Composer Vishal Shelke Details Sonu Nigam Collaboration for 'Manjogi' Song
In a recent exclusive interview, acclaimed composer Vishal Shelke, known for his work on 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain – Fun on the Run', opened up about his creative journey, shedding light on his persistent collaboration with legendary singer Sonu Nigam and the often-overlooked hurdles faced by music creators in the dynamic Hindi film industry.
Overcoming Producer Preferences for Sonu Nigam
Shelke revealed a significant creative divergence during the production of the song 'Manjogi'. While he was firmly convinced that Sonu Nigam's voice was essential for the track, the producers initially advocated for more contemporary vocalists aligned with current trends. "The producers, keeping the prevailing musical landscape in mind, were suggesting Arijit Singh and Jubin Nautiyal," Shelke explained. The song was consequently sent to both artists. "Arijit loved the composition and expressed interest, but the process was experiencing delays," he added.
Why did Vishal Shelke remain adamant about Sonu Nigam? Shelke's conviction stemmed from the song's narrative context. 'Manjogi' is picturized on Ravi Kishan's character, who experiences a profound and innocent love for Anguri. "Somewhere I felt this song truly belonged to Sonu Nigam. His voice perfectly captured that required innocence and emotional purity," Shelke elaborated. His persistence paid off when he presented the track to Nigam. "I played the song to Sonu Nigam, and he instantly liked it. His immediate response was, 'Let's do it,'" Shelke recalled.
A Legendary Recording Session and Industry Insights
Describing Sonu Nigam as a legend, Shelke recounted an unforgettable recording experience that highlighted the singer's extraordinary dedication. "He flew directly from a concert in Jaipur to Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, recorded the song meticulously, and departed the very next day for a performance in Kolkata," Shelke shared. He praised Nigam's artistic versatility, noting, "He experimented with various vocal tones, seamlessly blending Western and Indian stylistic elements. Once we locked the core emotion, the result was truly magical." The final rendition reportedly left the entire team at Zee Studios spellbound.
Addressing widespread speculation, Shelke also clarified the status of Arijit Singh's career. "Arijit Singh has not quit music. He has specifically chosen to step back from playback singing," Shelke stated. He added that Singh continues to be actively involved in independent music projects, live concerts, and is passionately focusing on his filmmaking endeavors.
The Under-Credited Role of Music in Cinema
Shelke spoke candidly about the critical yet frequently underappreciated role of music in film success. "Iconic films like 'Aashiqui' or 'Chak De India' achieved monumental success largely due to their powerful soundtracks," he asserted. "Audiences remember and cherish the songs for decades, but the composers and lyricists behind them often remain in the shadows. This recognition gap is something that needs to change within our industry."
'Manjogi': The Most Challenging Composition
According to Vishal Shelke, 'Manjogi' presented the greatest compositional challenge in the project. "The film is primarily a comedy, but Ravi Kishan's love story arc introduces a crucial layer of emotional depth. We needed a single song that could emotionally anchor and bind the entire narrative," he explained.
Shelke detailed how the music was intricately tailored to the character's psyche. "Ravi Kishan's character is outwardly feared and carries a gun, yet he possesses an emotionally soft and vulnerable core. His love for Anguri is portrayed as pure and innocent. The music had to authentically mirror this complex duality." This required a fresh musical approach after the initial score failed to satisfy the filmmakers, leading Shelke to reinvent the soundscape successfully.
Venturing into New Genres: What's Next for Vishal Shelke?
Looking forward, Vishal Shelke announced his expansion beyond romantic comedies into more diverse cinematic territories. "I have recently completed work on a thriller film featuring a major Bollywood hero and a prominent South Indian actress," he revealed. Additionally, Shelke has embarked on a new horror film project, inspired by classics like 'Annabelle'. He expressed considerable excitement about exploring these new genres, marking a significant evolution in his composing career.
