He has delivered a number of bona fide Bollywood hit numbers, ranging from explosive dance tracks to emotional tear-jerkers, winning awards along the way, like for the chart-topping Galliyan. A composer who is always seeking inspiration from across the spectrum, artistes and genres, Ankit Tiwari has been an industry favourite. With his recent work on Ek Villian Returns, he revisits a place that shone light upon his impressive style and range. A few weeks back, Ankit belted out numerous Bolly hits at Refinery 091 and The Telegraph caught up with him for a candid chat where he talked about balancing, composing and singing, evolution of the music industry, how he adapts to the industry and his inspirations.
How does it feel to come back and perform in Kolkata?
It is always a wonderful feeling performing in Kolkata. I remember the last time I was here was during Durga Puja, before the lockdown. I’ve talked to a few of my people here, and I really want to experience the street food here. I’m a vegetarian and I need to explore the scene here. I didn’t get a chance to explore everything this time; I hope to do it soon.
How would you describe your musical journey, from Galliyan to Galliyan Returns?
It’s really been a beautiful journey defined by grace. I have seen the industry morph over this period, and the film and music industry work in tandem. There have been considerable changes in the stylistic approach that we take. For instance, remakes are on fleek right now. A number of independent artistes have come on to the scene, with a lot of non-film music being produced. So I think, as a musician, I need to be aware of the developments around me, walking with time, adapting to the needs and waves of the industry and the hour.
Refinery 091 had a packed room vibing to Bolly hits
Sunn raha hai and Galliyan were massive hits, and became household favorites. Where do you think they struck the chord?
I really don’t know how all of it happened. Whenever I work on a song, I try to give it my all. Be it a composer or a singer, the amount of dedication and intensity one puts into the project should be the same, without any compromise, at any point on the trajectory. A song or an album can only be a massive hit if it arrests the attention of the listeners — getting them exactly what they want. And I think it’s a very difficult task to capture and strike that point. For instance, my favourite Ek Villian Returns number is Shaamat, but Galliyan Returns, which is a personal remake, came out to be a bigger hit. Same with indie-pop numbers. It’s all about capturing the listener’s imagination and attention. These two numbers could, at the point of time, and I’m really glad they did.
How do you balance composing music and singing for the same?
Earlier I had to consciously give the entire process a thought, but now, it has been internalised. When you know the drill, and the steps, more than the thought, it’s something that comes effortlessly from within. So, I think there lies my balance, a very personal and deep understanding of the processes.
The album/song which is the closest to your heart?
It’s an evolving and ever-changing thing. My personal favourites have changed over the years and will certainly change in the days to come. Right now, it’s Shaamat from Ek Villian Returns.
Ankit Tiwari performs with his band
Who are your musical inspirations?
Donning the hat of composer, A.R. Rahman sir has been the greatest inspiration. The entirety of the credit goes to one man, alone. But as a singer, I don’t think I will be able to singularly point out people who have inspired me. Inspiration is a heavy word. Personally, something that touches the heart inspires me and a big name is always not an essential requirement there.
Who are the artistes whom you closely follow ?
Frankly speaking, I follow a lot of people. I try listening to people and a range of works that sonically fall close to the kind of music I’m about to work on. This inspires and drives me a lot. I think for us composers and singers, it’s of paramount importance to be a listener, before anything else.. I listen to a lot of Pritam da’s, Rahman sir’s and Vishal Shekhar’s music and also from various genres to look for musical elements and inspirations.
Any message for you fans in Kolkata?
My personal music label is in the works and will be launched soon. I won’t be revealing the name yet, but there are going to multiple genres which we will fuse and cater to. I have already composed around 10 numbers, but the process involves a number of other formalities. So, I’m hoping those fall into place soon. Kolkata has a rich musical heritage and I hope to collaborate with a number of people including popular regional artistes to have regional numbers under our umbrella as well.
