The news about Shannu’s [Shravan Rathod] demise left me shattered. We have lost one of the greatest music composers of India. We started out as teenagers, almost 48 years ago. During my Elphinstone College days, our mutual friend Harish Bhopaiya introduced us, knowing Shravan and I would connect over music. Soon after, in 1973, we judged a singing contest at St Anne’s Girls’ School, and after that, started jamming together. One fine day, Shravan suggested that we team up, like Laxmikant-Pyarelalji and Kalyanji-Anandji. That’s how our journey started.

We composed over 1,200 songs together. Our first assignment was Bhojpuri movie Dangal (1977), which went on to complete a golden jubilee. Mithun Chakraborty, who was like our godfather, believed in us and helped us sign Ilaaka [1989]. The next year, we bagged Aashiqui [1990], which was a turning point in our lives. That film was God’s gift to us — I had gone to Mecca before that, and prayed for international fame. For Aashiqui, we had a sitting with Gulshan ji [Kumar] at Mithun da’s bungalow at Madh Island. The sitting went on from 11 pm to 2 am. After hearing the songs, Papa ji [Kumar] hugged us and said, ‘Let’s work together.’ 

The success of Aashiqui’s album landed us Saajan [1991], Phool Aur Kaante [1991], Sadak [1991], Deewana [1992], Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke [1993], Raja Hindustani [1996] and many more movies. Shravan was like my younger brother. We did everything together — from buying his first car to [scouting the city for] his first house. Unfortunately, we were hit by a tragedy [the Gulshan Kumar murder case in 1997] and suffered for no fault of ours. [The environment] was so vicious that we kept fighting, until one day, Shravan broke down. It created a rift between us till we reunited for Do Knot Disturb [2009].

In spite of our differences, our bond was unbreakable. I had spoken to him only 25 days ago. I was constantly in touch with his son Sanjeev from the day he was hospitalised. Today, it feels as if a part of my body has been taken away. In the course of our partnership, we’ve lived a lifetime, and seen the highs and lows together. I feel helpless that I couldn’t meet my friend to bid him goodbye.

On Thursday night, music composer Shravan Rathod, of the popular Nadeem-Shravan duo, passed away due to Coronavirus-related complications in a hospital in Mumbai. The 66-year-old composer reportedly was on ventilator support for the last few days. His wife Vimladevi and son Sanjeev are admitted to another medical facility, while his younger son Darshan, tested negative. The composer and his wife had attended the Kumbh Mela recently.

Nadeem-Shravan were one of the most successful composer duos in the history of film music and together they ruled the Bollywood music space all through the 90s. Their music for the film Aashiqui (1990) was a huge hit and the soundtrack went on to become one of the best-selling Bollywood albums of all time.

Shravan, son of classical singer Pt Chhaturbhuj Rathod, was first introduced to Nadeem Saifee at a college function in 1972. Impressed with each other’s musical skills, they joined hands to compose music together and began their journey with the Bhojpuri film, Dangal in 1973. They started bagging full film assignments only in the late 80s with films like Ilaka (1989), but it was Aashiqui (1990) that proved to be a game-changer in their musical career.

Nadeem-Shravan ruled the industry with one hit album after another for films like Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin (1991), Saajan (1991), Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Sadak (1991), Deewana (1992), Damini (1993), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Raja (1995), Jeet (1996), Raja Hindustani (1996), Pardes (1997), Sirf Tum (1999), Dhadkan (2000) and Barsaat (2005), among others.

The duo weathered the tumult caused in their musical journey when Nadeem was accused of having played a role behind the murder of music baron, Gulshan Kumar in 1997. Nadeem, who was in London at that time, never returned to India though he was acquitted of all charges by a Mumbai sessions court. He currently resides in Dubai. They continued to work and score music, but split after Dosti: Friends Forever (2005).

While Nadeem went solo, Shravan started focussing on the music career of his composer sons, Sanjeev and Darshan. He cherished his musical journey with Nadeem and rued the fact that Hindi film music, today, copies a lot of Western music. In an interview in 2018, he had said, “Nadeem and I used the bansuri, sitar and shehnai in all our compositions. The soul of India is contained within these three instruments. R D Burman always used the bansuri. That is why his songs have lasted.” Shravan’s brother’s Roopkumar Rathod and Vinod Rathod, too, made a name for themselves in the music industry as singers.

As soon the news of his demise became known, messages of condolences began pouring in from the music fraternity. Salim Merchant, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal were among those who expressed grief and shock over Sharan’s death on social media.

