Showing posts with label Nadeem Saifi interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nadeem Saifi interview. Show all posts
Nadeem Saifi to take legal action over allegations about his association with Dawood Ibrahim
7:41 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 17, 2017)
Musician Nadeem Saifi has suggested that he may take legal action against the media publication that alluded to his association with Dawood Ibrahim, after revelations on Monday indicated that the artiste was apparently being protected by the underworld don. “I am consulting my lawyers. If they advice me to do so, I may take action,” Saifi tells mid-day.
The musician, one half of the popular duo Nadeem-Shravan, jetted off to UK after his name cropped up in the 1997 murder case of Gulshan Kumar. The media outlet suggested that call intercepts dating to 2015 were indicative that Saifi may have been getting protection from Ibrahim on foreign turf. The developments arise in the wake of the Modi government’s pursuit of India’s extradition pleas for fugitives overseas.
Rubbishing the reports, Saifi, who is currently residing in Dubai, says, “These are baseless allegations. People are trying to defame me. The story refers to a conversation tapped in 2015 . Where were these guys for two years? Since they [Indian government] don’t have anything [development] in the Gulshan Kumar case, they are trying to frame me. I am ready to be investigated. They can check my bank accounts. I am being made a scapegoat. No one is protecting me. I have never spoken to anyone.”
The report speaks of a reference to a certain “Ustad”, a “goggled man” and a “London friend” in the intercepts, and suggests that they may be indicative of Saifi. But, the musician questions how the code names point towards him. “I don’t wear them [goggles], and I am not an ustad. Have they mentioned my name in the conversation?”
He also points out that the transcript refers to a singer, an art, he says, he isn’t associated with. “When did I sing? I am a music composer.” Finally, he says he could not be a ‘London friend’, given that he has been residing in Dubai for the last 10 years.
Saifi’s unwillingness to return to India stems from a fear of being framed. "There are no cases pending against me, but, I fear that if I come back, they will arrest me. I don’t want my family to be tortured. In fact, my parents are ailing, but, I am not able to see them.”
Saifi also says that the Indian government has been inaccurate in associating him with the case. “The UK High Court judgment said that ‘the accusation of murder and conspiracy made against this applicant is not made in good faith’. I am a free man. I have won five court cases. I have proved my innocence.”
My father tells me everyday, 'Bete, ghar aaja. Do din ke liye aake mujhe dekh to le'-Nadeem Saifi
7:51 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 9, 2017)
It's been over 17 years
since Nadeem - of the famous composer duo Nadeem-Shravan - left India,
after being accused of T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar's murder. Though
living in exile, first in the UK and now in the UAE, he says that he is
in tune with Bollywood's ever-changing music scenario. In a chat with
BT, the music director, who is back with Suneel Darshan's Ek Haseena Thi
Ek Deewana Tha, spoke about his life away from India, the filmmakers
who've supported him in his years of turmoil and how he would give up
anything to return home to his ailing parents. Excerpts...
You have been away from India since 2000. How do you stay abreast of the changes in the music industry?
I am passionate about music and I always make an effort to stay abreast of the developments in the industry. If you listen to the songs of films like Dabangg, you'll realise that those compositions are somewhat in the space Shravan and I had created. So, I may not be in India physically, but my style of composing has never gone out of fashion (laughs). And it's not just about composing; I watch a lot of music reality shows on Indian television, and the talent blows my mind. It inspires me to create a platform for these youngsters to build their career. As I said, I am very much in touch with what's happening.
You have been away from India since 2000. How do you stay abreast of the changes in the music industry?
I am passionate about music and I always make an effort to stay abreast of the developments in the industry. If you listen to the songs of films like Dabangg, you'll realise that those compositions are somewhat in the space Shravan and I had created. So, I may not be in India physically, but my style of composing has never gone out of fashion (laughs). And it's not just about composing; I watch a lot of music reality shows on Indian television, and the talent blows my mind. It inspires me to create a platform for these youngsters to build their career. As I said, I am very much in touch with what's happening.
