Music composing trio Shankar Ehsaan Loy have remained popular for a decade-and-a-half from Dil Chahta Hai to Dil Dhadakne Do. The trio talk about their about their recent and forthcoming projects, their new venture to encourage different music, and how they synergise their energies as a band.
The music of Mirzya has been appreciated but the film hasn’t done well. As composers, does that bother you?
Shankar: We really felt sad when the film didn’t do well. The music has been appreciated worldwide and let’s be honest: the fact is some musical pieces go beyond the film. We are working for the last 20 years now, and this has not happened for the first time. For example, the music of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom was super-duper hit but the film didn’t do well. There are many films where the music goes ahead of the film.
What are your forthcoming projects?
Rock On!! 2 is going to release soon and then we are doing Yash Raj’s Thugs of Hindostan with Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. You will hear good music in the film. The work is in progress so it’s too early to talk about the genre
Composing music is a creative process. It will be interesting to know how the three of you compose together.
Shankar: You must have heard of Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Shankar Jaikishan, Jatin-Lalit -- they had two names we have put three names (laughs). That’s just a joke but many people ask us how three people work on compositions. Well, we work like a band. If you see Indian and international bands like Indian Ocean, Euphoria, Beatles, U2, Coldplay -- we compose songs the same way they do. It’s not like one person composes and other all listen to him. Everyone comes together. While creating music, a trigger is most important. We trigger each other with ideas.
Which is your favourite genre?
Shankar: Classical.
Ehsaan: Blues; Loy: Jazz.