failed at something on day one. I felt awful as I couldn’t meet the expectations that Bhatt sahab (filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt; story and screenplay writer of Jism) and Pooja (Bhatt; producer) had on me.”

Interestingly, the song worked out in an unexpected manner and he credits composer M M Kreem for making him feel comfortable: “I was in a cab and suddenly some words crossed my mind. I wrote Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai on the rear side of a food bill and when I shared the lines with Bhatt sahab, he was ecstatic.”

Misra also penned the song Chalo Tumko Lekar Chalein. “I wrote the lyrics of the song in a classic ghazal metre. I feel the way Mr Kreem captured the silence in the song was beautiful,” says the lyricist.

Since Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai had sensuous visuals, it was received well at Misra’s home: “I was very excited about the promo of the song, as it was my first Bollywood track. I come from a middle-class family and I still remember my father said, ‘I will listen to the songs you write, but won’t see them’,” he quips.

‘EVERYOND WANTED ME TO WRITE SONGS LIKE JAADU HAI NASHA HAI’

It was because of Palak Muchhal, that we met Salman Khan-Meet Brothers

The Meet bros and Palak Muchhal. pic/ Sameer Markande
In conversation with Palak Muchhal, Meet Bros' Manmeet and Harmeet Singh open up on the struggles they endured before feeling like they have finally arrived
Sonil Lulla (MID-DAY; September 30, 2019)

In our tryst to arrive at musician duos who share a great camaraderie to do justice to this property, the Meet Brothers and Palak Muchhal come as a blessing. Their interaction is generously peppered with puns and satire, but their questions reveal their deep-seated aspirations as musicians. Manmeet and Harmeet Singh have known Muchhal since she was aged seven, and are hence evidently protective. Muchhal is every bit playful (and respectful) towards them. Even as we concise this 40-minute chat for print, we suggest you catch the full low-down on mid-day.com.

Muchhal To Meet Bros

What Are The Pros Of Working As A Duo? Would You Have Rather Been Solo Musicians?
Manmeet: If we had to be solo musicians, [we wouldn't] have worked for 20 years. The thought we harboured was that one and one makes 11. Initially, it was tough, because we weren't mature enough to handle it. There's no school that teaches you how to run a business with a brother. But when you pass through the storm of understanding each other, then it comes together.
Harmeet: We always have each other's back, so it is a blessing. There are very few cons of working with a brother. In life, you have to make money with another person, be it a composer or singer. Disagreements are bound to take place. So, you might as well disagree with your brother.

As Composers, Do You Prefer To Create A Song After Receiving The Lyrics, Or Would You Rather Compose First, And Then Hand That Over To The Lyricist?
Manmeet: The past has proven that those who've created the people who've created a revolution are those who have not been masters of the field [they achieved success in]. They became masters while training on the job. That was also the case with us. We are entertainers. It's all that we wanted to do. When we were young, Harmeet would perform cabaret very well. So, I'd play with the lights to create a disco effect while he'd dance on Piya tu ab toh aaja, to entertain people. That's also how we work with our lyricists. We sit together and go with the flow. All our biggest hits have come from jamming with lyricists.

There Are Many Singers Who Don't Get A Platform To Showcase Their Talent. With Your Label MB Music, You Are Correcting That. What Was The Idea Behind Creating It?
Harmeet: It was essentially a life lesson. For 15 years, when we went about visiting different labels and didn't get a break, we know it involved a lot of struggle. When we didn't find support, we would be disappointed. Now that we know that we have the power [to give another person a chance], we shouldn't behave the same way that [the label owners did]. Our channel features a bevy of young artistes. All our videos have a small story. It's like watching a mini musical movie. We understand what the artistes want; the little things that corporates don't.
Manmeet: While there is a high in working with [veteran] singers, there's also a different kind of joy in working with new singers. Our songs shine when they're rendered by fresh voices.

What Have Been The Most Satisfying Moments Of Your Life?
Manmeet: The first one would be when we were able to relocate our parents to Mumbai.
Harmeet: I agree. I also believe that our compositions Baby doll and Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan were high points in our life. Very often, you notice how people's lives progress very slowly, even though they struggle [to achieve success]. And then, suddenly, life picks up pace. For us, Baby Doll and Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan were that push for our careers. It is after these two songs that people started noticing us. We will always show our gratitude for the people who were attached with these songs. It is because of their support that this happened. That was our turning point.
Manmeet: Do you know that it was because of you Palak, that we also met Salman [Khan]? That's because you knew him.
Harmeet: That was also important for us. We tried to reach him through 32 people. In his movies, I'd see the names of the cast members and analyse who I knew, and who could help me connect with him. No one could make that happen. Then, one day while talking to you, you said, 'Why don't you just message him, directly?' Then I took his number and messaged him. That's how Hangover happened.

Meet Bros To Muchhal

Who Is Your Favourite Singer, And What Is The Genre Of Music That You Would Want To Be Associated With?
It would be too shallow to use the word favourite for her, but I would say Lata ji [Mangeshkar]. I've always idolised her. As for the songs, there are many that I hear and hope to be given a chance to render something similar. One of them would be Lag ja gale.