What's your take on how Bollywood music has evolved over the years?
We have some very talented composers, but they don't display consistency in their work; they do one or two good films and slip into oblivion. They need to be more out there, doing multiple albums on their own. Pritam is one of the best composers in this generation, but he doesn't go beyond two-three albums a year. Baaki 200 albums ka kya hoga? Every album deserves a good composer. Also, most films have seven, eight and sometimes even 10 composers. It means that we either lack capability or we lack the confidence to do an entire album on our own.
Let's rewind. You had stopped working after leaving India. How did you start composing all over again?
I was eager to get back to work, and I found some genuine friends in the industry. I have worked hard to stay connected with my country and the audience. It has been a hard battle. I have to admit that initially, it was a task to record the songs. I had no idea of how the internet worked or how to record songs using online tools. With time, however, I became attuned to the technology.
Suneel Darshan was among the filmmakers who didn't give up on you. You've composed for nearly all his films in recent years, including his upcoming film. What is his brief to you and how much time does he give you to create the score?
When Suneelji explains a song's context to me, he reminds me of filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, who knew what they wanted their tracks to convey. I have worked with 150 filmmakers and created over 1,000 songs, but he's one person who has played a major role in my career. I have immense respect for him, he showed the courage to work with me when no one else did. I remember, he had given me a single night to come up with the score for Ek Rishtaa: The Bond Of Love (2001).
You may have been out of sight, but you are definitely not out of mind as far as the industry is concerned...
It's like my family. Rakesh Roshan and Jeetendra visited me recently. I regularly chat with Rishi Kapoor. In fact, I try and keep in touch with everyone who wants to stay in touch. Whenever someone I know from the industry travels to the UAE, they make it a point to call, and if possible, even visit me. I'm sure the only reason I don't get as many films as before is that I am not in India.
Did you miss your partner Shravan in all these years?
For me, we're 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' career. 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.
So, what stops you from coming back?
If I am assured absolutely no foul play, I'd run to the airport now in my pyjamas. India is my home, I have ailing parents there. My father speaks to me every single day and says, 'Bete, ghar aaja. Do din ke liye aake mujhe dekh to le.' Imagine my plight, I can't fulfill his wish. I'm broken inside, but I am a fighter and I will continue to fight. I have urged our Prime Minister Narendra Modi through several channels, saying that my innocence was proven in court. Why then do I have to go through this grind? I have nothing to hide, I was never afraid. Gulshanji (Gulshan Kumar) was my brother. I used to call him Papaji out of respect. Boney Kapoor is witness to our last meeting. I was flying out and I had requested him to procure some music for me, which he did. His demise hurts me the most. It left a void and changed the course of my life. I belong to India and I don't leave any chance to knock at any door that can bring me home. Maybe, in this lifetime, I will get to see India once more.
We have some very talented composers, but they don't display consistency in their work; they do one or two good films and slip into oblivion. They need to be more out there, doing multiple albums on their own. Pritam is one of the best composers in this generation, but he doesn't go beyond two-three albums a year. Baaki 200 albums ka kya hoga? Every album deserves a good composer. Also, most films have seven, eight and sometimes even 10 composers. It means that we either lack capability or we lack the confidence to do an entire album on our own.
Let's rewind. You had stopped working after leaving India. How did you start composing all over again?
I was eager to get back to work, and I found some genuine friends in the industry. I have worked hard to stay connected with my country and the audience. It has been a hard battle. I have to admit that initially, it was a task to record the songs. I had no idea of how the internet worked or how to record songs using online tools. With time, however, I became attuned to the technology.
Suneel Darshan was among the filmmakers who didn't give up on you. You've composed for nearly all his films in recent years, including his upcoming film. What is his brief to you and how much time does he give you to create the score?
