Nadeem-Shravan's
Interview Archive:
NADEEM ‘Miracles do take place’
With two thumping hit scores, namely Dhadkan and Kasoor, Nadeem-Shravan have staged a comeback. The duo had never looked back after their impactful debut with Aashiqui. Then came the lull while Nadeem was fighting his extradition case in London. But even as the case was being fought, producers signed up the duo since they knew the composer-team would deliver. And they did. Now that Nadeem has won the case, and the highest court of London has declared him innocent, he is back to his passion with renewed vigour. Already, their music in Amitabh Bachchan-Akshay Kumar-starrer Ek Rishta is a rage, and Nadeem has a dual cause to celebrate. We spoke to Nadeem in London on the occasion, and the triumphant composer shared with us his agonies and ecstasies...
Of the composer duo Nadeem-Shravan, it has always been Nadeem who has been making news. But more for his outspokenness than for his charismatic personality. It was due to Nadeem’s insisitence, pointing out that a music director also contributes to the success of a film, that composers started getting their due recognition and share of glory on the film publicity posters and inlay covers of music albums. At the same time, his brash statements like “We are the best” did ruffle a few feathers. But hit scores in film after film, namely Deewana, Saajan, Rang and Pardes to name a few, silenced their critics and detractors.
Today, Nadeem is a changed man. The trials he has gone through have mellowed him, as we discovered while speaking to him on the phone. Gone is the brashness and outspokenness, and in its place come thoughtful words and measured statements. But he is back to his old self when talking about music, busy as he is with his music sitting with filmmakers, who don’t mind going all the way to London, to work on their film scores.
As Nadeem munched on his breakfast in London, when it was past lunch-time in Mumbai, and indulged his seven-year-old son Samar (he spoke to us on the phone like an Englishman), the composer shared his feelings. Excerpts:
How does it feel to have won the extradition case and declared innocent?
It feels wonderful. It’s a gift from God. I now believe that miracles do take place. It’s a miracle that I am working on films from London. I feel relieved that all the allegations against me have been cleared.
Did you at anytime feel that the odds were against you?
It was a tough battle no doubt. But all along I had faith in the Almighty and in justice. I have always been pronouncing my innocence from day one. And contrary to the belief and the story that was circulated, I didn’t flee to London after being allegedly accused on the basis of some fool’s statement. I was already holidaying in London, when the unforunate incident happened. Every year I would take two breaks from my work, one was to visit Mecca for the Umrah, and the other a holiday in London. The fact that I have won in the highest house of London, The House of Lords, who rejected the appeal in favour of me, makes me feel vindicated.
You’ve made a comeback with a bang. Did it come as a surprise?
We were always sure that we were making good music, and I had an inkling that the music in Dhadkan would work. But the stupenduous success of Dhadkan and Kasoor is like a shot in the arm. It also shows that whatever the police in India may say, the public is on our side. Our recent music in Ek Rishta is also doing well, and the filmmakers’ faith in us has been restored.
Were you feeling letdown by the film industry?
Never. I am very grateful to Bollywood because they had faith in my innocence. The film industry was always with me. They made me feel a part of the one large family. Shatrughan Sinha, Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt were in constant touch with me, expressing concern. Two months after the accusations were levelled against me, and while I was in London, we won the Screen award for Pardes, and the whole industry gave us a standing ovation. It showed that deep within the film industry cared for me, and though they couldn’t voice their opinion, the showed their support passively.
What touched me most was that the people of India knew I was innocent, and believed in me. Even the Indians in London would come up to me and enquire about my well-being. They all love me here and want me to do shows for them. People in London keep calling me up to know if I need their help. That’s heartening.
Looking back on the ordeal, how do you feel. How would you surmise the experience?
The past seven years have been traumatising. When I was in London holidaying, I was falsely implicated. My wife was expecting and after this incident, she lost the child. Nothing can compensate this grevious loss. An innocent man was made to suffer due to the whims and fancies of a few men. My life had become a whirlpool and I didn’t know what hit me. I was shocked and angry at the same time, and I swore on my child’s grave that I would not rest till I was proven innocent. Only Allah has helped me to come out of this trial unscathed, and to fight all that 3000 pages of rubbish, all cooked-up stuff written against me. I am grateful to my few friends who stood by me, and my lawyers in London Clive Nichols Q.C. and James Lewis, who fought my case.
Which was the first film you signed in London?
There is a radio service called Sunrise Radio in London which caters to the Indian listeners. I heard director Kuku Kohli giving an interview on it, and called him up. We had worked together on Phool Aur Kaante. When we met, Kukuji offered me his film Yeh Dil Aashiqana and that was the first film I signed in London.
Had you completed recording all the songs of Dhadkan in India?
Almost, except for two songs. Aksar is duniya mein and Tum dil ki dhadkan mein were worked on in London.
How do you go about working on a score from London, and how do you co-ordinate the recording with your partner Shravan?
Viva technology. Thanks to it, I can go about my work without any hitches. After the producer-director narrate the story, I compose the songs and then they are programmed here, after which, through internet I send it over to India. And during the recordings I am in touch and tuned in on the phone. I have some very capable and competent assistants to help me out.
In your recent scores, that typical Nadeem-Shravan trademark music isn’t evident. Is there a conscious attempt to change your style?
Not really. Our music is still very much in keeping with our style. The Nadeem-Shravan stamp has to be there. Over the years you do get influenced with different kinds of music, and since my stay in London I have been tuned in to all types of music from the world over. So maybe that has influenced a change in style. You tend to absorb some piece of music which has impressed you unconsciously. And the trends in music keep changing fast, so one has to keep up with the changes, and that too reflects in your music. Basically I compose straight from the heart. A tune can strike me anytime, anywhere, which is why I carry a tape-recorder everywhere. The score of Kasoor was done from London, and so was Ek Rishta. That may have made our music sound different.
Tell us about the films in your kitty? Are they all big banner films?
We have signed about 15 films, and filmmakers like Kuku Kohli, Suneel Darshan, Dharmesh Darshan, Mukesh Bhatt, who we worked with earlier, have repeated us. We are doing Pahlaj Nihalani’s Joshilay, two films with Venus titled Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai and Hum Ho Gaye Aapke, a film with Rikku Rakesh Nath, Vikram Bhatt-directed Raaz, Vimal Kumar’s Aashiqui Deewangi, Dharmesh Darshan’s Haan Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya, Lawrence D’souza-directed Dil Deke Dekho, Baba Film’s untitled venture starring Ajay Devgan-Karisma Kapoor, and a film with Vashu Bhagnani to name some.
As for big banner films, well for me all the films are big and important. I don’t discriminate, and work equally hard on all.
What is your work schedule in London like?
I work 19 hours a day. So strong is my homework that when the producers fax me the story, I am ready with the tunes within a few days. The songs for Ek Rishta hardly took much time. I met Suneel Darshan at the IFA Awards, which took place at the Millennium Dome here, and he narrated to me the gist of the story of Ek Rishta. So good was his narration, that by next morning I had the entire score of the film ready. In just one night I had outlined the tunes. Suneel was quite impressed.
You seem to have toned down a lot.
I have realised that it is best to keep a low profile. Publicity and popularity can harm you too. Human beings are basically selfish, and one person can’t digest another person’s success. He doesn’t realise that a lot of hard work and sweat has gone behind that success. People grudge other people’s fame.
Success and the pronouncement of success gave me only pain. Now I’d prefer that my work speaks for me. All that I have gone through has made me quite tough, and I am like a Mad Max now (laughs). It has taught me that in life you have very few friends, and Almighty God is your only true friend.
I am fortunate to have a career in music, because I strongly feel that music has the power to heal. Even as I was going through hell, and attending sessions in court, music was by my side. It was music which helped me keep my composure. Know what, I would be writing songs during the court proceedings.
Hey, your sounding quite philosophical.
It’s not philosophy, it’s a lesson life has taught me. I feel we are going back to the stone age, although we talk about computers. We are getting more and more intolerant, and religious conscious, and more and more barbaric. Human life seems to have has lost its value. I hope our good music can change this atmosphere of hatred into a romantic and peaceful one.
Is your relationship with Shravan the same as before?
Yes. Shravan is like my brother. Do relationships between brothers change?
Anuradha Paudwal continues singing for you’ll. Did you expect this after you were falsely implicated?
Anuradhaji is our mentor and she has always stood by us. She has recorded more than a dozen songs with us for our forthcoming films.