As Someone Who Has Done Live Shows Since Childhood, And Then Donated That Money For The Treatment Of Cancer Patients, Do You Derive More Joy From This Act Of Kindness Or From The Awards That You Win?
I say this often — Regardless of how much money you earn or success you achieve, it can't compete with the joy you receive when you see someone smile and know that you are a reason behind it. Till today, 1,985 surgeries have been completed [for cancer patients]. I know that there are kids waiting in the hospital thinking, 'Tomorrow, Palak didi will perform, and then the day after, I can have the surgery'. A lot of people want to help others, and if I am blessed enough to do so, I must do so.

What Are You Most Sensitive About, And What Can Easily Hurt You?
I'm relatively stable, but I'm very sensitive when it comes to my family. Anything concerning my parents or my brother is what really bothers me.

Can You Chronicle Some Important Experiences You've Had With Other Composers In Bollywood?
When I came to Mumbai, I had a list of music directors I wanted to work with, and I've ticked off 90 per cent of names on that list. The person who has taught me a lot is Himesh sir [Reshammiya]. When I work with him, there's always something I can take back home; be it [a lesson on] discipline or dedication. There's so much to learn from him. Also, the way M M Kreem makes a singer sing [is noteworthy]. He makes a singer feel empowered. I also love working with Jeet Gannguli.

What Are The Aspirations You Harbour, As Musician And Individual?
I always have a plan. I want to keep on doing what I am doing. I also want to open a hospital where heart patients can be treated for free. I've already purchased a plot for it.

Singing for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion for me-Madhushree


BOMBAY TIMES (May 15, 2017)

Songstress Madhushree has proved her mettle once again with the song Kahna So Ja Zara in Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Composer M M Kreem decided last minute to include a song by her in the album, which she believes has altered the course of her life. Madhushree believes that the track is Lord Krishna's blessing for her and it's miraculous that she landed a chance to lend her voice to it.

“We all pray for miracles but miss them when they happen. We usually associate our achievements with our efforts and forget that we had asked for a miracle to happen. If you believe in the miracle, you will grow. I'm an example of that. Singing for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a miracle for the way it happened and the way I experienced it,“ says the singer.

Madhushree, who has crooned songs like Kabhi Neem Neem (Yuva), Tu Bin Bataye (Rang De Basanti), Ham Hain Iss Pal Yahan (Kisna) and In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein (Jodhaa Akbar) is currently judging a reality show with Kumar Sanu, Shantanu Moitra, Jeet Gannguli and Palak Mucchal. Her upcoming film projects are Kabadi, Love You Family and Amrapali.

After singing in Haider, Tabu croons a lullaby for Missing


Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 17, 2015)

Mirror had earlier reported (July 13) that Tabu and Manoj Bajpayee are reuniting on screen 15 years after Ghaath and Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!!, for Mukul Abhyankar's psychological thriller, Missing. Now, we have learnt that she will be singing a lullaby to put her daughter to sleep on screen.

A source close to the film informs that the song is integral to the plot. The lullaby, Soja Re, is composed by M M Kreem and the lyrics are penned by Manoj Muntashir. Last year, as Mirror had reported (July 3, 2014) Tabu had lent her voice to a traditional Kashmiri song titled Roshe Valle, in a scene, in Vishal Bhardwaj's crime-drama, Haider. The song did not feature in the album.

When contacted, Mukul admitted that it hadn't been difficult to convince Tabu to sing. “She sings really well, understands music and verse. By using her voice we've made the scene look authentic,“ he asserts, recalling how much the actress had loved the lyrics and the tune. “Tabu picked up the song in one night. She rehearsed the evening before the shoot, and we took another day for the dubbing. She sang two antaras but we have retained only one in the film.“

Mukul adds that the actress is critical of her own performance and sang the song again and again, till both, the composer and she were satisfied. “Both Kreem sir and she share a great rapport. He gave us some wonderful tips on how to picturise the song. Tabu would sit like an obedient child in front of Kreem sir with the harmonium, a notebook and a pen in hand,“ he smiles.

M S Dhoni biopic director Neeraj Pandey to dedicate a song 'Phir Se' to Team India on Feb 15


Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; February 12, 2015)

As we all know, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is being held in Australia and New Zealand with India playing its first match against archrival Pakistan on February 15. The Indian team will predictably have the World Cup 2011 winning captain MS Dhoni leading the team. We have exclusively learnt that the director of M S Dhoni's biopic, Neeraj Pandey, a cricket buff himself, has directed a music video titled Phir Se that will be launched on February 15, the day of the India-Pakistan match. Telling us about it, he said, “Phir Se is an anthem, plea, prayer, dream all rolled in one. M M Kreem sahab (music director) and Manoj Muntashir (lyricist) have done this beautifully.“ Well, there is no doubt that a billion hearts will be with Dhoni, praying and hoping that he will bring back the World Cup phir se to India.