‘God exists in everything; music is the most divine form’

(Veteran lyricist-composer-singer Ravindra Jain was in Nagpur recently when I spoke to him. Published in The Hitavada on July 12)


For today’s television-savvy generation that knows ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Bhagvadgeeta’ only through his words, Ravindra Jain is a master story-teller. For those who love the ‘classical’ touch in film music, Ravindra Jain is an ideal composer. For those who appreciate literature in lyrics, Ravindra Jain is a lyricist par excellence. And for those thousands of upcoming poets, singers, and musicians who are struggling for success, Ravindra Jain is a temple of inspiration.

Life is celestial harmony…

Sixty-five-year-old Ravindra Jain looks quite young in his long black hair and his trademark eyeglasses. May be it is because of the fact that he welcomes change positively. “Change, the most constant phenomenon of life, should be accepted with a smile. God exists in each and every thing and change is not an exception,” said Jain, who is witness to changes in the music industry during last four decades. Presently, he is working with the third generation of entertainment mavericks - be it the Sagar family or the Barjatyas. “Working with Papaji (Ramandand Sagar) and Tarachand Barjatya was a learning experience. Now, working with their grandsons, too, is an energizing affair,” he said.

Music is God’s gift…

In addition to the special vision, the Almighty has gifted Ravindraji with spiritual sur. He loves singing more than writing and composing music. Born and brought up in Aligarh, Ravindra’s first Guru was his father Pt Indramani Jain. He started composing bhajans when he was a kid. “You need words to express your feelings and music to say what is beyond the realm of words. Words play important role in a song, but music comes naturally as the Sur exists in the universe. Nature produces divine symphonies and therefore music is closer to the Lord.”

Present day music…

‘Films were Jain’s obsession which brought him to Mumbai from Aligarh via Kolkata. Even today, he loves to compose for films. However, he never denies that he reached out to people through his compositions for television serials. He is happy that music of his recent films ‘Vivaah,’ and ‘Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi’ was appreciated even by the young generation. Currently, he is working on the mega project ‘Taansen.’ “While accepting new things, we should not ignore the ancestral wisdom. The trends and crazes would come and go, but our classical music will stay unfazed,” he asserted. Jain also expressed concern over increasing importance of talent hunt contests today. “When I was invited as a judge in one of the shows, I told the budding singers that this is just a platform to show talent. What follow this are the long years of struggle,” told Jain, who is credited with bringing great singers like Suresh Wadkar and Yesudas into the industry. He proudly states that his disciples struggled a lot and created their position on their own.

Nagpur connection…

Probably, no one knows that this legendary musician was a Nagpurian for a few years. Jain informed he used to live at Ring Road, Ambazari area with his brother around 1957. “I was in Nagpur for more than a year. I love this place and its people. They have an ear for music and it is easy to read their hearts,” said Jain, even as he finished saying several names from his stay in the Orange City and its peculiarities, rushing back into his memory.
Our boy Ravindra, after all!



(Photos by Anil Futane)

He writes ‘simply’ what his listeners speak...

(Interaction with lyricist Sameer when he was in Nagpur on a private visit. This was published in The Hitavada on June 12)

After knock on his room’s door, a five-and-a-half-feet fair middle aged man in a French cut wearing a simple white shirt and denim jeans welcomed us with assured smile. When asked for a few minutes from his busy schedule, he sat relaxed and said “Chahe jitni bate kar lo yaar, koi bat nahi.” This is Sameer’s simplicity which makes him the lyricist who, for the past 25 years, has captured successfully the spirit of the Indian youth in his songs. He knows the youths’ pulse, their dreams, their hopes and their concerns. And by articulating them in a language they understand, he has now emerged as the voice of GenNext.

Being updated…

Sameer had worked with all top notch music composers, from Usha Khanna to Anand-Milind to Jatin-Lalit and Anu Malik to Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen, and of course, Nadeem-Shravan. Presently, he is working with the third generation of music directors that is Vishal Shekhar, Adesh Shrivastava, and his favorite Himesh Reshammiya. “As a lyricist, I have to give the composers exactly what they want. With new demands of new generation, I have to keep myself updated. I read a lot, observe a lot, and interact a lot for this,” says Sameer.



Words first or tune?

The conflict is well known. A few senior lyricists believe that arranging words on the pre-decided tune is like a murder of lyricist’s creativity and freedom. However, Sameer has a different opinion. “Vice versa, it may be the murder of music director’s creativity and freedom if he had to arrange the pre-written words mandatorily to the tunes. Making film is a team work, and a very technical thing. We have to adapt our self with the new concepts in order to survive. However, real skill and challenge is in maintaining your quality of words in this scenario,” he adds. He believes that his success from last twenty five years speaks a lot about himself.

Record breaking work …

Till date Sameer has written over 4000 songs for about 500 Hindi and Bhojpuri films and 35 private albums. This is a world record. He has won three Filmfare Awards for best lyricist. However, he works for people and not to make or break any records.

On reality shows…

Sameer believes, reality shows bring good talent to fore, but the contestants rarely have future after the contest ends. He adds, the contests give excessive glamour to the participants. Gradually, they start losing modesty. “This is serious. You must be modest when you are in the field of art,” says Sameer who wrote ‘Mohabbate Lutaunga’ theme song for first Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant’s debut album. Sameer says, every person is talented; however, the need is to realize and nurture it. “Many youngsters write exceptionally well. They must develop their skill.”



On media…

Sameer believes, celebrities run away from media as it spreads misconceptions to gain TRP. “They misquote us, give wrong opinions. They decide who is culprit and who is innocent even before the court does. This is unfortunate,” he laments.

On Nagpur…

“I am here for the first time. However, this city feels really refreshing. ‘Yaha ki Aabo Hawa me sukun hai, Shanti Hai,’ says Sameer who also praises the greenery of the Orange City.


(Photos by Anil Futane)