Making his pop debut with a new song (and a new spelling), Rang composer Sheykhar Ravjiani on weaving a visual narrative that’s as poetic as his music
Sheykhar Ravjiani
Contradictory as it were, as the raging pandemic painted a gruesome picture of death across the globe, artistes who were locked within the confines of their homes leveraged the period of lull to create breathtaking artwork. Contradictions, says Sheykhar Ravjiani, also establishes the theme of his latest track, Rang, his first solo Hindi pop song that was brought to life when life came to a standstill.
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“The song is in Brij Bhasha, a language that is deeply rooted in the Indian ethos. When juxtaposed with a Latin-European music flavour, a musical universe of its own is created. It is unique, yet familiar; Indian, yet international. For me, the contradictions complemented each other beautifully, and made this song special. The lyrics are written from a girl’s perspective. She expresses her love for a man who seems to have his heart set on another girl. The words echo her longing and angst. I thought it would be another interesting contradiction if the man sings the words that she hopes he will hear, some day. The music and lyrics together create a range of emotions that I always knew this song would evoke.”
An array of instruments, like acoustic guitars, and the mandolin, and “one of my favourites”, the accordion, have been used in Ravjiani’s track, which releases today. “It is a song that resonated deeply as it has the essence of a classic. It took me back to who I was before the world told me who I should be.”
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Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and filmed against the retiring sun to employ the twilight hues, Rang sees dancers Upasana Madan and Aishwarya Radhakrishnan bring life to the narrative. “The protagonists, a trio, are seen performing on a terrace. The man is flanked by his love interest on one side, and a girl who loves him, on the other. The emotions of the song are captured visually through dance. Upasana and Aishwarya are two of the most brilliant dancers I have known. Having them accompany me was special. Their love of music and dance has uplifted this piece.”
With his daughter Bipasha also joining forces with him as a stylist, Ravijiani says the project became even more special. “We were creatively brainstorming about my look, and she offered to style me. I was blown away by her impressive sensibilities. Via the track, people will see her [styling] abilities.”
Like several Bollywood composers, the past year has seen Ravjiani train attention to sounds far distanced from the tropes of commercial music-making. If producer Meghdeep Bose’s Boonda baandi, an unusual ode to the monsoon season, struck a chord with listeners, Ravjiani’s collaboration with Kabir Cafe to create Peele amiras, was equally delightful. He says it is the distinctiveness of each association that draws him to one.
“I believe that every musical journey is unique, and no two experiences are the same. That’s what makes each one so magical. I thrive on new experiences and unplanned creative journeys.”
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