Himesh Reshammiya discusses taking the 11-song soundtrack of Happy Hardy And Heer across India via his multi-city tour in a bid to establish the music before the film's release
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; December 9, 2019)

Having landed in the city only hours ago after departing from Abu Dhabi, where he had accompanied Himesh Reshammiya for his UAE concert, the musician's manager is too weary to instantly comprehend our request for an interaction. But when Reshammiya gets on a call an hour later, he, in fact, is bubbling with energy. The exhaustive multi-city tour that he has been on to promote the music of Happy Hardy And Heer — accompanied by his new role as judge of Indian Idol 11 after he replaced Anu Malik — doesn't seem to have debilitated him at all.

And if his Instagram posts are anything to go by, the overwhelming reaction to the film's 11-track soundtrack during his city tours could have a lot to do with his current state of mind. "The reception has been great. [Listeners] have been reacting to songs like Arijit's [Singh] Heeriye, Teri meri kahani, Aashiqui mein teri 2.0 and Cutie pie. In the past, musical hits in Bollywood have been [created] when the film's music was released before the film itself. People have appreciated a soundtrack as well as they have this one, after a long time," says Reshammiya, who has finished gigs in Pune, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai Surat and Baroda, and will head to Delhi, Punjab, Indore, Lucknow and Banglore in the upcoming weeks.

Despite juggling duties as musician and actor for Happy Hardy And Heer, the screenplay of which has been written by wife Sonia Kapoor, Reshammiya makes his acute skills as a businessman evident when he says, "Music is an important part of every love story; case in point being films like Sajan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Tere Naam. Today, filmmakers unveil a film's promo, along with one or two songs, a month ahead of its release. Then, if the film does well, the soundtrack may receive attention. But, pure love stories have stopped being made because people have stopped establishing the film's music before its release. In the past, [producers] would release the music seven months in advance. If the music worked, the film would work. So, we knew that the music of Happy Hardy And Heer had to be popular, and that it should connect with viewers before the film's release."

Among an assortment of romantic tracks, heart-wrenching numbers and playful offerings, the singer has retained his trademark song, Aashiqui mein teri, giving it a contemporary rendition, since the hook line: Aashiqui mein teri, jayegi jaan meri, pretty much establishes the film's theme.

A quick scan at the soundtrack will reveal that Reshammiya has roped in a wide array of singers, right from the top brass (Arijit Singh, Udit Narayan), to budding and even débutante singers (Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K in her Bollywood debut, and Aaryan Tiwari). It also features his latest find, Ranu Mondal, belting out one of the film's crucial numbers, Teri meri kahani, which, he says, "needed a Lataji-kind of alaap".

Even though the established singers admire his work, Reshammiya particularly has the younger brass in awe of his methods, with the latter always referring to him as the ideal mentor. "I always tell singers that they are [appointed] for a song because their tone works for it. But, singing it in accordance with a composer's notes, is crucial. The modulations should be in sync with what he has written. For instance, when Arijit sings, he takes a song to another level without meddling with the notes. That marriage leads to a hit track."

In conversation with Javed Ali, Himesh Reshammiya on unconventional singers and tackling negative feedback despite rendering multiple chartbusters
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; August 26, 2019)

We catch Javed Ali and Himesh Reshammiya in the midst of an unusually long day. As they take a breather during the shoot of a reality show, it will only be moments before they step into another equally long leg before the day comes to a close. They will be weary, we're certain, and also partly disappointed. But put them together to discuss music, and they are anything but that. If we meet them again, we'll certainly ask them what keeps them fuelled during days that run this long. For now, we let them do the asking.

Javed To Himesh

Having judged so many reality shows, what do you think about the talent in Superstar Singer?
I've done so many reality shows, which have got good TRP ratings. After a point, you begin to wonder how the team will scout for better talent than the ones we see. But this team has sourced such fine singers. There are so many reality show singers doing well now, including Aman Trikha and Mohammad Irfan. But, this team got us to notice how talented kids can be, despite the skilled singers we've seen in the past. And indeed [we were impressed].

