We don’t do films without each other’: Vishal-Shekhar

As a composer duo, Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani have worked on 450-odd songs in Bollywood and given huge hits such as Dil Diyan Gallan (Tiger Zinda Hai, 2017), Jag Ghoomeya (Sultan, 2016), Radha (Student of The Year, 2012) and many more so far. However, they also have equally successful solo careers as indie artistes. While Vishal is the frontman of one of the biggest Indian indie bands Pentagram, Shekhar releases his own singles and has had tracks like Saazni and Devi. Even though their film and independent careers are flourishing equally, they manage to strike a good balance.

SOLO WORKS OVERLAP FILM PROJECTS

Vishal admits that their solo works clash with their projects as composers. He says, “But we cover for each other as required. That’s the upside of having a partner who is also a friend.” Shekhar chips in, “We work out our schedules in a way that our film work, reality shows and concerts are all taken care of.”

Similarly, their opinions clash more often than not, as well, not just when they are working on a song but also when it comes to accepting or rejecting a film. In such cases, they just let go of it even if any one of them is not convinced about it. “We don’t do films without each other. So, if either one of us doesn’t want to do a project, we don’t take it up,” Vishal adds. Shekhar couldn’t agree more. He states, “We scrap it completely. And have no hard feelings whatsoever.”

DISCUSSING EACH OTHER’S REALITY SHOWS

Even though they are brothers-in-arms when it comes to Bollywood music, Vishal says that the lines are nicely drawn when it comes to individual works, one part of which is also the reality shows that they judge, which are not only different but also on rival channels. However, that also does not translate into competition for them. As Shekhar points out, “We are in the studio together every day, so, we discuss each other’s shows. But, we talk about the strengths and don’t critique it from a competitive angle. Since we are always on the lookout for new talent, we talk about how good the singers are. We get excited by voices, whether they are from India, the US or the UK.”

INDIE STUFF TO LOOK FORWARD TO

As far as Pentagram is concerned, Vishal mentions that this year, they will be out with new tracks. He says, “We are meant to be writing, but because of my absurd schedule, we haven’t been able to. I’m gonna restart that for sure.” For Shekhar, “singles are like a journey that’s an extension of what I do in Bollywood”. On that front, he is working on more music. The duo will also be busy with live concerts, individually as well as together.