Amitabh Bachchan is said to have liked your music for Haan Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya starring Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Karisma Kapoor?
Amitabhji has always had kind words for us. He’s one man I salute because he emerged triumphant after a rough patch. Just like me. We are two of a kind. Goes to show that you can’t keep a good man down.
Does you son Samar show any musical inclinations?
He is just eight, but he has already started his piano classes. He is learning to play the drums too. He shows a keen interest when I have my musical sittings. He has a good sense of rhythm. When producers come here, they want to sign him up to act in their films.
Submitted by Anjaan
Nadeem-Shravan are back with a bang! Their ‘third innings’ have started with a slam, thanks to the musical success of DHADKAN, KASOOR and EK RISHTAA-THE BOND OF LOVE. Obviously on Cloud Nine, the duo is working with all the more enthusiasm to prove their detractors wrong.
In a telephonic chat with this writer, Nadeem shed light on various work-related developments concerning him. Quoting the music composer verbatim-
It feels great that the hard work and sincerity we put into in our work has been suitably rewarded. The outstanding sales of the three films indicate that people still want us, they still love us. But we don’t want to bask on our past laurels. We are working doubly hard to ensure that we continue with our winning streak. But, yes, with three successes behind us, we do feel vindicated.
We didn’t sign projects for almost two years, but it’s not that offers never poured in. I wanted to sort out things and then concentrate on work. And the industry understood this and stood by us. That’s why we have so many producers coming to us today. They know that Nadeem-Shravan can deliver the goods.
To be honest, I was hurt when our name was omitted from the inlay cards of audiocassettes of certain films. But this is life. However, I have no malice in my heart towards anyone. As long as you work hard, you’ll always be there.
It's true that I have set a recording studio at my home in London. It helps me compose the scratch tunes and send them over to Shravan. He gives his inputs and executes the job finely. I work from morning to midnight. Music keeps me going.
My son, Samar is being groomed as a music composer. But he’s too young right now. Yes, I do have plans to launch him as a composer one day. Even he is inclined towards music. At present, he is learning piano and drums. We may come together for an album, as Samar-Nadeem team.
I’m indebted to the industry for standing by my side. The fact that Nadeem-Shravan are still signing so many projects is proof that we are wanted. Their love and affection is most valuable and we’ll never be able to repay them.
I miss Mumbai very much. Mumbai is my home, that’s where my heart is. I want to come there, feel the place and be at home. My family and I have adjusted to the lifestyle in London, but our heart yearns for India. The song from PARDES, ‘I Love My India’, conveys my feelings for my motherland.
Submitted by Anjaan
Friday, May 11, 2001
Runaway musician’s second innings
He is the man who commands the Hindi film music scene from London. Forced to flee from India in 1997 after being charged with the murder of music baron Gulshan Kumar, composer Nadeem and his partner Shravan now have as many as 22 films on their hands. In these four years, Nadeem says he has seen a lot of ups and downs in life, and risen above all the controversies surrounding him to go back to music, which is above all.
The accusations against him, the court cases that followed both in India and in London and his acquittal by the House of Lords have been the trying moments in his life. But he’s had his share of joys too, when the music for Dhadkan, Kasoor and Ek Rishtaa drew audience applause.
In this interview, Nadeem comments on the music scene in Bollywood as he talks about his desire to return to India.
Excerpts:
In what way has the entire episode of the last four years affected you as a person?
Certainly it has not done any wonders for me since I am staying away from my country. The upheaval has affected my mind, heart and soul. But I have emerged as a stronger and much wiser individual. I have realised the importance of life and liberty. I can now differentiate between my real friends and others. I understood that in this world no one is yours, except the Almighty. No one supports you except Him in times of crisis.
How would you justify your innocence in the Gulshan Kumar case?
I know and my Allah knows that I am innocent and the very fact that he has helped me to come out of the whole affair and regain the name and fame that Nadeem-Shravan once used to have.
All these facts are evidence enough to prove that he is on my side. My innocence has been proved by the House of Lords’ decision. They have clearly said that I have been framed in this case without any evidence.
They have directly questioned those police officers who had booked me falsely in this case. As far as I am concerned Gulshanji was like a father to me. He was the one who gave me a break. He made the name Nadeem-Shravan. How can I ever think of eliminating him?
When you are innocent why aren’t you coming back to India and to prove it?
I am dying to come back to India. But unfortunately, I have a risk of my life. I know that the moment I step on to Indian soil, I will be arrested and taken straight to that torture chamber of the Mumbai police.
This is what I fear. Despite the House of Lords’ decision the officers who had conspired against me haven’t been taken to task yet and they are waiting for an opportunity to arrest me again. I am waiting for the government to take legal action against those officers and dismiss all the false allegations against me. If I am promised an honourable life again, I am ready to come to India.
And till that happens you will command the music scene from London itself?
I have decided to go ahead in full swing with my work. I believe that my music will speak for me. I have the blessings of God and the faith and trust of the people in the industry and my fans. I have about 22 films, which will keep me busy. I want to engross myself in work so that I can cope with this whole trauma that I have gone through over the last four years.
Is it an advantage to work from London?
In the beginning, I thought that it would be impossible to function from here due to the distance. I didn’t know how I would be able to manage my work. But fortunately I was able to bridge that gap and today, producers are flying here to meet me and so I feel at home. Shravan and I have the best rapport and our level of understanding and interaction is so tremendous that I never felt I was in London and he was in Mumbai.
The Internet further helped us to bridge this distance. Now I make music here and send it to Shravan to improvise and record the songs in Mumbai.
And do you keep yourself in touch with the music scene in India?
Very much. I listen to all the music that is doing its rounds in the Indian market. In fact, London is another Mumbai, there are so many fans of Hindi film music here that I don’t find a difference.
All the music and films are available here and it helps me to stay in touch with Mumbai.
Recently there have been allegations that film music has lost the quality it used to have a decade ago. Any comments?
I feel sorry to agree with you. The quality of the music today is not at all comparable to the music a decade ago. The songs are no longer popular in nature.
They are catering neither to the so-called masses nor to the classes, though I refuse to categorise music audiences in this way. There is only one kind of audience, which loves music and it is sad that they don’t getting the music they deserve.
Are you blaming the composers directly?
In a way, yes. The composers in the industry lack those emotions that the music of Hindi films call for. There is a severe crisis when it comes to lyrics.
I mean what kind of a song is Ande Pe Anda from Jodi No.1? If that is what the music lovers want then I find this industry heading nowhere. There was a time, when filmmakers had a music sense, composers knew what they were doing and the audiences could feel the emotions hidden in the songs. Except Kaho Naa Pyar Hai, I don’t find anyone else has scored much.
And what have you got to say on the recent scores of Lagaan and Pyar Tune Kya Kiya?
I am surprised with the kind of music A R Rehman has been delivering of late. His One 2 Ka 4 as we all know did very badly and I wasn’t impressed with his latest music for Lagaan as well. For a story like that of Lagaan and an artist like Aamir Khan, I felt something better was needed and a lot can be done but nothing seems like that. As for Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, I found it belonging to the pop music category. Such type of music doesn’t always appeal to the people. Over a period of time people get sick with such stuff.
The music of Dhadkan was a topper, but it failed to win any awards. Any regrets?
As a creative artist it really feels great to get recognition for your work. It acts as a booster to work better. As a duo, Nadeem - Shravan won innumerable awards and prizes and we have had our highs.
Now, I don’t believe in them because of the politics that goes with them and also they lack credibility. Earlier there was one Filmfare award, which was considered as the ultimate award for the film industry. Today, there are so many awards. Even the National Awards, I believe, have been fixed.
When you are talking of National Awards, do you support Anu Malik winning it?
I had a good laugh when I heard that Anu Malik won the National Award. What was he given the Award for? A score like Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and all his other scores in the last year just go to show his quality of music. I am not asking for that award but at least there should be a bench mark for choosing the winner. I have seen in the past that some of my films have been received well by the people, but when it comes to giving the award, just because a jury member doesn’t like me, they reject the nomination. There is politics and more politics in this award business.
Now that you are back to work again, do you plan to introduce new voices to the list of singers?
Yes. In fact recently in Ek Rishtaa I’ve given a break to a very talented singer called Sarika Kapoor. In the forthcoming Mahesh Bhatt film Raag, I am introducing Deepali Somaya. I find both of them very promising. I will soon be looking into the music scene in London, which has a lot of Indian music and musicians waiting to be discovered. I hope to find some exceptional talents here as well.