You have rendered about 700 blockbuster songs. How do you deal with criticism?
I don't react to it because if someone criticises the song, it is because that person has a point of view. It's not necessary that his point of view is right. The verdict is always given by the audience. Ninety-nine per cent of the time, my songs have not faced criticism. But for that one per cent who harbours that point of view. More than criticism, it is a point of view. For instance, when Aashiq Banaya Aapne released, people found [my voice] nasal. But in the same year, I rendered 50 hits. Yet, the awards came in for the first song only. The fact that it was nasal was a new aspect. After that, 5,000 nasal singers came, and they were all accepted. I'm happy that the audience's verdict [was in my favour]. And I'm still trying to win over that one per cent who has that point of view.

Given that there are so many biopics being made if you had to pick an artiste whose biopic you'd like to work on, who would it be?
A 100 per cent, even though it will take a lot of effort to pull off, it will be Kishore Kumar's. Who wouldn't want to work on a biopic of Kishore da? Being a musician, I understand his mindset. Now, I have done almost 10 films as an actor. I am trying to learn the nuances of getting into the character. That's also what I've tried to do with my upcoming film, Happy Hardy And Heer. You'll notice an improvement in me as an actor. My journey started from a singer to a judge, then a live-performer and an actor. I like the music of the film too, and I hope people like it. I play two characters. One is an NRI Gujarati, Hardy. Another is a sardar. All the characters are very Indian, at heart. Whether or not it is a double role is something we'll learn through the film. We did several workshops for it.

Your wife Sonia ji [Kapur], is also a Punjabi. Did you take any tips from her?
Yes. My wife is a Punjabi, and my heroine Sonia Mann is also a Punjabi.

Since we're on that subject, tell us how you met her?
She was hosting my shows. There was an emotional connect. We'd known each other for a while, and friendship grew into love.

Himesh To Javed

We have an old connect, since Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and I really like the way you sing. We will also work on a lot of songs, and we will work on a hit song together very soon. Since we're currently associating on Superstar Singer, tell me which contestant is likely to win?
Everyone in the top 16 is distinct in their own way. Personally, my favourite is Sneha. She is learned and belongs to a family that's [known] for their music. Sometimes, some people perform in such a way that it takes you by surprise. I think Konkona is good too, as is Nishtha. Among the boys, I'd pick Mauli, Shoaib and Fazal.

Is there a song from the '90s that you'd like to remake?
While I have done a few recreations in films like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. But a song like Pehla Nasha from Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander, which is very close to my heart.

I think it will sound great in your voice.
When I came to the industry, I had rendered several remixes, which became superhits. These include Bin Tere Sanam and Kya Khoob Lagti Ho. My [career] began with remixes. But perhaps I'd remake a song like Pehla Nasha, or Kuch Na Kaho [1942: A Love Story].

Having done so many stage shows, has there ever been an incident related to a show that was odd?
I've always earned love from audiences. A long time ago, I was performing for a college event. You can understand the kind of energy that the crowd has. A few students had lost control. They began breaking chairs. I won't forget that experience. But, they apologised for it later.

Have you ever had a fistfight when you were back at school?
When I first arrived in Mumbai, I used to live in Andheri. We didn't have a car then, and on one occasion, my father and I had to travel by bus. As soon as the bus arrived, it didn't stop and kept driving ahead slowly. My father had caught the handle and because of the movement, was about to fall. I lost my cool and slapped the conductor. The people in the bus supported me.

What have you learnt from your guru Ustad Ghulam Ali?
To always do what your heart pleases.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2018)

Himesh Reshammiya is ringing in his 45th birthday in Tokyo today with wife Sonia after performing in the Japanese capital over the weekend. After playing his past chartbusters, including “Hookah Bar”, “Aashiq Banaya Apne”, “Jhalak Dikhka Ja” and “Jumme Ki Raat,” among others, the singer-actor decided to extend the trip to celebrate his big day.

A source close to the couple reveals to Mirror, “Himesh prefers working on his birthday and this time the couple wanted to try something different. They brought in the day with some sightseeing and spending quality time together.”

