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Pravin bhai majaa ma

Lyricist Pravin Bharadwaj is inspired by pain, and that is what makes his songs soulful, he tells Priyanka Haldipur

It’s been six years since the release of Jis Des Mein Ganga Rahta Hai, and details revolving around the film — like its storyline or star cast — seem to be hazy, but Kem che its hit track hasn’t quite been forgotten. Pravin Bharadwaj was the man who penned the lyrics for that number and earned himself recognition following its success. Today, he can proudly say that he has worked for 80 films, some of which include Aankhen, Zameer, Pitah, Gunaah, Ehsaas, Saaya, Bhoot, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon and Chocolate.

Sunday Herald caught up with Pravin who’s keeping himself busy these days with writing lyrics for private albums, after having turned out hits like Hasrat, Tera Mera Pyar and Bewafaai:

All kinds of bogus lyrics pass off as songs these days. Comment.

Different lyricists have different kinds of styles, and some of them will resort to just about anything to become popular. Nonsensical lyrics are a result of that. I can confidently say that people don’t feel that way about the lyrics I write.

How do you get rid of a writer’s block?

The communication between my directors and me is so clear that there isn’t any confusion ever, and there’s never scope for a writer’s block, as all the ideas are clear in my mind.

Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics you write?

After having worked on several films, you tend to be professional, and draw inspiration from the script, the direction and the situation of the song.

Lyrics that you’d like to be known by...

Humne tumko dil ye diya hai, yeh bhi na poochha kaun ho tum... from the film Gunaah.

Are there ocassions when justice is not done to brilliant lyrics due to the incompetence of a music director? How does a lyricist deal with such cases?

Thankfully for me, I have worked with the best of music directors and have never faced this situation.

Are there common personality traits that lyricists share?

The ability to feel all emotions and write about them is a common trait among lyricists. I have always been inspired by pain.

Other song writers that you respect.

Anand Bakshi is my favourite. No one else is really worth it.

Forthcoming projects.

Khafaa, Vash, Dekho Mil Gaye, Nahele Pe Dehela, and Kaheen Aag na Lag jaye. I am really looking forward to the albums: Tera Mera Pyar II; a Sufi album Jania, and Bewafaai II with Agam Nigam, the father of Sonu Nigam.