There is a buzz that you are planning a television show as well?
I have been working on the concept of a television show for the past two years now. The show will be music-based and will be different from any television programme shown till date. I am working on this and hope it materialises soon.
Out of the number of films currently in your hands, are there any projects involving Bhushan Kumar?
Unfortunately not! Bhushan is like a brother to me and I want to tell him that I haven’t done anything against Gulshanji or T-Series. I want him to make a new beginning with me and I am waiting for the day when he offers me a film again. I hope that day comes soon.
Submitted by Anjaan
Nadeem Saifee has made history by as the only absentee composer lording it over the Hindi film charts. But this isn't the kind of history he wanted to make. Sitting in far away London, he talks about himself and his family and how he misses the scent of success that's wafting up the Indian charts.
Q:
How has life treated you in the last couple of years?
A: I've been to hell and back. There's so much I want to say. But if I
open my mouth, they will again start burning my photographs all over
Mumbai. They just need an excuse to take off on me. I agree my attitude
hasn't paid off for me. But I won't give up being genuine.
Q:
What do you think is responsible for, what you call, your persecution?
A: My religious identity, for one. Then my success. I never knew I was
rubbing people up the wrong way. Maybe at a party I forgot to say hello to
a powerful politician. Then there was this secretary in the Home Ministry
who wanted me to do concert shows. I declined.
Q:
Many people in Mumbai still believe you are guilty.
A: After
knowing the Supreme Court's and The House of Lords' decisions? In India
perhaps someone can get away with murder. But not in a British court. I've
been put through every test by the courts here to ascertain my innocence.
Q:
Why did they pin Gulshan Kumar's murder on you?
A: Gulshan Kumar was like a father to me. He's the man who gave me my
career in films. He acquired the music rights of Boney Kapoor's Sirf Tum
only because I asked him to. After his death I had to deal with the
personal trauma of losing him and also the blow of being accused of his
murder. A group of cops in Mumbai is still going on with their persecution
against me.
Q:
You've just delivered two big successes Kasoor and Ek Rishta: The Bond Of
Love. But you aren't here to enjoy your success.
A: orrection, three big successes. Kasoor, Ek Rishta and my victory in
the House Of Lords. I'm in the mood for vengeance. And the only way I can
do it is through my music.
Q:
How do you explain your compositions to the singers in Mumbai?
A: On the telephone. The internet and the fax machine also play their
part. Actually, whether it's Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu or Udit Narayan,
they've all worked with me for many years now. Besides, many musicians now
come down to London to meet me.
Q:
Who are the people from within the film industry who have been supportive
of you?
A: One man who has stood by me is Mahesh Bhatt. He and Shatrughan
Sinha have proved to be good, gutsy human beings. Producer-director Suneel
Darshan is another person whom I respect tremendously in the film
industry.
Q:
If the Indian government exonerates would you feel safe about coming back?
A: Maybe the cops will cook up another charge against me. Maybe some
day I will return after those conspirers in Mumbai have had their say.
Even senior officials who did their utmost to ruin the life of an honest
and honourable man, are now busy passing the buck. Beyond that I won't
comment on my sense of isolation. But I'm still loved by my people. I've
nothing to fear except the Mumbai cops.
Q:
Can the Indian legal system get you to India and try you here?
A: If they're still keen on persecuting me, they can. But I'm ready to
take my adversaries on. I'll continue to prove my innocence in every
country I go to.
Q:
Do you think the Indian press has been unfair to you?
A: Initially they were misguided. I was virtually put through a media
trial. But finally, my honour was restored.
Submitted by Jayaprakash
Charged for conspiring Gulshan Kumar's
murder, renowned music director Nadeem Saifee went on a
self-imposed exile to London. He justifies his action saying that he
wanted to escape the malicious intentions of those who were trying to
frame him. Zee News editor Shazi Zaman caught up with Saifee in
London and heard out his side of the story.
Q. Nadeemji, it`s been 4 years since you left India. How did you spend
these years?
Ans: I feel it`s not just 4 years but 40 years that have passed by. The
conspiracy, which some people were trying to make me a part of, and the
manner in which a few police officers tried to frame me, seems to be only
case of its kind in history. And definitely, my success was a problem.
Q. If you believe you are innocent, then
why are you hesitating in facing the court in India?
Ans: I believe that I am innocent. I know that I am innocent. But, I am
not a fool. Being innocent and being a fool, both are entirely different
things. I don`t want to make such a blunder that I become a `sitting
target` for those who want me to fall into a trap. Moreover, England`s
Supreme Court, one of the most respected ones in the world had passed the
judgement that I am innocent.
Q. You say that your success was the root cause of all this. So, did
you have some professional rivals who could have had a hand in this
controversy?
Ans: See...there are people who are jealous of other people's success.
They don`t know how hard this man has worked.
Q. Is it true that circumstantial
evidence has been presented, proving that you and Gulshan Kumar had
serious differences?
Ans: There were no differences. When we are in the same profession, then
some differences are bound to be there. This does not mean that one person
goes and kills another. That is a wrong thinking. Gulshanji was like a
father to me. I still respect him. I still miss him.
Q. It is said that you had put lot of pressure on Gulshan Kumar to
release your album named, `Hi Ajnabi`.
Ans: This is absolutely wrong. That was a private album. My work is that
of a playback singer in films. Whether a private album is successful or
not, hardly matters to us. It was just that Shravan and Sameerji had
forced me to sing. I used to record one song of that album at a time. So,
this could not be reason for me being involved in this case. Gulshan
Kumarji was like a father to me, and no son will kill his own father.
Q. Nadeemji, is it correct that Gulshan
Kumar was a bit annoyed by the fact that you were giving chance to Alka
Yagnik?
Ans: No, there is no such thing. Gulshanji always liked to promote talent.
It was just that Anuradhaji had sung larger number of songs because she
had a contract of with `T-Series`.
Q. It is also said that Gulshan Kumar was trying to promote other music
directors....this posed a threat to you?
Ans: Let me tell you very clearly that in my view...till the coming 100
years there will be no competitor of Nadeem-Shravan. For the coming 100
years, Nadeem-Shravan has no danger from anyone. No one can snatch
anyone`s bread and butter. So, this allegation is also totally wrong.
Q. What about the allegation that you had taken Abu Salem`s help?
Ans: This allegation is absolutely baseless. I am not at all connected to
the underworld. If the police had evidences to prove this, then they
should have presented it. They had 4 years at their disposal.
Q. Police says that they have some
telephonic recordings.
Ans: So, they should show those telephone recordings. I have been
challenging them since last 4 years to play those recordings.
Q. Do you feel that the amount of support that the film industry should
have given to you was not forthcoming?
Ans: I am very grateful to the film industry. I think I'll never be able
to return their support...the support that my producers and director
friends have extended to me. Especially Mahesh Bhatt - he is such a bold
person. Mukesh Bhatt and Shatrughan Sinha have also been very helpful.
Submitted by Jayaprakash
"A select coterie of politicians and police are out to ensnare me."
— Nadeem
1981: Music directors of the ’79 hit Bhojpuri film Dangal,
Nadeem-Shravan, make their Hindi debut — Maine Jeena Seekh Liya.
They then spend a decade doing small films.
1990: Gulshan Kumar’s Aashiqui breathes fresh air into the disco-rdant
arena of film music. Nadeem-Shravan become forces to be reckoned
with. Their mugs adorn inlays, dominate film posters and in the next 7
years, they annex top filmmakers & awards and score melodious scores
like Saajan, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Sadak, Deewana, Hum Hain Rahi
Pyar Ke, Raja Hindustani, Ek Rishta etc.
1997: Nadeem’s mentor, Gulshan Kumar, is killed! Pardes becomes N-S’
latest hit, while Nadeem is declared the mastermind in the murder for
things had soured ‘tween them. Nadeem claims he’s innocent but his
career comes to a standstill.
2000: Nadeem makes history by signing films while still under trial for
extradition in England. He is exonerated by the court and the Indian
government applies to the House of Lords.
2001: As the N-S team completes 20 years, the House of Lords too
exonerates Nadeem, and the musical results of Dhadkan and Kasoor
send an avalanche of filmmakers London-wards. On the eve of the
release of his Hum Ho Gaye Aapke and Yeh Dil Aashiqana, Nadeem heats
up the voltage with a free-flowing conversation straight from London to
the Mumbai he has been missing for more than three years now.
