Lalit Pandit needs no introduction. This soulful and talented music director has given us several hits as Jatin-Lalit duo and also individually. Lately he recorded a song on Babasaheb Ambedkar and gears up for more exciting projects ahead, writes Sujata Majumdar.
Tell us something about the recent song you recorded with Amruta Fadnavis?
The recent song I recorded is about Babasaheb Ambedkar. It has been sung by Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Along with Amrutaji, singers like Vaishali Mahade, Javed Ali, Palak Muchhal and Shaan have lent their voices to the song. The reason why I chose to compose this song was the lack of songs on Babasaheb in Hindi, there are several in Marathi. I believe this song in Hindi will have a nationwide reach. The song has been very well written by Alok Ranjan Jha and it depicts several issues that were addressed by Babasaheb Ambedkar. We all know the huge contributions Babasaheb made to our country. Besides writing the Constitution of India, he was also instrumental in addressing many issues and setting things right. I am sure the energy and melody of the song will be appreciated by music lovers all over.
How is Amrutaji as a singer? Why did you choose her for the song?
Amrutaji is a very fine singer and she sang the song with all the energy and expressions that was required for the song. I had heard her singing and thought it appropriate that a Maratha lady should be a part of this song. She was most happy to contribute through her singing because it was a song being done for Babasaheb. I had the good fortune of meeting Devendra Fadnavis and when I mentioned the idea of his wife singing for my song, he gladly agreed that she would surely sing and be part of this project. This project has been the brain child of Shri Kambleji (I.A.S Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration). He wrote the thoughts that were needed to be in the lyrics of the song.
You have posted a number of hits as Jatin Lalit. What made you part ways? Is there any possibility to be together again?
Both Jatin and I have over the 15 years of our career together as Jatin Lalit. We have delivered some of the biggest musical hits in our country. DDLJ broke all records in musical sales and as the longest running film ever! We together have delivered tremendous musical scores which were the contributing reasons for massive success of the films. It was fate that brought us together and it will again be fate that might bring us together. We cannot predict future.
What are your views regarding reality shows?
I have a very broad view regarding the music reality shows. As being judge myself in several of these shows I have realized that it helps a lot of singers to come here and showcase their talent. It grooms them and helps them get the exposure needed for an artist. But sometimes younger people come too soon for these competitions and after being a part of this they stop growing as learners of music and too soon venture out to find work. At the age when they should be practicing and preparing, they try and sing almost failing in doing so because they are not ready for it yet.
What are your forthcoming projects?
I have completed a film called ‘Chak de Dandiya’ Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal, directed by Sanjay Chhel. There is a Children’s film called ‘Pampapur Ki Ramleela”. Javed Akhtar ji has penned the lyrics. There is an untitled film whose songs have been written by Kapil Sibal ji. Two romantic films with Sameer ji as song writer have also been completed. ‘Mohabbat Hai Kya Cheez’ is one of them. I am also planning a very meaningfully written song which will again be sung by Amruta Fadnavis.
