After composing the FIFA World Cup anthem, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, are excited about ‘Action Replay’ and ‘Band Baja Bash’.
They were recently announced as the panelists for the BIG IMA Awards 2010 as they support the music fraternity to recognise new talent across India. Expresso catches up with the musical brothers
What inspires your music?
We have been travelling to different places. Music is a reflection of our experiences, our past and emotions put together. When we play, it is something that we have felt in the past or a memory that is within us. So that is what inspires us.
You both started as a duo in the 90s. Could you elaborate on your journey so far?
We initially started doing advertisements. Our first mainstream film was ‘Hamesha’.
Then with hits like ‘Tauba Tauba’ from ‘Kaal’ we started getting recognition. Then ‘Dor’ happened. The list continues. I wouldn’t say we had a modest beginning. It’s surely been a cakewalk. There was no period of struggle. We have been fortunate to have good films and filmmakers approaching us.
What do you enjoy doing the most? Is it giving Bollywood numbers or doing the background score for movies or something entirely different?
All of that actually. We enjoy doing everything as long as it’s music.
Since your father was also in the industry, was it natural for the two of you to take up music?
We did not have any other plan. Music was our first choice. Our father also wanted us to become musicians. We have been learning music since childhood.
What according to you was your breakthrough in the industry?
Well, in our career so far, we have had many instances which we would say were notable and our breakthrough into the industry. ‘Bhoot’ gave us recognition for the background score, then ‘Kurbaan’ for Sufi music.
We won an Emmy for ‘Chak de India’. We sort of created a sports anthem. Recently we composed the FIFA World Cup anthem. God has been very kind to us. Also our fans and people who like our music have been very supportive.
Salim has been getting recognition for his singing talents. Any plan to take it up as a full time career?
I am a songwriter more than anything else, and of course I like singing. But I will not take it up as my career. I will continue doing what I have been doing so far.
When you start working on a new composition, how do you go about it?
It all depends upon the project. We try getting into the situation of the movie scene or into that age group.
If it’s an inspirational song, then we then we get into the groove and compose something that would inspire the audience at large.
Though we try and fly with out thoughts, we always keep in mind what the movie needs.
Both of you are also known as the hottest music directors. How do you react to that?
We keep ourselves fit. It is also the love and support of our fans. It is a great compliment and it feels nice.
How are you associated with Big IMA awards?
As children we always looked up at Grammy Awards to be ideal for new upcoming talent in the music industry.
We always wanted something like that in India. So this is an answer to that. We helped to classify the different categories.
These awards recognise musicians from all regions in the country.