Excerpts from the interview:
Apart from the success of your music, you must be happy at being
exonerated by the House of Lords and the London courts.
Yes, I am, I am! By the grace of God, I’ve been proved innocent. The
miracle I knew would happen — has happened! I am happy at the fact
that the public has accepted us again and that our music is a success...
as always. Nadeem and Shravan have been one entity for twenty years,
and our friendship has weathered this latest storm as well.
Are you better off in London? Do you miss Mumbai?
Music keeps me busy for 18 hours or more a day. I am staying in a
rented place in London. My son Samar is studying and also showing a
flair for music. My daughter Saima is training to be a Montessori
teacher. My parents drop in every two months. My filmmakers come
here for sittings and so does Sameer, my lyricist. And yet, I miss
Mumbai, Shravan & all my friends, and above all, my country.
What’s your average day in London like?
Well, I wake up early, around 5.30 a.m.. I do my namaaz and read the
Quran followed by breakfast. Then it’s music for the rest of the day. I
also spend time on the net and on the telephone with friends and music
colleagues in Mumbai.
How different is your music today from say, three years ago?
Well, Nadeem-Shravan have always believed in melody but we have
begun to make our music a bit trendy today. I feel that our music has
changed for the better, and Kasoor, Ek Rishta and all our forthcoming
films show this change. I have upgraded my rhythm and when I program
my music today, there are many more intricacies in the rhythm.
How exactly do you compose a song today?
Well, I sit with the director and finish work on the score. If the story is
faxed to me earlier then I usually complete the outline of the tunes in a
few days. In the case of Ek Rishta it was actually an overnight job!
Though I have a huge stock of tunes, I prefer to compose after
receiving a clear picture of a situation. Then Sameer comes in and we
complete the song. The singers I have chosen, I tutor over the phone. I
have set up a small studio at home. Finally, via the net, I send the final
graph of the song, its arrangements and rhythm to Shravan who
supervises and executes the recording in Mumbai.
By the way, has any composer-colleague called up in these years
to inquire about your well being?
No! They must be hoping that my troubles continue! (laughs) Please! I
am joking! I am joking! But today there are no emotions left. It’s a
dog-eat-dog world!
Have you been in touch with the work of other composers?
Yes. But I don’t think that there is anything worth talking about, except
for Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
What about Rahman’s music, especially in Taal?
Pardes would get a hundred out of a hundred! But Taal merits only 70.
Taal apart, Rahman is at his worst now!
Now that you have been acquitted, why don’t you come and fight
it out in India so that you are vindicated once and for all?
I am not that foolish. I know that a select coterie of politicians and
police are out to ensnare me and I will not walk into the trap. I trust our
judiciary, while our police force is not corrupt as a whole, but a certain
band of people want to frame me. I can name them, but will you put
their names on record? And if you do, will the publication print them?
What kind of free press is it when they can all damn me, all the time in
print and I cannot retaliate? Look, I’m an honourable man and have
fought honorably in the courts. The British law machinery has no vested
interests, and they exonerated me after more than three years of
thorough investigation into every angle and sifting through evidence,
including handwriting reports of the case. The far-reaching judgment
clearly says that the ‘evidence is so tainted so as to render a fair trial
impossible.’
You even brought in a communal angle two years ago by stating
that you were harassed because you were a Muslim. Even your
partner Shravan did not like it.
Well, I spoke from the heart, because I felt that was a fact. I never
generalised saying that every Hindu was against Muslims.
What was your first reaction when the charges were slapped on
you?
I was holidaying in London while my wife needed some medical attention
as she was pregnant. We even lost the child. When I first heard the
news I was shocked. My instinctive reaction was to laugh and think that
it was a kind of joke. But when I realised the gravity of the situation I
began to cry hopelessly. People called up, and I swore on my child’s
grave that I was innocent. How could they concoct this pack of lies?
Gulshanji was the man who made my career with Aashiqui while Bhushan
Kumar was and is like a kid brother. Only a man of steel could’ve
survived the trauma I went through. I hope Bhushan and Kishen Kumar
realise this and see the light too.
What took you so long to take up work again? Was it because
Bollywood ignored you for some time?
Not at all! It was I who had practical restrictions on my work. My
fraternity always believed in me. And Indians in London believed in me
too.
How much has this changed you... as a person, as a composer?
I am a wiser man. I am a diamond that shines brighter after being
polished. You could say that I’m the second Kohinoor in London (laughs
again). But the composer in me remained the same. I was always in
touch with my music, and believe it or not, I’d compose even as I was
sitting in court, because I was confident God would help prove my
innocence.
How did the second innings begin?
I happened to hear director Kuku Kohli speak on Sunrise Radio here. I
found out where he was and met him. He listened to some of my tunes
and signed me for Yeh Dil Aashiqana.
Which are the films that you have signed now?
Venus’ Hum Ho Gaye Aapke and Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai, Rikku Rakesh
Nath’s next, Pehlaj Nihalani’s Joshilay, Vikram Bhatt’s Raaz, Dharmesh
Darshan’s Haan Maine Pyar Kiya, Suneel Darshan’s next, Vimal Kumar’s
Aashiqui Deewangi, Yeh Dil Aashiqana, a Vashu Bhagnani film, Dil Deke
Dekho and Gordhan Tanwani’s next are some of our forthcoming films.
— Rajiv Vijayakar
Submitted by Sohail
Interview: SHRAVAN
By Tanuj Garg
What started as a success story faded into a saga of crime. When
Nadeem Saifi was implicated in the Gulshan Kumar assassination case, the
flamboyant Nadeem-Shravan duo suffered a major setback in their career. In
the last two years, they gave musical hits like 'Saat Rang Ke Sapne' and 'Sirf
Tum'. With the success of their latest soundtrack, 'Dhadkan', and several
plum projects to follow, Nadeem-Shravan are back in the reckoning:
Q: How does it feel now that the music of 'Dhadkan' is doing well in
the market?
For that matter, even the music of 'Sirf Tum' and 'Saat Rang Ke Sapne'
fared well in terms of sales. But yes, the score of 'Dhadkan' is important
to us. After three years, we're returning in the top league. We've begun
working hard on our musical productions because have some really great
assignments on hand. And we're feeling extremely positive about the great
reception that the soundtrack of 'Dhadkan' has received.
Q: Which are your favourite numbers from 'Dhadkan'?
Khan saab's (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) qawwali is being appreciated. But the
numbers that are closest to my heart are 'Dil Ne Yeh Kaha' and 'Na Na
Karte Pyaar'.
Q: How did you'll score the music of 'Dhadkan' considering Nadeem was
away in London?
Actually, two or three songs had already been jointly scored before he
left. So they were part of our bank. The other songs were done over the
telephone.
Q: I heard that you'd send music pieces across to each other over the
computer?
No, we did it over the phone.
Q: Is it possible to score music over the telephone?
Of course. As I mentioned, we have a stock of almost 20,000 songs in our
music bank. After the producer explains the situation, requirements and
backdrop, it is discussed over the telephone.
Q: But isn't that a costly affair?
It is, but films nowadays, are made on an enormous budget.
Q: Do you propose to score music over the telephone even for your
future assignments?
No. At the moment, we're recording in India. But after 3 or 4 months, we
propose to begin recording in London.
Q: Some people had speculated that you'll might separate?
No. We will continue to score music under the name of Nadeem-Shravan.
There are no two ways about that.
Q: What are your feelings these days?
God is being kind to us. After a major hiatus, it feels great to have
tasted success in our third innings. We hope that the music of 'Dhadkan'
becomes bigger than what it already is. We're also confident about our
future work.
Submitted by jayaprakash
Nothing can hamper our work
His comeback made news, and with four successive hits Dhadkan, Kasoor, Ek Rishta and Hum Ho Gaye Aapke, Nadeem alongwith partner Shravan has made sure that on the music scene, they are still a force to reckon with.
Recently though, Nadeem again made news when his name was brought up by Krishan Kumar, brother of Gulshan Kumar, in his statement during his deposition for the Gulshan Kumar case. Caught by surprise he is, but not overtly worried. "I am innocent. I have been exonerated by the highest UK court," he reminds you. Taking things in his stride, in a philosophical vein Nadeem says that controversies come as a package deal with fame.
