Wasn’t a writer when I started, says lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya

One of Bollywood's leading lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya says he gets into a zone while penning songs; adds that he is still ‘exploring the writer’ in him .He also talks about his inspirations, what his writing process is, and more.

One of Bollywood’s leading lyricists,

HT Image

Amitabh Bhattacharya

came to Mumbai with the dream of becoming a singer. And even though he has sung for quite a few films over the years, his claim to fame remains his ability to write a wide variety of songs, ranging from intense numbers like Zinda (from Lootera; 2013) to quirky tracks like Paji tussi (from Happy Ending; 2014).

Here, Bhattacharya tells HT about his inspirations, what his writing process is, and more.

Would you have rather made it big as a singer?

Not really. I was in a dilemma for the first few years, until I got Aamir (2008) and Dev D (2009). But then, as more work started coming in, I became more involved in writing. I started exploring myself as a writer. It became a new-found passion for me; it became my occupation. I started going back to old film songs to understand the nuances; I learnt a lot from

Gulzar

saab and

Javed Akhtar

saab’s style of writing. I feel I am still exploring the writer in me.

Because I was not a writer when I started out, I don’t belong to a specific school of writing. That is also why I think I was able to take the liberties I took to explore new styles. I consider myself more of a technician than an artiste. I handle projects like actors do ,I get into a zone.

Since I am also a singer, my inspiration for writing a song comes from the melody. I can’t just generate thoughts.

How long does it take you to write a track?

It’s very subjective. It depends on the melody and the team I am working with. The minimum I have taken is 15 minutes, and sometimes I have also taken four to five days.