When Suneelji explains a song's context to me, he reminds me of filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, who knew what they wanted their tracks to convey. I have worked with 150 filmmakers and created over 1,000 songs, but he's one person who has played a major role in my career. I have immense respect for him, he showed the courage to work with me when no one else did. I remember, he had given me a single night to come up with the score for Ek Rishtaa: The Bond Of Love (2001).
You may have been out of sight, but you are definitely not out of mind as far as the industry is concerned...
It's like my family. Rakesh Roshan and Jeetendra visited me recently. I regularly chat with Rishi Kapoor. In fact, I try and keep in touch with everyone who wants to stay in touch. Whenever someone I know from the industry travels to the UAE, they make it a point to call, and if possible, even visit me. I'm sure the only reason I don't get as many films as before is that I am not in India.
Did you miss your partner Shravan in all these years?
For me, we're 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' career. 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.
So, what stops you from coming back?
If I am assured absolutely no foul play, I'd run to the airport now in my pyjamas. India is my home, I have ailing parents there. My father speaks to me every single day and says, 'Bete, ghar aaja. Do din ke liye aake mujhe dekh to le.' Imagine my plight, I can't fulfill his wish. I'm broken inside, but I am a fighter and I will continue to fight. I have urged our Prime Minister Narendra Modi through several channels, saying that my innocence was proven in court. Why then do I have to go through this grind? I have nothing to hide, I was never afraid. Gulshanji (Gulshan Kumar) was my brother. I used to call him Papaji out of respect. Boney Kapoor is witness to our last meeting. I was flying out and I had requested him to procure some music for me, which he did. His demise hurts me the most. It left a void and changed the course of my life. I belong to India and I don't leave any chance to knock at any door that can bring me home. Maybe, in this lifetime, I will get to see India once more.
Even Abu Salem confirmed my innocence-Nadeem Saifi
7:43 AM
Nadeem Saifi fled the country after being accused of plotting the Gulshan Kumar murder
Subhash K Jha (DNA; February 22, 2016)
Nadeem Saifi, one-half of the chartbusting duo
Nadeem-Shravan, is back in Bollywood with the music score of Ishq
Forever. In an exclusive interview, he talks about his rise and fall in
the music industry and his years of exile away from India after being
an accused in the alleged murder of music baron Gulshan Kumar.
It’s been a long sabbatical from Bollywood for you.
Yes, I do miss being in the thick of things but sometimes, life takes unpredictable turns. You need to remain motivated, stay strong and stay focused and figure out how to climb the mountain again. Immediately after the case, I did more than 30 films in London. I was very happy to know that my fans continued to love me the same way as before and that made me more determined to continue with my music.
There was a time when you and your partner Shravan ruled the Indian charts. How do you look back on that phase of extended superstardom as music directors?
Yes, we have seen the best of times any artist can think of. We will continue to dominate not only the charts in India, but also globally. A good example is the song Dheere Dheere Se, which has been remixed and has 110 million likes.
It all ended suddenly for you with the alleged criminal cases regarding Gulshan Kumar’s murder. Looking back, do you view the traumatic phase as a learning experience?
A bunch of liars is the short and long story of the Gulshan Kumar murder case. Not a single piece of evidence in 19 years, a total mockery of the law and investigation, the police having the so-called accused Abu Salem in their total custody and yet have not been able to charge him of the Gulshan Kumar murder, just goes to prove the bias against me. Even Abu Salem in his narco-analysis test, in the second stage of inhibition, has confirmed my innocence. I think the Indian media should wake up and smell the coffee and force the government to drop the case and make those police officers pay for their fake accusations.
You’ve been forced to live in exile, first in London and now in Dubai. Do you miss India and your family?
This has been a self-imposed exile because I believe that the criminal justice system has a lot to improve back home in India, and the appointment of the judges have to be independent of the politicians and the government. It has to be an independent judiciary, irrespective of one’s political views and religion. Of course, I miss India and my family. You can imagine both my parents are very old, frail and bedridden, and I have missed out on all the khidmat I could have done for my loving parents. But I do call them everyday, and kiss their feet over the phone.