Screen spoke to the composer in the wake of Krishan Kumar’s statements during his deposition. Excerpts:
What do you have to say about Krishan Kumar’s deposition in the special court in Mumbai recently, hinting at your alleged involvement in the Gulshan Kumar murder case?
As I have pointed out before, and I say again that the highest court in London has acquitted me of all charges, so I see no reason to even react to these allegations.
Majeed Memon, counsel for some of the accused in the trial, and who earlier defended Nadeem’s extradition, as per the proceedings of the court, stated, "The only approver Mohd. Husain Ali Sheikh, on whom the prosecution case rested heavily, has already given evidence that he knows nothing about the conspiracy to kill Gulshan Kumar. He also said he does not know Nadeem Saifi nor does he know Gulshan Kumar."
Memon also pointed out from the evidence of Krishan Kumar, the brother of deceased Gulshan Kumar, and managing director of T-Series, prosecution witness no. 32, as saying, "I have visited Dubai about eight to nine times. During the period between 1996 and 1997, I may have visited Dubai for about two to three times."
Coupled with this, Memon drew attention to the fact that, "How improbable is his conduct when he claims in his cross-examination that he was in possession of vital clues and information relating to, and preceding the murder of his elder brother Gulshan Kumar. Yet he did not discuss the same with his colleagues in the industry, and people in the family for more than three weeks until he gave his statement to the police in the first week of September 1997."
Memon stated the position of the case after the latest hearing on August 29, "After the UK highest courts having exonerated Nadeem, the truth in relation to the motive and the conspiracy behind the assassination of Gulshan Kumar is to surface at the conclusion of the ongoing trial. Unfortunately, the trial in which several accused persons are in custody, had to be adjourned for about a month today because witnesses are not available, or the special public prosecutor is required elsewhere."
Well, what do I say about the statement of a person who himself has been allegedly involved in match-fixing. Let me read out the report which appeared in your publication, The Indian Express on May 3, last year, written by Jatin Gandhi. (Nadeem reads the report.) The report says, "Raids were conducted at Kumar’s house and the police officials have discovered that he has been talking to the underworld." The report further states that "abnormally high calls were made to Salem’s (Abu Salem) mobile. Transcripts of his conversation reveal that there has been reference that Kumar has spoken to Salem." With this report do you feel his (Krishan Kumar’s) statement carries any weight? After such an unfortunate incident, where his own brother was killed, if he still continues to maintain links with his brother’s killers, that speaks about his integrity.
Newspaper reports have also pointed out that he (Krishan Kumar) has visited Dubai nine times in connection with match-fixing. With everything clear in front of the people, I don’t think there is any need for me to say anything. It is for the people to judge. People are intelligent enough to know the truth.
Krishan Kumar has said that Gulshan Kumar had received threatening calls from Abu Salem warning him of dire consequences if he stopped buying audio rights of films with music by Nadeem-Shravan.
Gulshanji was my mentor and the rapport we shared was something else. It was purely on our personal equation that he bought the music rights of the films which had music by Nadeem-Shravan. It was on my request that he bought the music rights of Boney Kapoor’s Sirf Tum and K.C. Bokadia’s untitled film starring Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. The respect I had for him and the faith he had in me, there was absolutely no need for a third person to force him to buy the rights of our films.
According to Krishan Kumar’s statement you were peeved that Gulshan Kumar didn’t promote your private album Hi Ajnabi. And after the album failed, he stopped buying music rights of your films. Which is why you allegedly brought outside pressure on him.
Hi Ajnabi was of little consequence to me. It wasn’t a do or die thing for me. For a change, I just happened to cut an album, that’s all. And Gulshanji willingly bought the rights of the album. My life didn’t depend on a career in singing. So why would I bother so much about it if it didn’t do well?
And why would I waste my time and resources on outside forces to threaten Gulshanji to buy music rights of my films? Aren’t there other music companies around? If T-Series didn’t want to buy the rights of the films with music by Nadeem-Shravan, some other company would. There’s no question of using pressure tactics or forcing anybody to do things against their wishes. By the way, our music is bought right away, on the announcement of our names itself. Music companies have faith in our work.
With your career picking up again after the unfortunate lull, do you think dragging your name back into the case will prove to be a setback to your career?
Like it or not, it’s a fact that people are jealous of the fame and success of others. But that can’t be helped and I don’t let these things bother me. By God’s grace, I’m back to the grind. We are signing good films and want to give our best. At this point in life, especially after the London court has acquitted me honourably, I can laugh off statements like these made just for effect. They can hardly prove to be an impediment in my work.
Nadeem-Shravan’s work has already spoken for them. After the comeback, we have given four hits in a row - Dhadkan, Kasoor, Ek Rishta and Hum Ho Gaye Aap Ke. Which means people like our work and want us. The success of our music is what I take as people’s verdict in my favour. I know people have always been with me and have given me their love. No amount of controversy can hamper our work. Watch out for our music in Yeh Dil Aashiqana and Haan Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya.
What do you have to say about the present staus of the case in Mumbai?
nThe matter is sub-judice so I can’t comment. But my lawyer, Majeed Memon, will tell you the exact position.
Submitted by jayaprakash
FORTUNE SMILES
Crime: Nadeem Saifee finally gets a reprieve in the Gulshan Kumar murder case, and a compensation of £9,20,083.
An exclusive interview
After much legal wrangling, the House of Lords has rejected India's application to extradite Nadeem Saifee in the Gulshan Kumar murder case and awarded him a whopping Rs 6.3 crore in legal compensation. But he awaits justice from Indian courts.
He is only just learning to love his adopted country Britain, where he lives with his wife and children, as much as he loved India. The music director, who keeps an open house, is still very much in demand, in the Indian and the western music industry and he believes he will emerge a winner yet again.
Excerpts from an interview:
The House of Lords upheld a ruling by the British High Court rejecting India's application to extradite you. What does this say about British judicial system as compared to India's?
I salute the British justice system. I remember vividly the moment I entered the courts. When I saw the faces of the justices, I told my father that I would get justice here. It was a gut feeling. You could feel their nobility and that made me confident.
I am waiting for justice from the Indian courts, so I would rather not say anything, except that anywhere in the world, if a court is fair it will give me justice.
What do you think was the reason behind the House of Lords' ruling?
The House of Lords was convinced of my innocence on the basis of material evidence produced in court by us. The fact that they took nearly one month to make the decision and write their judgment showed the care they took. They were convinced of the earlier High Court ruling that there was "a preconceived desire to blame the applicant when no evidence existed" and "use of improper pressure to obtain a statement from Ali Shaikh to make good the allegations". They also inferred that the police had "an improper interest in interfering with the evidence of this case".
If you had to put a question to the former Maharashtra home minister Gopinath Munde what would it be?
I would like to ask him how he would feel if his own son had been falsely implicated in a malicious case like this. I would like to see his face.
And what about Mumbai's former deputy commissioner of police R.S. Sharma?
Does he believe in God? Does he believe he will have to answer for all the mischief he has done and for the lives he has wrecked? I can't tell you the pain that my family and I have been through.
The House of Lords awarded you £9,20,083 in legal costs.
These are my solicitors' costs. I can only refer you to the original High Court ruling, which stated: "The costs of the claimant be ascertained by the Master of the Crown Office and paid to the claimant's solicitors out of Central Funds pursuant to Section 16 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985."
There is some dispute over who should meet these costs. Who do you think should pay?
I can't comment, but it would be nice if Munde had to pay. Or Sharma or DCP K.L. Prasad, or the investigating officer L.R. Rao, who now works for Gulshan Kumar's company, T-Series.
How do you spend your time in the United Kingdom?
I work, I pray. I pray, I work. I live with my wife and two children in Kingsbury, north-west London, and we are expecting another child in six months' time. I love India but I am learning to love the UK, too. I don't have any protection. Anyone can drop in to see me. Everyone knows where I live. I think the UK Home Office has received so many applications from people wanting to visit Nadeem Saifee, producers, directors, friends.
Have you been asked to work with Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is currently collaborating with A.R. Rahman on his new musical?
No, but his recent comments about the future of the British musical lying in Bollywood's hands were very generous. Other UK and American companies have approached me, though, including Peter Gabriel and his Real World label.
To be honest, I am just beginning to pick up the pieces after all I have been through. But I am a winner, by the grace of God I'll always win.
