Showing posts with label Shravan Rathod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shravan Rathod. Show all posts
He never told us he was going to Kumbh Mela, says Shravan Rathod's son Sanjeev
8:30 AM
Inputs by Rachana Dubey and Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; April 24, 2021)
My brother is taking care of the last rites and my mother and I are at the Seven Hills Hospital. He will record everything and my mother and I will watch it on video. My father had been unwell for the last six months with some internal issues. He was taking medicines for it, too, from our family physicians. He was trying to fight it out with just medicines. Given the Coronavirus situation, he did not want to go to the hospital. He had also been travelling to religious places like Haridwar and Badrinath. He did the Char Dham Yatra in the last six months whenever he would feel better. When I would tell him not to travel, he would say, ‘Beta, yahi toh time hai mere paas. I am already 66 and I won’t get to travel.’ He would take my mother along for all his travels.”
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Shravan Rathod's son Sanjeev laments the loss of his father
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 24, 2021)
Feeling the vacuum left by his father's untimely death, Sanjeev Rathod, son of late music composer Shravan Rathod, wishes he had stopped him from going to Kumbh Mela. Hospitalized after testing positive for Coronavirus along with his mother, Sanjeev grieves that he was unable to perform the last rites of his father
"My brother Darshan did the rituals as he tested negative. Mother and I are in the hospital. We are all struggling to cope with this irreplaceable loss to our family," says Sanjeev, who further informed that Shravan suffered from breathing issues six months back. "Once he felt better, he again started travelling. He went to Badrinath Temple, then he went to Jagannath Puri in Odisha and his final destination was Kumbh Mela (with mom)."
Unaware of his father's plans, Sanjeev says, "He never told us he was going to Kumbh. He told us he was going to Haridwar. (I repeatedly) asked him, if he was fine. If it was in my hands, I would have never let him go. But I have seen people dying (despite) sitting at home. Catching the infection or dying is inevitable."
Shravan had a multi-organ failure after testing positive for the virus.
Shravan Rathod just knew what will click with the audience-Anuradha Paudwal
8:22 AM
Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal
Veteran playback singers Anuradha Paudwal and Kumar Sanu remember late music composer Shravan Rathod
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; April 24, 2021)
My first interaction with Shravan, rather Nadeem-Shravan, was long before we collaborated on Aashiqui [1990]. I was told of this upcoming music composer duo with great potential and I remember recording two tracks with them. When they began work on Aashiqui, I came on board to render the songs. The film, the music, everything about it was magical. I garnered awards for Nazar Ke Saamne and it marked the beginning of many more chartbusters with Nadeem-Shravan. Even though recording a track was different from what it is nowadays due to technology, Shravan had this inherent knack to know what will click with the audience, and it always did.
During the ’90s, the soundtrack of every film they scored became a hit. Naresh Sharma collaborated as their music arranger. After recording a track with them, I always had this feeling that this one is going to be huge. Song after song, it was a success story for them.
Shravan was a jovial, humble person. He came from a music background, so rhythm was within him. For me, that was the golden era of music. I last met Shravan at an event over two years ago. His passing away has made me emotional and nostalgic. From singing Bahut Pyaar Karte Hain and Jiye Toh Jiye Kaise in Saajan [1991], Tumhein Apna Banaane Ki in Sadak [1991] and Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin and O Mere Sapne Ke Saudagar in Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin [1991], it was an endless list of chartbusters with them.
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He called me Tiger - Kumar Sanu
Kumar Sanu, who has often collaborated with the dynamic duo, says he couldn’t catch up with his friend Shravan due to the Coronavirus pandemic. "The first song I rendered for Nadeem-Shravan was Nazar ke saamne. It was part of the music album, Chaahat, but was later used in the film Aashiqui [1991]. I met the music duo through Gulshan Kumar. As soon as they heard my voice during the recording, they told me, ‘Tiger awaaz hai’. They then started calling me Tiger. I often met Shravan, and he would still call me Tiger, but of late due to the pandemic, we could not meet."
Shravan Rathod suggested we team up like Laxmikant and Pyarelal ji-Nadeem Saifee
8:18 AM
After 48 years of friendship and 1,200 songs, Nadeem Saifee of Nadeem-Shravan fame bids farewell to the partnership that dominated Bollywood music through the 90s
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 24, 2021)
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.
Shravan Rathod passes away due to COVID-19; music industry mourns the veteran’s loss
8:15 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 24, 2021)
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.
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).
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.
HE LOVED ME LIKE AN ELDER BROTHER: UDIT NARAYAN
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.
HE WOULD SHOW ME THE SUBTLE NUANCES OF THE SONG: KAVITA KRISHNAMURTI
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.
HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE TORCHBEARER OF OUR FAMILY: ROOPKUMAR RATHOD
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.
HE WOULD ALWAYS CALL ME TIGER; I AM GOING TO MISS HIM A LOT: KUMAR SANU
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.
WE HAVE SEEN AN ENTIRE LIFETIME TOGETHER: NADEEM SAIFEE
My Shanu is no more. We have seen an entire lifetime together, and his death has left a huge vacuum in my life. We saw many highs and lows together. We’ve grown up with each other in many ways. We never lost touch, and no physical distance could ever separate the two of us. I am in deep pain as I say this because my friend, companion and partner of so many years is no more. I spoke to his son, who was inconsolable. We had been in touch on a regular basis for the last several days when Shravan complained of ill-health and had to be moved to a hospital. Shravan’s wife and son are also unwell and are still in the hospital. I feel helpless that I couldn’t be there physically for them, to help them and bid farewell to my friend.
