Be it Satya Prem Ki Katha, Shiddat, or Tara Vs. Bilal, Manan Bhardwaj is the latest discovered talent in Bollywood and is super busy delivering back-to-back hits. He has also come on board Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal to render tunes. The Pioneer conversed with the musical talent to learn more about his work and his latest tracks in Yaariyan 2, among others.
K. Ramya Sree
Music composer and singer Manan Bhardwaj has become widely popular of late after delivering superhit music for films like Radhe Shyam, Satya Prem Ki Katha, Shiddat, and Tara Vs. Bilal, among others. His version of Jai Shree Ram from Adipurush, is one of the biggest hit songs this year and was immensely loved by all. Now, this bunch of
talent is back composing music for Yaariyan 2, which consists of seven songs. Firstly, let us tell you that this is a sequel to Yaariyan 1, which has a huge musical fanbase, and composing music for such a franchise is a challenge in itself. Out of the seven songs that he has written and composed for Yaariyan 2, two of them are already out. The first song, Saure Ghar, released on August 27, is surely your next party song.
The Pioneer conversed with a singer, composer, and lyric writer about Yaariyan 2, the independent music scene in India, and more. Here is what he feels: Excerpts from the interview:
Can you tell us about your experience composing and writing lyrics for the 7 songs in Yaariyan 2?
Ans: Yaariyan 1 has a massive musical fan base, so I was nervous, but when Bhushan sir told me that I was doing music for the whole film, I was really overwhelmed by his trust in me and my music. I started working on it without losing a minute, and when you have directors like Radhika Ma’am and Vinay sir, who have given numerous hits in the past, your journey becomes smooth and inspiring. I have learned a lot in this journey through Yaariyan 2.
How did your previous experiences composing music for films like Satya Prem Ki Katha and Shiddat prepare you for the work you did on Yaariyan 2?
Ans: Every song, every film, and every director teach you a lot. I have learned a lot from them. Shiddat was my first ever big project and will always be special; it has given me a lot.
What is your opinion on the state of independent music in India today?
Ans: The term “Independent Music” makes me anxious. It is a very misused term for me. There are several definitions of independent music:
For me, when you are not bound by any script or situation, whatever music you are making is “Independent Music”.
Some relate it to sound, and some relate it to labels. My thought process is a bit different, like I said above. Yes, there are a lot of songs in the pipeline in which I did not have any pre-written situations and told the story through my lyrics.
Have you ever considered collaborating with independent artists or musicians?
Ans: I can collaborate with any good musician. I am very open to collaborations; it’s just that the vibe should match. Language, genre, etc. hardly matter.
Can you give me details about the upcoming projects you are working on?
Ans: My next film after Yaariyan 2 is Animal, with Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Ranbir Kapoor. A few singles and a couple of movies with different singers and directors are in the pipeline too. Basically, music is flowing.
Do you have any plans to compose music for films in the South Indian film industry?
Ans: I would love to, Aur maza aa jaaye, if, like Yaariyan 2, I get to compose the whole music for the film.
Can you describe your journey as a music composer and songwriter, and what inspired you to pursue music as a career?
Ans: My journey is a ride. I can even direct a whole film on my journey! (laughs). It will be an inspirational film, for sure. If you ask me about my journey, one word will be “consistency”.
How do you approach writing music and lyrics, and what is your creative process like?
Ans: I think about the story, fit myself into the character, seclude myself from the real world, start thinking and feeling about their (the character’s) life, and let the creativity flow like water. I followed this dialogue a lot: Hum sab rang manch ki kathputlian hain babu moshai.