I would like to ask [former maharashtra home minister] munde how he would feel if his own son had been falsely implicated in a malicious case like this.
http://www.the-week.com/21nov18/events3.htm
Submitted by jayaprakash on November15,2001
"If I don't get any award for Ek
Rishtaa, I'll stop believing in them."
After Dhadkan
and Kasoor,
Nadeem-Shravan have another chartbuster to their credit. Ek
Rishtaa - The Bond Of Love proves Nadeem's staying power on the
charts, even if he has to compose in exile. The never-say-die music
composer holds forth from London on his successes.
You had promised never to plagiarise any tune. And yet Mohabbat ho
na jaye in Kasoor was lifted from Titanic?
Was it? There are seven music notes. Ab in saat suron mein, there's
bound to be some similarity somewhere between what has come and what's
going to come. I try my level-best to make sure that we do not sound like
any previous composition. But sometimes it just so happens that some notes
do sound familiar. There's bound to be some flavour, some cheeta,
of the past in the present. That's unavoidable.
Were you given the Celin Dion song from Titanic as a reference
point for Kasoor?
No, no, no. Nobody gives me any reference points. If you heard the song
out it's nowhere near Titanic. It may have a feel of Titanic
and the two ballads' tempos may be similar. But Mohabbat ho na jaye
is not inspired by Titanic.
Fair enough. But I thought Kitni bechain hoke in Kasoor
is the best ballad you've ever composed?
You know, I played the rhythm instrument, the Darabuka from the
Middle East, myself. I had never used that instrument before and I don't
think any other Indian composer has used it either.
Alka Yagnik has seldom sounded so sensuous.
Thanks. In fact, just the other day I was again thinking of making her
sing a song that was composed on the lower scales. You're right. The
softer scales suit Alka
Yagnik wonderfully.
And now your family film Ek Rishtaa - The Bond Of Love where
your 'family' compositions are far superior to what we hear in the family
films of Sooraj Barjatya.
Thank you. I was so upset when I didn't get any of the popular awards for Dhadkan.
If I don't get any award this year for Ek Rishtaa, I'll stop
believing in these awards. I'm very upset about not winning for Dhadkan.
But every time they've done this to me, I've promised myself that I'll bag
the award the following year. And why should my not being in Mumbai have
been a problem? My partner Shravan was there, wasn't he? Out of the seven
songs that I've composed for Ek Rishtaa, six are my favourites.
Seriously, I like all of them. I think Ek dil hai is a very sweet
song. Then Hum khush hue has got a very different dimension to it.
It's so very situational and so sincere. I'd call it an honest song. It's
a pleasure to work with someone like Suneel Darshan.
You were out of his brother Dharmesh's Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya
and then in again. How come?
Suneel always told his brother he'd need to go to London to get the
calibre of music that he needed for Han Maaine Bhi Pyaar Kiya.
Dharmesh tried out Uttam Singh and Sanjeev-Darshan. But finally he was
there at London Heathrow airport and I was there to receive him. I think
our music in Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya is among our best. I met
Karisma Kapoor at Birmingham recently. She cutely quipped, 'I'm here on
this stage because of your music. Please charge a little less when it
comes to my film' (laughs).
Ek Rishtaa brings back the long-languishing singer Mohd Aziz in
a big way.
Beautiful! That boy is fantastic. When I heard him sing for me, I felt a
surge of joy within me. It's amazing that a voice could do that. Mohd Aziz
has got a feel-good voice. I don't know why he got sidelined. Sometimes
it's your own doing. Sometime it's because of petty politics or otherwise
God's will. Sometimes one doesn't do that much field work. There's a lot
of that to be done. With Ek Rishtaa I've achieved a hat trick
within a year. I believe it's even bigger than our Aashiqui.
How do you look on your comeback?
You know, the other day Hrithik
Roshan was heard praising one of my songs in my forthcoming film Raaz.
God, I've come a long way! I remember my visit to North India - Patna,
Varanasi, Allahabad - when my score of the Bhojpuri film Dangal was
a big hit. I've done so many Bhojpuri films before Aashiqui. I love
the Bhojpuri culture. God, I've been around for so long!
Subhash K Jha
http://music.indya.com/features/film/nadeem1_in.html
Nadeem Saifi
He's
been to hell and back, unscathed. But life hasn't been the same ever since
his name was taken in the Gulshan Kumar's murder case. But inspite of that
the man in the middle of the biggest crisis, refuse to give up. While the
Indian Government is seeking his extradition, Nadeem was recently awarded
compensation by the House of Lords. We spoke to a jubilant Nadeem long
distance on the phone with Nadeem getting nostalgic about his country.
Filmfare
Online: Recently The House of Lords awarded you £9,20,083 as compensation
from the Indian Government. How do you feel about it?
Nadeem Saifi: Great,
all along I' was screaming at the bottom of my heart that I'm innocent. At
least the House of Lords was convinced that I'm innocent. They just took
one month to make come up to the decision and make the judgment. It showed
the care they took. I thank god for this verdict. Now I can pick up my
work in mental peace.
Filmfare
online: Will you come back to India now to face the rest of the trial
here?
Nadeem:I'm
ready to comeback to my own country. But the Govt first should drop all
the false charges against me. They should come out and call me honorably.
And at the same time the Govt out there should sacked all those police
officers that implicated me in false cases.
Filmfare
Online: OWhen you fled from Mumbai, did you ever thought in your wildest
dream that you would end up spending rest of our life in UK?
Nadeem: I
would like to make it clear once and for all that I didn't fled India as
the police and section of the media reported. I happen to in UK,
holidaying with my family, when my name was falsely implicated. I had no
other option. I was forced to seek asylum in this country. So please don't
use the word 'fled'.
Filmfare
Online: After
spending years in UK do you feel homesick?
Nadeem:
I'm dying to see my country. But I'm forced to stay here. Now only god
knows when I will be able to return.
Filmfare
Online: You
made a comeback with three hatricks in a row?
Nadeem:That's
right 'Dhadkan' 'Kasoor' and 'Ek Rishtaa- the Bond Of Love' It's the
result of the hard work and sincere effort. But we should not let this go
over our head. We will have to work hard to give up the good work.
Filmfare
Online: Who
do you think are your competition in the industry?
Nadeem: Believe
me there was no competition when I left the country, and now also it's the
same story. We have no competition in this field. I know that I'm not
being modest but this is the fact. But that doesn't mean that I take
things lying down. I'm on my toes and watching what's going on the in the
industry. Though I'm far for the scene, I keep myself upgraded with all
the information. I'm in competition with myself. Whatever I have done in
the past and doing I want to better my records. So I'm always trying out
never things. Experimenting with my music.
Filmfare
Online: When
you were in Mumbai, Nadeem -Sharvan was considered top music directors?
But don't think the log gap has affected your ratings?
Nadeem:(Laughs)
We are still at the top. What can I say on my on my own now? You guys are
seeing it yourself. Everything is open for people to see for themselves.
Music directors have come and gone. Inshaallah. We are going strong
churning out hits after hits.
-
Gautam Buragohain
http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/index3.htm
Submitted by Faizan on January 9th,2002
Nadeem: Back In The High Charts Again
By Nitin Kalra
He shot into limelight during early 1990s when his music for films
like Aashiqui, Saajan, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin amongst others swept
the charts. Along with his partner Shravan, he introduced a new
wave in Hindi film music, which was facing a severe drought in
terms of quality.
In fact, Nadeem-Shravan’s music revived the era of melodious
romantic music into films. Yet, while at the peak of his career
Nadeem was forced to flee India after being charged of the
murder of music baron Gulshan Kumar. That was in 1997.
Despite all the hardships and the trauma he faced, Nadeem has
once again taken command of the music industry. With three
smashing hits in a row -- Dhadkan, Kasoor and Ek Rishtaa -- the duo
are back in business with about 22 films on their hands. In a
telephonic conversation from London, Nadeem reveals his views
on the music scene in India and also his stand on his comeback
to the country. Excerpts:
Now that the House of Lords have proved you innocent are you
planning to come to India to prove your innocence?
Firstly I would like to make it clear that I have been falsely
booked under this case. The House of Lords who have said that I
was framed without any evidence have proved my innocence. As
far as I am concerned Gulshanji was like a father to me. He was
the one who gave me a break. He made the name
Nadeem–Shravan. How can I ever think of eliminating him? Now
coming to your question, I am dying to come back to India. But
unfortunately I have a risk of my life. I know that the moment I
land in Mumbai I will be arrested and handed over to those cruel
police officers who had conspired against me and which has been
proved by the House of Lords. I am waiting for the government to
take legal action against those officers and dismiss all false
allegations against me. If I am promised an honourable life
again, I am ready to come to India today.
