A Fun Trip to a New Professional Territory

“This was a day of new beginnings. आने वाला वक़्त देगा पनाहें, या फिर से मिलेंगे दोराहे? Insha Allah!” – From my diary entry on 16^th July 2010, the day Udaan was released.

Four weeks later…

“The most sensational news of the day was this call from Vinod Chopra Films. We’re going to meet them tomorrow.” – 13^th Aug 2010.

“Reached Vinod Chopra’s office around noon. Devanshu could not join. Meeting Rajesh Mapuskar was great. He was very impressed by me, my story (MBBS and all), and my poems. I committed myself for this work that seems wonderful. It is not official yet. We are supposed to do some work during the next two weeks before a final decision will be taken by them.” – 14^th Aug 2010

“This is really fascinating – that each project comes with an opportunity to learn something new. In order to learn more about the Parsi community, I have bought and have started reading Rohinton Mistry’s ‘Such a Long Journey’.” – 23^rd August 2010

“Today I met them and recited all the seven songs/poems I have written in the last few days. Their reaction, in general, was positive. Rajesh also made us listen to the Theme Music of the film. It is inspiring.” – 30^th August 2010

“We will be given one song to write for the film. The meeting today was good, though I was nervous. But Vinod Chopra got really impressed by our work. He congratulated us and gave us a hug. Now, it all depends on us to write the best possible lyrics for the tune.” – 18^th September 2010

“Rajesh didn’t like the song we shared with him today. But he is very patient and has asked us to keep trying without hurrying.” – 21^st September 2010

“Spent several hours at the office but could not come up with anything.  I felt as if I should finally give up writing this song. But then, a little encouragement from Rajesh changed everything. Within a short time I wrote the entire song. And when they listened to it they were overjoyed. For me, it was a wonderful feeling. But we need to polish the song.” – 9^th October 2010

“Devanshu and I worked on the song and presented it to Vinod Chopra. He is a genius. Within moments he took the song to a different level by making subtle changes. After this meeting Rajesh told me – “You can now call your parents. Call them, right away.” This means we are officially ‘in’. Bimal Sir SMSd me – “You can’t imagine how happy I am for both of you. You have consolidated my belief that persistence is the key to success. God bless!” – 11^th October 2010

“Shared the improved draft with Rajesh and Vinod Chopra. They say we’re almost there. Vinod made a few suggestions and wants me to go through those.” – 16^th October 2010

“The song is almost approved. We just have to improve four lines.” – 25^th October 2010

“I spent 9 hours at VC office today. I was hoping to lock the lyrics today. But that didn’t happen. They want us to improve it further.” – 29^th October 2010

“Rajesh explained to me the problems with a couple of lines and we started reworking on them. Devanshu and I did a lot of hard thinking and we kept trying until he could not stand his rising fever. We then returned home.” – 10^th November 2010

“I don’t know when this is going to end!” – 11^th November 2010

“I think I want to quit. Of course, that would be a wrong thing to do.” – 12^th November 2010

“Devanshu is admitted and is on Ringer Lactate drip. Bimal Sir had called. He and Rajesh Sir are concerned about his health.” – 13^th Nov 2010

“Vinod Sir has proposed to bear all expenses on Chhota Shu’s treatment. I had no words when Bimal Sir called to inform this. It is such a great gesture! Called Mummy to share this news with her.” – 15^th Nov 2010

“The entire song was locked today, except one line. I am supposed to think of more options and email to Rajesh Sir. I also thanked Vinod Sir today for his gesture and what followed was a memorable chat.” – 19^th Nov 2010

“Today is the recording of your first song as lyricists.” – Bimal Sir’s message to me, 26^th Nov 2010

A few months later…

“Met Rajesh Sir today. He played for us the “Mausambi Song”. It left me emotional – all that pain of writing it flashed before my eyes. But I’m so happy now, and proud to be associated with this unique song.” – 7^th March 2011

More than a year later…

"The Music Reviews of 'Ferrari Ki Sawaari' are out. Phone calls and messages are pouring in from friends and well-wishers. Many of them are listening to this song on loop, which is called - Life Yeh Mausambi-Si!" - 21st May 2012

Click here to listen to the song.

The movie is releasing on 15th June. And it begins with this song. So, please be on time! :)