Ram Sampath

His is the voice and brain behind the crazy Bhaag DK Bose number that is rocking music charts, dance floors and moral sensibilities. Ram Sampath — music director of Delhi Belly — gave t2 an insight into the song, his waning interest in English music and creating the DOCOMO voices…

The Delhi Belly songs have caused quite a stir. Did you expect them to strike such a strong chord?

It’s fair to say we were expecting a response, but not the kind of overwhelming response we’ve received! I’m totally blown away by just how much it’s connected with people.

What was your reaction when you heard the Bhaag DK Bose lyrics?

When I signed Delhi Belly, it was a one-song film, but I saw massive potential in the movie for a very interesting soundtrack and started developing some of my ideas, including three lines that Akshat Verma, the writer of the film, had given me. We took maximum advantage of the lack of lip sync and wrote about love and heartbreak in many forms. I have a whole host of influences on the soundtrack, ranging from Ry Cooder, Manu Chao, Link Wray, Kool & The Gang, Average White Band, DJ Shadow, The Ramones and Ennio Morricone all the way to Baul, Thumri, Ananda Shankar’s Raga Rock and Panjabi MC.

Why did you decide to sing Bhaag DK Bose yourself?

I sang a scratch vocal as I normally do, to help the singer learn the melody, but when Kiran Rao heard it, she got up and exclaimed, “Don’t touch the vocal! It’s perfect!” I was really unsure, as I’m not fond of hearing my own voice. I made about four other singers sing it as well, but the natural ease and raw power wasn’t there. Then I re-sang the song a couple of times and this time, Aamir (Khan) was convinced too and he forbade me from recording any more singers! That’s really how my voice stayed.

What do you have to tell those who’ve lashed out against the song on moral grounds?

I think films that reflect the changing reality of society will also reflect the language of the times. It’s natural. There’s an honesty to Bhaag DK Bose. It reflects what our lives have become and has a context beyond the film. That’s one of the things art is meant to do — hold up a mirror to society. Of course, one can’t stop hypocrites from accusing us, but that’s okay. They’ll hop onto the next bandwagon that comes along!

Colourblind was a milestone in the original Indian English rock scene. What happened to plans of its revival?

I’ve lost all interest in making music in English. I’m having too much fun exploring the new desi sound. People who enjoyed Colourblind’s music will have to wait a while longer, I guess!

How does the musical partnership between you and your wife Sona (Mohapatra) work?

We met over work. She’s a great foil to me, as she’s a great producer and partner, besides being a great singer and performer. She is my muse. We now have our music production house called Omgrown Music and Sona and I are the partners.

Tell us about composing the DoCoMo jingle… Is it true that the different voices are all yours?

Mr K.S. Chakravarthy, aka Chax (the national creative director of FCB Ulka) and I go back a long way. He gave me a brief on what DoCoMo represents as a brand. I came up with this idea of an a capella track and sang all the voices in about half an hour. Chax fell in love with it the moment he heard it and made sure everybody else did as well!

What is most satisfying — ad jingles, singing-songwriting or music direction for movies?

Composing is what I always wanted to do, so it gives me the biggest satisfaction to make an album of melodies I’ve enjoyed composing and producing. I’m interested in scoring whatever suits the spirit and soul of the films best. I hope to score a diverse range of films, hopefully avoiding regular fare. Having said that, I’m also looking forward to playing and singing live. My next film release is Reema Kagti’s thriller, starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. I’m also working on Sona’s next album. But first, a long vacation is on the cards!

Daddy mujhse bola, tu galti hai meri
Tujhpe zindagaani guilty hai meri
Saabun ki shakal mein
Beta tu to nikla keval jhaag
Jhaag jhaag bhaag
Bhaag bhaag DK Bose DK Bose DK bose

— Lines from Bhaag DK Bose