And since this seems far from reality, you have decided to work
from London?
I have no other choice. I am a composer and its difficult for me to
keep my creativity suppressed for long. Hence I have decided to
go ahead in full swing with my work. With the blessing of God and
the faith and trust that people in the industry and my fans have
shown in me, I have about 22 films, which will keep me busy. I
want to engross myself in work so much that I can come out of
this whole trauma that I have gone through over the last four
years.
How do you manage your work from London?
In the beginning I thought that it would be impossible to function
from here due to the distance. But fortunately I was able to bridge
that gap and today producers are flying here to meet me. Shravan
and myself share a good level of understanding and interaction,
which has helped me. The Internet further helped us narrow this
distance.
Are you in touch with the music scene in India?
Certainly! I listen to all the music that is making its rounds in the
Indian market. But I feel sorry to say that the quality of music
that is around is not at all comparable to the music a decade ago.
The songs are no longer popular in nature. The composers today
lack the emotions that the music of Hindi films have to possess.
There is a severe crisis when it comes to lyrics… let alone the
music. There was a time, when filmmakers had music sense,
composers knew what they were doing and audiences could feel
the emotions hidden in the songs. Except Kaho Naa Pyar Hai, I
don’t find a score much talking about.
The music of Dhadkan was a topper, but it failed to win any
awards. Any regrets?
As a creative artist it really is encouraging to get recognition
for your work. As a duo Nadeem–Shravan have won
innumerable awards. Now I don’t believe in them any more
because of the politics that goes behind them and also the lack
of their credibility. Earlier there was one Filmfare, which was
considered as the ultimate award for the film industry. Today
there are so many awards. Even the National Awards, I
believe have been exposed especially after the recent
controversy over them.
Nadeem–Shravan has been known to give the industry
new voices. Now that you are back to work are you
continuing with the trend?
Certainly! In fact recently in Ek Rishtaa we’ve given break to
a very talented singer called Sarika Kapoor. In the
forthcoming Mahesh Bhatt film Raag we are introducing
Deepali Somaya. I find both of them very promising and I am
constantly on the look out for young talent since they are the
future.
http://music.sify.com/content/interview.asp?interview_id=1217&lang_code=hindimusic
Submitted by Jayaprakash on January 17th,2002
With 3 hits in a row, Nadeem
- Shravan are on a song this year. Ayesha Shaikh of Dhadkan.com managed to
catch up with Nadeem in a telephonic conversation from London. Extremely
happy after his vindication by the House of Lords, Nadeem has just about
mellowed down. Here is Nadeem in one of his candid best.
3 hits in a row, Dhadkan, Kasoor and Ek Rishta. Just feels like the old
times, right?
Yes, it does feel great to have done so well this year. By Allah's mercy
all our releases this year have been hits. Even Hum
Ho Gaye Aap Ke is on the verge of becoming one. It does feel nice
and you are right. It also feels like the old times.
How do you manage your work in London? Do you work from home or do you
go to a recording studio there?
Well actually I have a small studio set up in my house here. It is just
enough for my own homework.
Do you compose the songs and send them here?
Yes I compose the tunes here and then my producers come to London hear the
tunes and then we discuss the subject and the situations of the songs.
After that then Sameer flies to London to write the songs and the final
melody or tune is composed.
Are the lyrics written first or is the tune composed first? How do you
normally do it?
Either way. It could be either way.
What do you look at before accepting a movie? The story, stars,
producer, director…
I think the most important person is whom I am dealing with and that is
the producer. That is all. Then I don’t care who is starring or who is
directing. My main aim is that I should do so well in my work that the
music itself is a success for the movie and the producer. The producer
should be somebody who will complete the film and then the starcast is
irrespective. For me I have to put in my sincere effort because when he
signs me, he has a desire that he has signed a hit….with Allah's mercy
ofcourse.
The Nadeem - Shravan duo is one of the handful of music directors to
have won the Filmfare award in a hat trick.
Yes we have got four awards in a row actually. Infact, we are the only
ones after Shankar Jaikishan and Laxmikant Pyarelal to have won it as a
hat trick. Infact we would have won two hat tricks but it was not to be.
We got all other awards for Pardes
but the Filmfare Award.
Does it matter to you…winning awards?
Oh no! These things happen all the time. But now I don't care about it any
more. As long as my producers make money, as long as the music company
makes money and my fans and listeners enjoy and appreciate our music then
that is the biggest award in itself. It is the most gratifying.
Nadeem - Shravan, popularized the music bank concept. Does it still
exist and if yes, then do you still use tunes from there?
Yes, yes we still use tunes from the music bank. But its only when we feel
that the situation demands a particular tune then we use it. It is like
they are half cooked. We improvise on that according to the movie.
The music of your current movies like Dhadkan and Ek Rishta is quite
different from your earlier films. So is it a deliberate change in style?
How do you think it is different. Can you try and express it more clearly.
Well the music of the mentioned movies doesn't sound repetitive. Your
earlier films had a kind of monotony to them, which is missing now.
You mean to say that there is no Nadeem Shravan chaap at all in these
films.
Yes, Dhadkan definitely doesn’t have your chaap.
So is that supposed to be a compliment?
Yes it definitely is.
Ok thank you. What else is different?
Kumar Sanu is missing!
Laughs loudly….ok ok I see. You know Ayesha, actually the truth is that
the environment and influences around you also make a lot of difference.
So in London my environment and influences are different from what they
were in India. That is probably what has changed in my music.
How was it working with the Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahab for
Dhadkan?
Oh it was amazing and that song went on to become such a huge hit too.
So was the song recorded long before?
Yes it was recorded long long ago. Infact really long before he passed
away.
Any plans for another Indi pop album?
Hmmm…yes I am working on it.
When are you planning to release it?
Are you talking about an album in my voice?
Yes I am.
Did you hear Sayesha?
Yes I did.
And did you like it?
No.
Laughs loudly…I am glad you are honest enough to admit this. But there
were a lot of people who loved the album. Also I have sung so many times
on stage too.
But we have never heard you singing playback in a movie.
No I haven't. See Ayesha if you can't tolerate me singing in a private
album, how will you tolerate me singing in a movie…Laughs. But jokes
apart, people abroad recognize me more as a singer than a composer.
When is this album coming out?
It is in the production stages yet and will take a while before it is
released. About 6 - 8 months. But this time I am going to make sure that
you like it as well…Laughs.
How or where do you get your inspiration to compose the tunes that you
do?
Nothing in particular actually. I can compose any time and any place. But
ofcourse environment does matter, with whom you are what kind of people,
what kind of mood you are in, etc. all these things do count to a certain
extent.
How is your relationship with T - Series now?
It was always very good and it still is. It is just these police officers
that have come up with some stupid stories.
Are you doing any movies for them?
No not at the moment. But if they offered me a movie I would love to do
it. Why not.
Who have been your musical influences?
I used to love Shankar Jaikishan, SD Burman and Madan Mohan.
Do you feel anyone among your contemporaries is a threat or competition
to you?
Laughs…No there is no competition.
Any album that you have really liked recently.
I think Kaho Na Pyar Hai was good, then also Hum Dil De Chuke
Sanam was a good score.
Anything else you would like to tell your fans on Dhadkan?
Ohh I love them. I really really love them. I will always been indebted to
my fans for having encouraged me in my bad times and for having loved me
for what and who I am. I can only promise them that I will put in my best
efforts to entertain them in the near future.
Ayesha Shaikh
http://www.dhadkan.com/cgi-bin/dhadkan/interview.cgi?jnd=F&interviewID=143&mtype=F
Submitted by Zeest on January 21st,2002
'Ek Rishtaa was composed overnight!'
There is a mellowness never heard in composer
Nadeem's voice before.
Even over the telephone wires over
long distance from London, he is
cheerful, relaxed and glad to chat up.
(We have not spoken to each other
for over three-and-half years.)
He can't be blamed. The man (along
with partner Shravan) has created
history of sorts in Bollywood, having
signed over a dozen films from
faraway London.
