EXCLUSIVE: Nakash Aziz on AR Rahman’s influence on his work: He made me realise the magic was within me

The Bollywood industry has always been a flag bearer of good music. Even internationally, our music is recognised and respected. To be a part of such an industry is an honour and that’s what singer Nakash Aziz also feels. His name has been associated with some renowned tracks like Gandi Baat, Saare Ke Fall Sa from R… Rajkumar, Jabra Fan from Fan, Cutiepie from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and many more, but he still feels his best is yet to come. Nakash Aziz recently got into an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble where he opened up about his stint in Bollywood, his connection with and influence of AR Rahman, what Hindi music industry lacks and the rise of independent music. Excerpts from the interview:

What is it like being a playback singer in the Bollywood industry?

“I think its really good to be associated to music as it’s a great art form and people respect it a lot. Personally I used to often wonder how the composers and singers are executing their work and how they are coming up with everything and now I get to be a part of it. I really feel lucky that I am not missing out on that, its great to be in the mix.”

 

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In the beginning of your career you have worked with a maverick like AR Rahman, so when you have worked with a legend like him how much does it influence your craft?

“It feels great because there are so many myths associated with that person and I used to wonder how he used to think, how the magic used to happen and every musician will agree with me who grew up listening to his music that it would feel like magic when you heard him. He used to be very different from what we were hearing at that time. When I got to work with him, he made me realise that the magic was within me and because God intended you to be that way. God made everyone special and different, we just have to realise our potential and upon finding that you will just flow with nature. Rahman sir is so close to God. His name has Allah and that is a rare thing to come across. He never claims that he made something, he always gives the credit to God and that is the magic.”

Wishing @arrahman a very Happy Birthday. A person that is very humble and keeps learning and growing.
I’m very lucky to share a very special and spiritual connection with him. ?#ARRahman #BirthdayWishes pic.twitter.com/naT5WFpe5H

— Nakash Aziz (@AzizNakash) January 6, 2021

When your name is connected to projects like Kantara or Uuchai that have connected so well with the audience, how does it help you to increase your reach?

“There are some people who want to take the efforts to check who the technicians are on any composition. There is not just a singer, but so many people associated to a song. There is a technician Shadab Rahim whose name is associated with most of the recent hits, but I doubt many people know about him. I call him a prism. We don’t even know the lyricists or the composers most of the time. But that is something people from the fraternity need to look into. The music labels needs to make it a point that each and every person gets promoted in a song and get their due.”

 

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Do you feel like independent music gives artists a certain sense of freedom in that regard, so as to promote their music on their own?

“I feel that the YouTube platform has really helped the artists in the pandemic. I used to always consider AP Dhillon, Honey Singh or Badshah independent artists, so whenever someone said that independent artist aren’t any good, I would disagree. I also believe that these independent artists never needed a movie for there songs and they have been creating hit songs and tuning the world with what they made. It has also helped artists who have a smaller budget and are recording form their garages get recognition. I was recently at a music festival and I saw some really good indie artists and their music was excellent. I personally feel that the people in the North, especially Delhi, are really good listeners and have a great taste in music.”

 

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Considering the scenario that is today in the music industry, what do you think is that one thing we need to improve upon the most?

“I think a lot of belief is required. It is slowly happening and we need to let go of our inhibitions as creators and then we will really be able to explore. I express myself openly but sometimes, someone will ask you to tone it down but I always felt you need to express. It’s like making a concept car, you try to make something awesome but when it comes in the market it looks horrible and I feel something like that should not happen with music.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: AR Rahman talks about battling trolls: Hate is like acid, takes away empathy