There are almost no takers for independent musicians in India.

When I compose for any film, I always work with the story in mind.

If the script doesn't excite me, there's no point working on the music.

I go deep into the script and speak the language of the film, musically.

I am working on 'Bombay Velvet'. The music for it is jazz from the '60s.

When I look back, I remember how being a part of Bollywood was never the plan.

I see a parallel industry for independent music blooming alongside film music.

Live performances are exhilarating, especially when performing for a young crowd.

I'm getting to compose music for diverse language films from all over the country.

I play the keyboard, but I am fond of all wind instruments, the oboe in particular.

Yes, but Phantom Productions is my core team. It is like my family. And I love them.

I love everything about Delhi, mostly the fact that people here never fail to react to music.

The reason I went ahead with making the music for 'Bombay Velvet' was because I loved the script.

My music is born from instinct. I react to situations a script may provide while creating a song.

I have been a huge, huge fan of music ever since I was a kid. Anything to do with music inspires me.

Whosoever has money has power. It's not about a label. If you have money tomorrow, you will be powerful.

I don't feel insecure at all. There's nothing permanent here. One has to make the most of his/her talent.

Music is a universal language and really an interesting way for a brand to expand their consumer horizon.

I do sometimes go back to my old songs. Some I feel very proud of. They make me wonder, 'How did I do this?'

The pressure is only from the producers and the labels. No composer, no singer would ever want to sing a remix.

Lyrics is the face of any song. The combination of composition, lyrics and singing is what makes a song a song.

More than influences, my music is based on instincts. I make music to match the script and the world of the film.

I am always in my space and it's a happy space. It gets stressful at times, but that's a part and parcel of our job.

The amount of exposure you get in India as a musician in Bollywood is so much better than what one gets independently.

It is so beautiful that when you watch the film, the marriage between the visuals, the music and the storytelling is seamless.

My schedule usually keeps me busy. However, I love performing on stage and I try my best to take time out for live performances.

Whenever I come to Ahmedabad, I feel as if I am at home. Amdavadis make the best audience and that inspires me to make beautiful music.

I have been a total brat since my childhood. Because of me, my mother's day was over by afternoon as just managing me, she was exhausted.

I'm a huge fan of Chennai - the culture, the musicians, the audience... Language is not a barrier. It is all about the emotion in the music.

In films, you have to follow the director's vision. Filmmaking is a director's medium. So everything happens as per the script and his vision.

When I stepped into Bollywood, I had my own way because I knew no other way. People see it as unique but it has more to do with my personality.

Indian classical music is charming and currently there are a wide range of musicians who bring great classical tunes to the Bollywood industry.

I have seen both extremes; when there was no work, I was frustrated and now that I'm overworked, I feel the same. I'm looking for a balance now.

From ad jingles, films, background scores, digital platforms to live concerts, I am open to all kinds of projects where I can showcase my talent.

In the West, film music is completely different and independent from their popular music. The two industries are separate and don't interfere much.

I was listening to radio and it plays only Bollywood. This is something I hate about radio stations. There's so much other beautiful music out there.

I enjoy what I do. The only burden is the deadlines. Plus, composing background scores is a thankless job; it is not perceived as a significant thing.

When I get out of the studio, I want to disconnect from music. I would rather spend time with my family or watch a movie. I cannot take any more music.

In the 1990s music was a beautiful collaborative process between the composer, lyricist and director. They would exchange ideas and magic used to happen.

I'm very excited! To be sharing the stage of Katy Perry and Dua Lipa is an honour. I've watched Katy live and she's phenomenal to watch. A true performer!

I am thankful to all my fans and supporters out there for the overwhelming love and support. I just hope I continue to make music that is loved by everyone.

My mom and sisters liked to sing and we would jam at home very often. I would also jam a lot in college, where I formed a fusion band and played the keyboards.

My mother sang. But back in the day, it was looked down upon if the lady of the house wanted to sing in public. So, she couldn't pursue her musical aspirations.

Sometimes, I record rough patches of tunes and take them to directors. They choose to retain my voice. Personally, I don't like my voice, and never want to record.

Most films don't have a budget for a background score, but it is the toughest job to do. We work like donkeys. And usually we get only around a month to do a score.

About 25 years ago, when I was 15, I wrote a song called 'Indradhanush', which speaks about the seven colours, equating each with emotions that we as human beings experience.

Ultimately it's just music - whether I'm catering to the Bollywood audience or the indie audience. I just approach every type of music the way I am, and how my personality is.

I am proud to say I'm a director's composer. People do method acting, I do method composing. I like to get into the skin of the character and go deep into the director's vision.

So I prefer to do the entire music for a film. And when I'm doing the background score, I can weave the whole film together in terms of themes and songs for a good cinematic feel.

For creators, especially for me as a composer, I am sure for singers also, it is sad. It is not exciting that we have to create something that someone else has already done before.

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