Also, Dhadkan and Kasoor -- the first two films since he fled to London in 1997
after being declared prime suspect in the Gulshan Kumar murder case -- were
hits and proved he hasn't lost his touch.
Now, he's back with another hit in the making, Ek Rishtaa - The Bond Of Love.
If, in 1997, the odds were completely against him, 2001 sees him emerging
vindicated by the House of Lords and coming up once again as competition for
contemporaries Anu Malik, A R Rahman and the floundering Jatin-Lalit.
The creator of Aashiqui ("It won 13 awards -- that's history!" he had crowed
once), Saajan, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Sadak, Deewana, Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar
Ke, Dilwale, Raja, Raja Hindustani, Pardes and Sirf Tum spoke to Dr Rajiv
Vijayakar:
You must be happy at being exonerated by the House of Lords and the
London courts.
Yes, I am. By the grace of God, I have been proved innocent. The miracle I
knew would happen has happened.
I am also happy at the fact that the public has accepted our music as always.
But God's grace has always been there on Nadeem-Shravan...
That's true. And it's very nice of you to say that.
Do you feel you are better off in London?
You see, you're never completely happy. The grass always seems greener on
the other side.
I stay at a rented place. My son Samar is now showing a flair for music. My
daughter Saima is training to be a teacher and wants to start her own
Montessori school. My sister stays in London. My parents drop in every two
months. My filmmakers come here for sittings, so does Sameer, my lyricist.
But... I miss Bombay.
What's an average day like?
Well, I get up pretty early -- around 5 or 5.30 am. Then I do my
namaaz, read the Quran.
After that *laughs* I have my breakfast. And then it's
music for the rest of the day. I spend a lot of time on
the Net and over the telephone with friends and my
colleagues in Bombay.
I have been reading a lot about your style of
music undergoing a change. How true is it?
Well, Nadeem-Shravan have always believed in melody. And melody is part of
me.
But we are making our music trendy. In that sense, our music has changed for
the better. Kasoor, Ek Rishtaa, all our forthcoming films reflect this change.
I have upgraded my rhythm and when I programme my music today, there are
many more intricacies in the rhythm, about 25 instruments or more...
If you have become sound conscious, why have you never recorded in
London itself? Won't that facilitate your physical presence at the
recordings?
That's a really good idea. I will seriously think along those lines.
Isn't it true that Dhadkan, your first release after your comeback of sorts,
was actually composed before you left India?
No, two songs were recorded here: Aksar is duniya mein and Tum dil ki
dhadkan mein.
How exactly do you compose and record a song nowadays?
Well, I sit with the director to finish work on the score. If the story is faxed to me
earlier, I usually complete an outline of the tunes a few days before the director
comes down here.
Believe it or not, Ek Rishtaa was an overnight job after Suneel Darshan's
narration.
Though I always have a large stock of tunes, I prefer to compose a fresh tune for
a situation now. Then Sameer comes over and we work out the song. We
decide on the singers I take them through the song over the telephone.
Through the Net, I also send the final graph of the song, its arrangements and
rhythm. I have set up a small studio at home for the same.
Shravan supervises and executes everything in Bombay.
Why don't you work now with more lyricists to get in some variety?
But Sameer's lyrics have variety, na?
Look, I am not refuting your suggestion. But, like it or
not, groups ban jaate hain and work gets done faster.
I would love to work with Anand Bakshi saab and Javed
Akhtar saab.
Have you experimented with the latest singers ?
I recorded with Sunidhi Chauhan yesterday. I know there are some great new
singers around. I intend to use them and introduce some myself.
Has any composer called up to inquire about your well-being?
No, but I guess it's like that nowadays. There are no emotions left. It's a
dog-eat-dog world nowadays.
Which dogs are you planning to eat?!
*laughs uproariously* Well, let's just say that I am just preventing myself from
being eaten by other dogs!
Have you been keeping in touch with other composers' work in your
absence?
Yes. But I don't think there is anything worth talking about!
None at all?
Well, just one or two scores. I liked the music of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
What about A R Rahman in Taal?
Rahman is at his worst now! As for Taal, I would give it 70 out of 100.
Our film Pardes would get a 100 on 100!
What went wrong with Aa Ab Laut Chalen?
Sameer tells me there was a lack of mental
tuning as also the fact that Rishi Kapoor and you
were never quite on the same wavelength?
No, no, our tuning has always been excellent. I still
consider it to be one of our finest scores. The RK flavour was there, too.
The only problem was that four of the eight songs were recorded after I left. And
I wasn't there to personally supervise my singers. I could not even work from
here. Both Shravan and I were disturbed about it...
On the personal front, now that you are exonerated, why don't you fight
it out in India so that you are vindicated and free once and for all?
I am not foolish. I know that a select coterie of politicians and policemen are out
to trap me. I will not walk into the trap.
I trust our judiciary and the police force is not corrupt as a whole. But there are
vested interests out to frame me. I can name the six or seven people who want
to nail me on record.
But will you print their names?
If you do, will the publication print them? What kind of free press is this that
everyone can damn me in print and I can't retaliate against them nor make
people aware of the facts?
Look, I am an honorable man. I have fought honorably through the courts.
The British machinery has no vested interests. And if they exonerated me after
over three years of minutely examining every angle and evidence, including
handwriting reports, it means something.
The far-reaching judgment clearly says that the 'Evidence is so tainted so as to
render a fair trial impossible'.
I could have run away from here and moved from one place to another, but I
fought in the courts of London. The Indian government should realise this.
You even brought in the communal angle two years ago
by stating that you were harassed because you were a
Muslim. Even your partner Shravan did not like it.
Well, I spoke from the heart; I felt strongly about it. Though I
never generalised and said that every Hindu was against
Muslims.
It is painful, but can you rewind to the time it began?
What was your first reaction?
You see, I had come down here for a holiday. My wife was undergoing some
medical problems -- she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy and
miscarried.
When I first heard the news that I was the prime accused, I was shocked. My
first reaction was to laugh it off as a joke. But when I realised the gravity of the
situation, I began to sob helplessly.
People called up; I swore on my child's grave I was innocent. How could they
write a complete pack of lies?
Gulshanji was the man who made our career with Aashiqui. Bhushan Kumar
was, and is, like a kid brother.
How long did it take to get out of that mood?
I did finally come out of the ordeal. Only a man of steel could have survived the
trauma I went through. My family and friends refused to believe I was guilty --
they know me too well. Everyone rallied around me.
I hope Bhushan and Krishen Kumar realise and see the light, too.
But Bollywood initially did not really stand by you. It was only after some
years that they came back to you...
Not true. I must mention the complete and consistent moral support of Mahesh
Bhatt and Shatrughan Sinha. Indians in London believed in me, too.
Also, I was the one who cut down on my work.
How much has all this changed you as a composer and as a person?
I am a wiser man. I am a diamond that is shining brighter now after being
chiselled *laughs*. You could say that I am the second Kohinoor in London now!
*laughs again*.
But the composer in me has remained the same. I was always in touch with my
music. And, believe it or not, I would compose even as I was sitting in court.
That is a sign of an innocent man who is steady after the initial shock, wouldn't
you say?
I knew that God would be with me because the accusations were a 3,000-page
load of rubbish. The verdict was unanimous.
Have you given a thought to why you are being targetted?
I cannot imagine the reason. People are jealous about our success, maybe.
Did they take advantage of the fact that you had a reputation for being
aggressive and boastful, like making all those statements against
Gulshan Kumar or suggesting retirement to Laxmikant-Pyarelal?
I don't think I was ever aggressive. I had major differences with Gulshanji, which
were sorted out. At his insistence, I signed on for Sirf Tum.
Let me also clarify that I never said L-P should retire. It was wrongly printed. All
I said was that one should quit when one is still loved by people. Kalyanji
Anandji did that.
How did your second innings begin?
I happened to hear director Kuku Kohli speak on Sunrise Radio here. I found out
where he was and went and met him. He heard some of my tunes and signed me for Yeh Dil Aashiqana.
Anything more you want to say?
Nothing. Our music will speak for us now.
I do not want to make jealous people more jealous by saying anything more.
Our filmmakers trust us. And, God willing, another miracle will take place and I
will be back in Bombay soon.
Submitted by
Zeest on January 29th,2002
Saturday February 2, 7:36 PM
Interview with Nadeem
By Dale Bhagwagar
Ever since 'Dhadkan', 'Kasoor' and 'Ek
Rishtaa' happened to them, there's no