‘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)