While the trailer of Ajay Devgn's Shivaay awed viewers, its title track gave a hint of the intensity in the adventure drama. But the actor-filmmaker's upcoming Diwali release, which also features Sayyeshaa, Polish actress Erika Kaar and British child star Abigail Eames, has a good dose of romance, too. Darkhaast, the romantic track featuring Ajay and Erika (who plays Olga), has passion and poignance in equal measure. Picturised exquisitely against the Himalayan landscape, this number dwells on intimate moments between the madly-in-love lead couple.

The magic of the song will unfold when it releases online on Thursday (September 22) at noon, but creating it was apparently quite a tough task for lyricist Sayeed Quadri and music composer Mithoon. Ajay's brief to his music team clearly underlined that each word had to be chosen carefully because Darkhaast wasn't just a song in the movie. Not only does it capture the emotions and situation in which the couple is, but also forms a crucial part of the narrative as it takes the story forward.

Ajay concedes that Sayeed and Mithoon are also the storytellers of Shivaay because of their close participation in this composition. He says, “If you listen carefully, you can get a sense of the story in each of the film's songs. Especially Darkhaast, because it captures the intimacy between Olga and Shivaay. It also reveals their true happiness when they are with one another.“

Shivaay, presented by ADF, Jayantilal Gada (PEN) and Narendra Hirawat and produced by Ajay Devgn Ffilms, releases October 28.

How has your musical journey been?
It feels good that I have come so far and achieved success in my career. Music makes me happy. I have composed music that is close to my heart and never been influenced by trends. I have always been a musician on my own terms, which is extremely fulfilling. Each day, when I enter the studio, I am excited to compose something new.

How did Mar Jaayen happen?
Back in 2006, I was approached to compose a song for Bas Ek Pal. I had offered the makers three melodies - Tere Bin, Kuch Is Tarah and a melody that was more of a scratch. At that time, Girish Kumar would attend music sittings as he was working as an assistant in his company. While working on Loveshhuda, Girish still had that melody in his mind. He reminded me about it. At first, I couldn't recollect but later, I found the scratch. He wanted the song for his film. I connected with Sayeed Quadri saab who had penned the lyrics. We changed the words a little bit to give it a fresh appeal. Sayeed saab is one of the most prolific and substantial poets in the world today. We share a great rapport and enjoy working with each other.

You have collaborated with Atif Aslam again. What kind of an equation do you share with him?
I have always had a good time while working with Atif. He has sung my compositions really well and I love his voice. But at the same time, I am not hell-bent on working with a particular singer. For me, melody is the king. I am sure if I have a good melody, then any good singer can make it sound better.

What is the most important element while composing?
For me, the lyrics are the most important element in a song. The words are the face while the song and tune are heard by the audience at a subconscious level. People start connecting to the lyrics and the melody slowly seeps in. I have always focused on good lyrical content for all my songs. Now, I have started writing lyrics on my own and am enjoying this phase of my career.

When and how did you learn music?
I started learning music at the age of 11. My father (Naresh Sharma) was a leading music arranger. He has composed background music for over 200 films. Since my father was busy, he sent me to the right people to train myself. He used to observe me closely and would often see what I am practising. He listened to the tunes that I created. My father believed that to be a musician, you should listen to your inner self. No one can teach you how music composition is done. This helped me create my own style. The entire credit goes to him for showing me the right path when I was teenager.

When it comes to Bollywood music, which has been your favourite decade?
I grew up in the 90s and I am fond of that decade's music. At the same time, my father would make me hear the works of stalwarts like Madan Mohan, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Mohammed Rafi. But if I had to pick one decade, it would be the 70s as I enjoy listening to that era's music.

Are you a spiritual person?
I think faith can never be quantified. I don't necessarily connect with religion as I believe that God is the father of all mankind and loves everyone unconditionally.

Do you consciously keep a low profile?
I am an introvert. Crowd and noise are a complete turn off for me. I do not believe in the theory of out of sight, out of mind. So I do not see the need to attend all the parties in town. These things actually derail me for days which ultimately affect my work commitments.

Many composers are also judging reality shows but we haven't seen you in one of them.
I have been open to the idea of judging a reality show and to be honest, I have been approached quite often. But it's just that I am not convinced with the kind of circumstances in which they work.

Singles are making a big comeback. Would we see you doing one in the near future?
In our country, music is too attached to cinema so the trend of singles picking up again is a welcome change. I am happy about it. Ultimately, it is the music that is being appreciated. I have heard a few of the singles that have released in the last few months and they are good. I do have a couple of offers and in 2016 you will see me coming up with a few singles.