The couple is scheduled to dive straight into work when they return to the Bay on Tuesday. Himesh is to kick off the shoot for his new reality show, Love Me India, for which his actress-wife has styled him. “Himesh is in super work mode and Sonia is keeping a check on his daily workout and diet too. She will be styling him for all the films he is starting this year,” the source added.

Himesh says he couldn’t be happier with the recent turn of events. “The crowd in Tokyo showered me with so much love that I will always remember this birthday. I like working on all auspicious days. It’s great to have Sonia by my side. I’m enjoying every bit of our time together,” he said.

Himesh and Sonia tied the knot on May 11 this year in a traditional ceremony at his residence, which was attended by the couple’s family and close friends. Himesh’s son, Swaym, from his previous marriage was also present at the occasion.

“I am really happy that Sonia and I have embarked on this new journey. She is a lovely girl. I love her unconditionally and the feeling is mutual,” Himesh had told Mirror after the nuptials on May 11.

Singer-composer, Sonia Kapoor tied the knot on Friday; couple leaves for honeymoon on Sunday
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 12, 2018)

A day after Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi surprised the world with their hush-hush wedding, Himesh Reshammiya has become the latest entrant in the shaadi club.

On Friday, the 44-year-old singer-composer-actor tied the knot with long-time girlfriend, actress Sonia Kapoor at his residence in a traditional Hindu ceremony at night, which was attended by the couple’s close family and friends. Himesh’s son, Swaym, from his previous marriage was also present at the occasion.

“I am really happy that Sonia and I have embarked on this new journey. She is a lovely girl. I have loved her unconditionally and the feeling is mutual,” Himesh told Mirror, while the bride gushed, “Himesh is a wonderful human being and my soulmate. He means the world to me and I am very happy to start this beautiful journey with him.”

Meanwhile, a source close to the newlyweds added, “Sonia will not be taking up any acting offers now. She wants to focus on family. At the wedding ceremony, both sides of family members were present. Himesh’s parents blessed the newlyweds and participated in the rituals. The couple will take off on their honeymoon on Sunday to an undisclosed location abroad.”

According to the source, Himesh and Sonia had been looking for a suitable date for the wedding for a while, even as the former serenaded his ladylove with her favourite songs and prepped for his upcoming films as an actor. “Sonia loves all 700 songs that Himesh has been involved in but 'Main Jahan Rahoon' from Namastey London, 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne', 'Hookah Bar' from Khiladi 786 and 'Kheench Meri Photo' from Sanam Teri Kasam top the list. Meanwhile, Himesh has two new films as an actor starting from August which will be announced soon. One is a romcom and the other a love story. Last year, he had been busy with his TV commitments and travelling for live shows, so the couple decided that now was the perfect time to get married,” the source added, saying that Himesh made sure to not skimp on his fitness regimen even amidst wedding prep. “He needs to acquire a beefed-up look for his upcoming films.”
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 12, 2018)

It's been a week of B-Town weddings. After the big, fat wedding of Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja, followed by the intimate shaadi of Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, music director-singer-actor Himesh Reshammiya tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Sonia Kapoor in a low-key ceremony in the wee hours this morning. The nuptials, held at his Lokhandwala residence, was attended by family members of the duo and Swaym, Reshammiya's son from his previous marriage.

Interestingly, social media was abuzz with rumours yesterday that the music composer had already got married in a hush-hush ceremony on Friday. Speaking to mid-day yesterday, Reshammiya revealed that the ceremony was, in fact, scheduled for the small hours of Saturday morning. "The marriage ceremony will be held at my home tonight. We plan to throw a party for our friends in the film fraternity later. Since tonight offers an auspicious mahurat, we decided to go ahead. It was a last-minute plan. The lagna time is 1.30 am. Considering the odd mahurat time, we haven't invited any of our friends to the ceremony," exclaimed the groom-to-be, hours before the big day.

Ecstatic about solemnising his relationship with the television actor, Reshammiya said, "We have been together for a long time, so marriage was a natural progression. It feels wonderful to formalise our relationship." When asked who was more romantic of the two, he blushed, "We are both quite romantic. I'm with the woman I love, life can't get better!" Reshammiya parted ways with Komal, his wife of 22 years, last June.

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; December 9, 2016)