Do you see Ishq Forever as a new beginning for yourself in Bollywood?
I have so many offers that it’s never difficult for me to jump back into the groove. It’s just that I am extremely selective because the standard of the films and film songs are really going down.
How did the recordings happen and where? How did you choose your singers?
The recordings took place in India and Dubai, but the singers were chosen by Zee Music Company and I had no say in it.
Finally, would you like to come back to India? What is your message to the government of India regarding your exiled status?
Yes, of course, I would definitely love to come back to India, as my heart has always been here. My message to the Government of India is that 19 years have passed and justice has been denied. I request the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to look into my case as I deserve justice.
Most of the songs today lack melody and soul-Nadeem Saifi
7:36 AM
The composer talks about making a comeback to Bollywood with the soundtrack of Ishq Forever
Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; January 22, 2016)
After a long sabbatical,
music composer Nadeem Saifi (of Nadeem Shravan fame) is back with the
music of the film Ishq Forever. The musician, who has had an illustrious
career in the 90s, talks about missing from action, why today's songs
lack melody and what he thinks about young music composers. Excerpts from
the interview...
How did Ishq Forever happen?
I wanted to make a comeback for a long time and I was looking for an interesting script to work on. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a call from my friend, producer Shabbir Boxwala. He insisted that I do the music for Ishq Forever. I heard the script and loved it. The film is not a run-of-the-mill rom-com and I am sure people will be in for a surprise.
What was the brief given to you?
They wanted my style of music and at the same time, they told me to keep the music fresh. The title track has a soulful melody. Bilkul Socha Na is an out and out romantic number. Expectations has a youthful vibe to it. The album is a complete package.
Despite living abroad for so many years, how have you managed to stay in touch with the industry?
I have many friends in the industry who always keep me updated. When it comes to music, my son loves Bollywood numbers and so I am aware of the latest. My passion has always been music and I have a ear for the tunes. I am aware of what is being played and what is going to get popular in Bollywood, irrespective of where I am in the world.
We don't see you composing much in Bollywood now. Why is that?
The trend of music in our films has changed drastically. About 15 years ago, I had predicted that there will be a revolution in the Indian music industry and it happened. We are completely influenced by the West. There is a lot of noise in music today. I don't like the current music scenario. Most of the songs lack melody and soul. There have been some really good numbers but they are far and few. Most of the songs today do not have any recall value. People want to hear foot-tapping party numbers and that is why composers are making songs for the feet and not for the heart. I also feel that relying on technology rather than roping in real singers has hampered the quality of music. Composers are in a hurry to give short-term hits than focus on the music and make something melodious.
What do you think of the new generation of music composers and singers?
There are many good music composers and singers and it would be unfair to point out who is good among them all, but it remains to be seen who will survive in the long run. Sadly, today's composers don't have a long shelf life as they lack consistency. Many of them attain overnight success by giving a couple of hit songs but don't live up to the expectations.
What do you miss about your earlier days?
I miss the originality that is lacking today. Earlier, we would do live recordings with a huge orchestra in a grand way. The entire song would be recorded at one place.Today, a singer records the song sitting in a small studio in Mumbai, while I compose the music in Dubai. We have lost that personal touch.
In the recent years, lyricists and music composers have also started doing playback singing.
I am really happy that a lot of multi-talented people are there in Bollywood. In fact, a lot of actors are also singing. Earlier, we saw a lot of singers becoming actors and they did really well. Today, there is a fair amount of opportunity available for everyone to showcase their talent.
What is your take on the songs being recreated?
I don't have an option but to feel good because even after 25 years, my songs are still being liked and are a hit among youngsters. At the same time, it worries me because music composers are not only destroying old songs in terms of music, but also adding vulgar lyrics to strike a chord with the youth. I have never got any credit for my songs that have been recreated and remixed so in the future, I am also planning to approach the judicial system and take action.
Are you in touch with your partner, Shravan Rathod?
