What are the projects you’re currently working on
Sanam Re is a T-Series production and Bhushan and Divya loved what we came up with in Yaariyan so it was natural for us to come together again for this project. The promos are expected to be out soon and I’m very excited about it. I have always admired Mr Balki’s filmmaking process and I was pleasantly surprised to hear one day that he wanted to meet me to discuss the music of his next film. It has been wonderful working with him and hopefully music lovers will like what we have created for Ki and Ka. Onir and I go back a long way. Shab has taken a while to get ready but it’s a very different film and I’m curious to see how the audience reacts to this. And the other exciting project I’m working on is Shivaay.
Tell us about your journey in the industry... I grew up in an environment that was musically rich, watching my father work out of our home. My first memory of music was probably when I was 4 or 5 years old. I was very fond of the song So Gaya Yeh Jaahan from the movie Tezaab which was sung by Nitin Mukesh. Since that era was all about music settings unlike the software and email-based system which is prevalent now, I remember practising on the tambourine that lay in my living room. When I was in college, I got my first film offer at the age of 16, all thanks to my father and one thing led to another and here I am! What do you draw inspiration from I draw inspiration from everyday life, the common man, different cultures, my travel experiences. My inspiration is never constant. The only factor that is a constant in my life is my undeterred faith in Jesus. You can say my role model is my father Naresh Sharma who’s been my pillar of strength throughout my struggle. He introduced me to some phenomenal composers like Laxmikant–Pyarelal and Madan Mohan whose work I discovered in great detail. Subsequently, it was composers like Viju Shah, M.M. Kreem and A.R. Rahman whose work I admire a lot. My musical philosophy follows my philosophy of life. I also do not believe in setting any expectations both in life and my music. It’s always good when one does not expect and good things happen. My music is an extension of my thought process. I do not necessarily conform to any societal clichés. I like it to be minimalistic, yet melodic and soulful.
