Music composer Adesh Srivastava delves into classical for soon-to-release Dev. The soundtrack of Dev is a happy mix of emotions, which weaves through various tempos.
On one hand you would find a glimpse of Sufi style trans in Rang Dini sung by Kailash Kher of Allah Ke Bande fame, whilst on the other hand there is commendable rendition in Ganesh Vandana sung by Abhijit.
Other tracks feature vintage Asha Bhonsle (who seems to have mastered the art with age), Sonu Nigam, actress Vijeta Pandit, Shrradha Pandit and Mahua Kamat of 'Viv'a fame.
A special mention may be made of Kareena Kapoor for the song Jab Nahi Paas They Tum, which she rendered aesthetically and dialogues by Amitabh Bachchan. Adesh shares the nuances of composing for Dev in conversation here.
How was it composing for Dev considering this is your first film on a serious subject with Govind Nihalani?
I think I’ve been lucky to work with Govindji and loved composing for Dev because I could do my own thing with this movie. When Govindji called me to compose for the film he told me there are going to be two songs for the film. At that time I was on my way to London and I asked for the script so as to grasp the subject before I began composing for the film. I marked five-six songs in the script whilst reading it, where they could figure in the background. And when I returned I was pleasantly surprised that my attempt was appreciated and he agreed to all my suggestions. This way I composed five songs for the film.
What kind of music have you tried in Dev?
Since I’ve learned classical I’ve incorporated pure ragas in all my compositions in Dev – like Malkos, Chandrokosh, Darbari and Raga Hans Dhwani. I made Sonu Nigam sing a classical bandish in Raga Chandrakosh. And when he sang this song, he cancelled his recording for the next two days, as pure raga is very different to sing, which has its own effect. In Dev I have used hardcore raga based song, which are very upbeat.
What kind of music have you tried in Dev?
Since I’ve learned classical I’ve incorporated pure ragas in all my compositions in Dev – like Malkos, Chandrokosh, Darbari and Raga Hans Dhwani. I made Sonu Nigam sing a classical bandish in Raga Chandrakosh. And when he sang this song, he cancelled his recording for the next two days, as pure raga is very different to sing, which has its own effect. In Dev I have used hardcore raga based song, which are very upbeat.
Why did you decide to give a classical score for this film?
I have attended many musical shows like Antakshari and Sa Re Ga Ma where I used to get very irritated when participants would sing songs from the past. Which shows that there are still very few takers of today’s music. It also shows that we are not giving any classical music in films today. Music directors today, who play on the table don’t have any knowledge of the equipment. How would you expect them to give good music? Unless one attempts to delve in classical you cannot compose in it and I’m thankful to Govindji who allowed me to do my own thing for the film.
Have you experimented in any way whilst composing for Dev?
I haven’t experimented in Dev, as I believe only those people experiments, who have no knowledge of the raga and raganis. I would call experimenting with music as firing a bullet in the dark. Its something like ok put trans here or a techno there and maybe end it with tarana.
Is there any particular favourite number amongst these?
I have worked very hard for all my compositions and I can say they are all my favourites.
Do you believe that the level of music has gone down in years?
Certainly. Where is that class which we had some years back? All you get to see is noisy music with no soul. That is the reason why I deliberately chose to compose in classical backdrop for Dev and I’m convinced with this attempt, there will be a certain level of awareness and hopefully things will improve in future.
But the industry today is harping more on peppy numbers, especially when an item number is to be incorporated. How have you maintained freshness with classical and how hopeful are you with this album given the scenario?
I haven’t skipped the beat or pulse when composing for Dev. Incorporating ragas does not mean that I’ve composed any Baiju Bawara kind of music. I have used more than ½ beats in it along with some foreign musicians. The music has pulse; hardcore dancing beats, as it is a very trans kind of music, which is done in a very classic way.
How was it working with Govind Nihalani and how much was his contribution to the music of Dev?
I’m very lucky to work with Govindji as a director for Dev. He had given me a lot of freedom to compose the music of the film for which he has also contributed a lot. You won’t find any Shava Shava kind of song in this film. Instead you will find my kind of music and style for the first time in this film. There is a certain sequence; a depth to a composer and you will find that in this music. Especially when there is a prevalent trend of loud music, I have deliberately given a classical score to the music backdrop of Dev and I sincerely hope it will uplift the spirits to give a new dimension to the music industry.
You made Kareena sing for this film. How did it happen and how would you rate her singing?
One day she was humming a song when Govindji noticed and pointed it to me. He said that she is singing very nicely and in tune and asked me to try her out for the song Jab Nahi Paas They Tum. But when I asked her she was initially hesitant only to agree later after great difficulty. She came without rehearsals and after five takes she completed the song as taught to her by Vijeta Pandit (who has sung the other version of the same song). I had simply told her to follow each and every nuance that Vijeta sang for her and she did that very comfortably, which is why the song has come out so nice.
Do you find any potential in her as a singer?
Frankly I didn’t expect her to sing so well as she is not a trained singer. She has a good voice quality but singing is not easy as you need to do riyas (rehearsal) regularly and she does not have that kind of time. But she has managed the song very well. The song is in sync with her character in the film, which is very sober. Therefore you will notice that I have made her sing the entire song in a whisper.
You share a great rapport with Amitabh Bachchan where you made him sing an Oudhi Holi apart for other numbers in Baghban. Did you manage any such feat with him for this film?
No because he plays a serious cop and according to Govindji he cant be seen singing in the film. However, there is a dialogue portion by him in this album, which he has done very well. However, Amitji knows ragas and can play the synthesizer very well. You will notice in all his songs in Baghban there is gayaki, especially the song Main Yahan Tu Wahan. There are very few actors who have knowledge of music.