Yes, I am. He recently met with a bad accident and is recovering from it. We are contemplating doing stage shows together all over the world.
Do you miss Mumbai?
Yes, I miss it a lot. I am already planning a project which will have all my memories of Bollywood and my time spent in Mumbai. I won't be able to divulge too many details but I can assure you, it is going to be big and people will remember me for it even after I am gone.
Any plans for your son (Samar Nadeem) to become a composer?
He just finished his graduation in Business Management from London. He is a good looking guy and plans to become an actor. He wants to take his time and look at his options before he takes the plunge.
How did Ishq Forever happen?
I wanted to make a comeback for a long time and I was looking for an interesting script to work on. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a call from my friend, producer Shabbir Boxwala. He insisted that I do the music for Ishq Forever. I heard the script and loved it. The film is not a run-of-the-mill rom-com and I am sure people will be in for a surprise.
What was the brief given to you?
They wanted my style of music and at the same time, they told me to keep the music fresh. The title track has a soulful melody. Bilkul Socha Na is an out and out romantic number. Expectations has a youthful vibe to it. The album is a complete package.
Despite living abroad for so many years, how have you managed to stay in touch with the industry?
I have many friends in the industry who always keep me updated. When it comes to music, my son loves Bollywood numbers and so I am aware of the latest. My passion has always been music and I have a ear for the tunes. I am aware of what is being played and what is going to get popular in Bollywood, irrespective of where I am in the world.
We don't see you composing much in Bollywood now. Why is that?
The trend of music in our films has changed drastically. About 15 years ago, I had predicted that there will be a revolution in the Indian music industry and it happened. We are completely influenced by the West. There is a lot of noise in music today. I don't like the current music scenario. Most of the songs lack melody and soul. There have been some really good numbers but they are far and few. Most of the songs today do not have any recall value. People want to hear foot-tapping party numbers and that is why composers are making songs for the feet and not for the heart. I also feel that relying on technology rather than roping in real singers has hampered the quality of music. Composers are in a hurry to give short-term hits than focus on the music and make something melodious.
What do you think of the new generation of music composers and singers?
There are many good music composers and singers and it would be unfair to point out who is good among them all, but it remains to be seen who will survive in the long run. Sadly, today's composers don't have a long shelf life as they lack consistency. Many of them attain overnight success by giving a couple of hit songs but don't live up to the expectations.
What do you miss about your earlier days?
I miss the originality that is lacking today. Earlier, we would do live recordings with a huge orchestra in a grand way. The entire song would be recorded at one place.Today, a singer records the song sitting in a small studio in Mumbai, while I compose the music in Dubai. We have lost that personal touch.
In the recent years, lyricists and music composers have also started doing playback singing.
I am really happy that a lot of multi-talented people are there in Bollywood. In fact, a lot of actors are also singing. Earlier, we saw a lot of singers becoming actors and they did really well. Today, there is a fair amount of opportunity available for everyone to showcase their talent.
What is your take on the songs being recreated?
I don't have an option but to feel good because even after 25 years, my songs are still being liked and are a hit among youngsters. At the same time, it worries me because music composers are not only destroying old songs in terms of music, but also adding vulgar lyrics to strike a chord with the youth. I have never got any credit for my songs that have been recreated and remixed so in the future, I am also planning to approach the judicial system and take action.
Are you in touch with your partner, Shravan Rathod?
Yes, I am. He recently met with a bad accident and is recovering from it. We are contemplating doing stage shows together all over the world.
Do you miss Mumbai?
Yes, I miss it a lot. I am already planning a project which will have all my memories of Bollywood and my time spent in Mumbai. I won't be able to divulge too many details but I can assure you, it is going to be big and people will remember me for it even after I am gone.
Any plans for your son (Samar Nadeem) to become a composer?
He just finished his graduation in Business Management from London. He is a good looking guy and plans to become an actor. He wants to take his time and look at his options before he takes the plunge.
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