Covid claims Bollywood composer Shravan Rathod
7:57 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (April 23, 2021)
From Husnlal-Bhagatram to Shankar-Jaikishan, from Kalyanji-Anandji to Laxmikant Pyarelal, Hindi film industry has a rich tradition of musical partnerships. Nadeem-Shravan forged an illustrious link to this abiding chain composing a staggering bunch of chartbusters in the 1990s. On Thursday evening, the alliance was snapped forever as the Coronavirus claimed the life of Shravan Rathod at a Mumbai hospital. He was 66.
Speaking to Bombay Times, Nadeem Saifee said, “My Shanu is no more. We have seen an entire life together. We saw our highs, we saw our lows. We’ve grown up with each other in many ways. We never lost touch and no physical distance could ever separate the two of us. I am in deep pain as I say this but my friend and my companion, my partner of so many years is no more. It has left such a vacuum.”
The pair started off with ‘Dangal’ (1977), the first Bhojpuri film made in colour. ‘Kashi Hile Patna Hile’, a reworked version of the popular folk track, ‘Aarah hile Chhapra hile’, became a sensation. The two graduated to Hindi cinema in the 1980s.
Tuneful melodies for films such as ‘Maine Jeena Seekh Liya Hai’ (1982) got them work but major success eluded them.
The duo hit the jackpot with Mahesh Bhatt-directed ‘Aashiqui’ (1990). Every song in this intense romantic drama, from ‘Dheere dheere se meri zindagi mein ana’ to ‘Bas ik sanam chahiye’—rose to the charts. The film also vaulted Kumar Sanu, who sang a majority of the tracks, to the top. Nadeem-Shravan became a hot property.
The 1990s belonged to them. ‘Saajan’, ‘Deewana’, ‘Dil Hai ke Manta Nahi’, ‘Phool aur Kaante’, ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’, ‘Raja Hindustani’ and ‘Pardes’—they lorded over the decade blending old school melody with modern instrumentation. Songs such as ‘Mera dil bhi kitna pagal hai’ (Saajan) to ‘Pardesi pardesi jaana nahi’ (Raja Hindustani) to ‘Do dil mil rahe hain’ (Pardes) were as popular among the college crowd as the truck drivers on the highway. The pair won the Filmfare award three years in a row, 1991-93, for ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Saajan’ and ‘Deewana’ and again in 1997 for ‘Raja Hindustani’.
It seemed that the two would rule over Bollywood for another decade or two. But things were never the same after Nadeem’s name cropped up in the killing of a music baron and he fled to London. The duo still kept providing scores together in films such as ‘Kasoor’ and ‘Dhadkan’. The two split once, then reunited. This time, sadly, the separation is final.
Nadeem-Shravan to reunite for concerts
8:03 AM
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.”
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.
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.
Nadeem Saifee finally calls his ill estranged partner Shravan Rathod
7:43 AM
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.
No calls but Nadeem Saifee prays for Shravan Rathod's speedy recovery
7:40 AM
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 3, 2014)
A distraught Nadeem Saifee (of
music director Nadeem-Shravan fame) has stopped work on Ishq Forever,
his comeback film as a Bollywood composer, after getting news that his
estranged partner, Shravan Rathod, has suffered a paralytic stroke on
Monday morning. The music director was working on Sanjay Dayma's
directorial debut, produced by Shabbir Boxwalla, when he got the news.
Says Nadeem, “I am very disturbed. I will not be able to create music for at least a week. Shravan and I were such good friends. It is unfortunate that we decided to part ways professionally but nobody can take away the goodtimes we spent together. All those memories have come rolling back.“
The duo which created the lilting tunes of Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Saajan and Pardes, did not part on amicable terms. But Nadeem, who is currently based in Dubai, reasons, “Friends fight, brothers fight, we all fight don't we? Life is like that. I am now praying for Shravan's speedy recovery.“
However, he admits that he has not called Shravan's family yet. “We were not in touch for the past year or two. But I sent my Mumbai-based secretary to the hospital and he keeps me updated about Shravan's health,“ he explains.
At the time of going to press, Shravan's son Sanjeev told Mirror, “The right side of my dad's face and his tongue are affected. His speech has lost coherence. He had a clot in the brain. I don't know how long he will be in the hospital but he is feeling a bit better and is out of the ICU.“
Says Nadeem, “I am very disturbed. I will not be able to create music for at least a week. Shravan and I were such good friends. It is unfortunate that we decided to part ways professionally but nobody can take away the goodtimes we spent together. All those memories have come rolling back.“
The duo which created the lilting tunes of Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Saajan and Pardes, did not part on amicable terms. But Nadeem, who is currently based in Dubai, reasons, “Friends fight, brothers fight, we all fight don't we? Life is like that. I am now praying for Shravan's speedy recovery.“
However, he admits that he has not called Shravan's family yet. “We were not in touch for the past year or two. But I sent my Mumbai-based secretary to the hospital and he keeps me updated about Shravan's health,“ he explains.
At the time of going to press, Shravan's son Sanjeev told Mirror, “The right side of my dad's face and his tongue are affected. His speech has lost coherence. He had a clot in the brain. I don't know how long he will be in the hospital but he is feeling a bit better and is out of the ICU.“
Music composer Shravan Rathod suffers paralytic stroke; critical
7:48 AM
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.
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