I still can’t believe that Shravan bhai is not with us anymore. Itna pyara insaan, itna zabardast music director... they (Nadeem-Shravan) ruled the music industry in the 90s. Mujhse unhone ek se ek gaana gawaya aur bahut saara pyaar diya. Shravan bhai loved me like an elder brother. Whenever there would be trouble or any problem, he would call me or come home and say, ‘Tumhe kya takleef hai? Mujhe batao, main tumhara bada bhai hoon.’ Aisa pyaara insaan humein chhod ke gaya. Logon ke sukh-dukh ko samajhte the woh. Such an artiste, a fankaar humare beech nahi rahe. In these dark times, he has left us. He had gone to the Kumbh Mela recently and had called me from there saying, ‘I have come to the Kumbh Mela for the holy bath.’ I told him that he should’ve told me about this earlier and that I could have also gone with him. But after he got off the phone, I thought to myself that during the pandemic, why did he go there? He already had health issues. He did not listen to others and went there, and now he is no longer with us. May his soul rest in peace.

Shravan ji was sweet, gentle, ever-smiling and such a gifted composer, who while teaching the song to the singer would show the subtle nuances of the track. This is a great loss, I will remember him forever.

I have lost my eldest brother, and it is like losing my father all over again. Shravan bhai, along with Nadeem, had made some great melodious music in that era. He will always be the torchbearer of our family.

This is terribly shocking news and I still cannot believe that Shravan ji is no longer with us. We have known each other for a long time, aur meri zindagi ka ek bahut important part the woh. When we used to record with them, he would personally give me inputs. He would teach me the little nuances of a composition, especially the classical parts. Shravan ji contributed in a big way to every song of mine that I sang for them. He would always call me Tiger, and sometimes, make me sing more than once. I will miss him a lot and feel extremely sad that he is no longer with us.

BT spoke to Nadeem Saifee about the composer duo’s plans for their reunion show and future film projects
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; January 28, 2019)

In an interview conducted in June 2017, composer Nadeem Saifee, one half of the composer duo Nadeem-Shravan, told Bombay Times, “Shravan and I are still like brothers and I miss him. We were very close, but we drifted apart. It happens with so many close relationships. We couldn’t help our circumstances. He was trying to build his sons’ careers. And when I was away, grappling with life, he took up albums and started composing on his own. Slowly, I moved on, too. Even today, we occasionally send out greetings to each other. And if an opportunity ever arises, I’d be the first one to say ‘yes’ to team up with him.”

A year-and-a-half later, the composer duo is indeed reuniting, but this time, for a series of concerts. Confirming the news to BT, Nadeem said, “Our fans had been urging us to do something together. So, we decided to start by thanking them for their endless support through the years, irrespective of our circumstances. We have decided to start with shows across the UK, USA and the Middle East. For many years now, Shravan and I have been doing our work individually, but after the tour, we will even consider doing a couple of film projects together. The shows will give us a start.”

The composers, who delivered some of the most popular songs in the 90s, were forced to part ways when Nadeem slipped into exile, following Gulshan Kumar’s murder case. He has been shuttling between the UK and the Middle East for years now. In June 2017, he made a comeback of sorts with Suneel Darshan’s Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha. Shravan Rathod, in the meanwhile, prepared ground for his sons, Sanjeev and Darshan, to make their foray into Bollywood.

When asked how and where Shravan and he met to plan the tour, Nadeem said, “Technology! It’s the greatest boon. We stayed in touch over the phone and now we have so many facilities to meet people virtually. Shravan and I exchanged notes over voice and video calls. I haven’t met him in person in a very long time, but technology has really made it possible for people to stay in touch without travelling the distance.”

The concert is still being planned and it is expected to kick off some time later in the year. For now, the composer duo is fine-tuning the details of the show. Nadeem adds, “It will be great if we get a chance to perform in India together; after all that is where we began. That will be the best culmination of our tour. Saans toh chalti hai par woh jeene jaisi baat nahi, dil toota hai mera bas aur koi baat nahi... I am yearning to come back to India to my parents, friends and fraternity. I want this vanvaas to end. It’s gone on for too long.” 

Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; April 5, 2015)

Model-actress Lisa Ray will make a comeback in Friday Cine Entertainment's Ishq Forever, produced by Ajay Shah, Harry Gandhi and Shabbir Boxwala. The romantic flick is set to roll in South Africa later this month with Ruhi Singh, who made India proud by winning the first ever Miss Universal Peace and Humanity title. She won the crown amongst 145 countries. She plays the lead opposite Krishna Chaturvedi.

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has put together a promising supporting cast. The highlight of Ishq Forever is its melodious music that has been composed by Nadeem Saifee (of Nadeem-Shravan), who has given evergreen hits like Phool Aur Kaante (1991) and Dilwale (1994). The songs are written by award-winning lyricist Sameer.

First-timer Sameer Sippy, son of yesteryear filmmaker Raj Sippy (Boxer (1984), Baazi (1984) and Satte Pe Satta (1982) among others) makes his directorial debut here. He has assisted Tarun Mansukhani on Dostana (2008) and Farhan Akhtar on Lakshya (2004).

Shabbir Boxwala is also elated that his banner will collaborate with Trimurti Films, one of Bollywood's most prestigious production houses. He, Ajay Shah (co-producer) and Rajiv Rai, who collaborated earlier on super-duper hits like Mohra (1994) and Gupt (1997), have plans to remake one of Dev Anand's memorable thriller Johny Mera Naam (1970) and also the iconic Amitabh Bachchan-Shashi Kapoor film Deewaar (1975), both of which were produced by Rajiv's father, Gulshan Rai under their family banner.

Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; October 22, 2014)

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 5, 2014)

Nadeem Saifi finally called his estranged partner Shravan Rathod, who is recuperating in an Andheri hospital after he suffered a paralytic stroke earlier this week.

Talking to Mirror from Dubai, Nadeem said, "Shravan and I haven't spoken in a long time, so it was nice hearing his voice. It was a very emotional moment for both of us. I called his family on Wednesday, who handed him the phone."

So what did they talk about besides Shravan's health? "We both dwelt on the fact that fate has been cruel to both of us. I have been away from Bollywood (he has been in self-imposed exile in London, fighting a legal battle against extradition to India on charges of conspiracy in the murder of music baron Gulshan Kumar in Aug 1997) and now Shravan has had had such a bad stroke. We may not be working together but we will never forget the good times we had together," he concluded.

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 3, 2014)

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; September 2, 2014)

Music director Shravan Rathod, better known as one half of the famous duo, Nadeem Shravan, has been hospitalised due to a stroke.

Turns out that he recently had a minor paralytic attack and he is said to be in the ICU at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital.

A close source to the musician says, “Shravan got a minor paralytic attack and he was immediately admitted to Ambani hospital. He is currently in the ICU and his condition is very critical right now.”

When contacted, his music partner Nadeem Saifee, said, “I got to know about him last night through a common friend. I am praying for his recovery and it’s very sad. He is my brother and it’s like a part of me has been injured. Since I am not in the country, I had recently sent my secretary to meet his family. I am very worried about him and I hope he recovers soon.”

Nadeem Shravan delivered a string of chartbusters in the ’90s; they composed music for hit films such as Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Saajan, Sadak and more.

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 5, 2014)

Nadeem Saifee, who had split up with partner Shravan Rathod in 2005, has signed his first film as a solo composer, Ishq Forever. This will be the directorial debut of Vidya Malvade's husband, Sanjay Dayma.

Earlier, Nadeem had toyed with the idea of returning with Guddu Dhanoa's next. He was also in talks with Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt's production house.

Dayma has flown to meet Nadeem in Dubai. He is accompanied by lyricist Sameer who has collaborated with Nadeem-Shravan duo on several chartbusting albums, including Aashiqui, Sadak, Saajan, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. He also penned the lyrics for Nadeem's non-film album, Sayesha, which marked his debut as a singer.

Nadeem, who shuttles between Dubai and London, left India following the Gulshan Kumar murder. He was the key accused. In 2002, a judge ruled that the case against him has not been proved. But the arrest warrant against him was never withdrawn. Earlier this year, in an interview to a foreign daily, the composer had sought an apology from the Indian government.

While in exile, Nadeem continued to make music with Shravan. They collaborated on films like Raaz, Kasoor and Dhadkan before parting ways, almost a decade back. Last year, the duo's attempt to reconcile failed.

Talking to Mirror from Dubai, Nadeem said: "Ishq Forever will be my first film without Shravan. There are six songs and I hope to recreate the magic of the'90s. The film is produced by Shabbir Boxwalla with whom I had worked in Dil Ka Rishta and have been friends since."

BOMBAY TIMES (February 24, 2014)

Nadeem Saifee, living in self-imposed exile in Britain since he was accused of involvement in music tycoon Gulshan Kumar’s murder in 2000, has said that he is owed an apology by the Indian government and wants to return to India to see his parents. One half of the successful Nadeem-Shravan duo, the music composer was implicated 16 years ago in the killing of Kumar, but has claimed his innocence ever since. Saifee said that he didn’t want his parents to die without hearing that he was innocent, asserting that his parents are lying ill in their beds, and he wanted to see them.

He was on a holiday in the UK in 1997 when Kumar was murdered by assailants in Mumbai and soon became a prime suspect in the shooting. At the request of Mumbai police, the Indian government sought Saifee’s extradition but the musician’s legal team maintained the police’s evidence was flawed. After an extended legal battle, he successfully avoided extradition. Saifee must appear in an Indian court for his warrant to be cancelled, but fears he will not get a fair hearing. He has suggested that his implication in the murder case was part of a larger conspiracy.
-Agencies