‘Music is not just about singers’ :Neeraj Shreedhar

BOMBAY VIKING Neeraj Shreedhar will make Ravi Kissen dance to his tune in Jhalak Dikhhla Ja, this weekend. He talks to D Kaushik about why he kept his distance from reality shows

Neeraj Shreedhar was glad that he did not have to wear a dhoti-kurta and masquerade as someone else on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Ja, to keep in step with Ravi Kissen and choreographer Kunjan.

So when he makes the Bhojpuri actor dance on the Colors’ show, he will be completely himself.

The special episode which airs this weekend, will feature Tusshar Kapoor, Neeraj Shreedhar and Komal Rizvi, who are pairing with the show’s contestants. It was shot on Wednesday.

When we spoke to Shreedhar, he said that regular rehearsals for the special episode were giving him the jitters. “I have done stage shows before. But I was never this nervous. It is strange. Perhaps it is because I was collaborating with the performer. He depended on me, and vice-versa. I’ve never experienced that earlier. The songs will be my own. So that part won’t be difficult,” said Neeraj, who began his career with private albums. When the popularity waned, he moved to Bollywood, delivering hits like Twist from Love Aaj Kal and recently, Tumhi Ho Bandhu from Cocktail. 

Reality shows are new territory for him.

“I viewed them as platform for those who would find it difficult to get launched otherwise. But I wasn’t drawn to such programmes. Jhalak’s special episode appeared unique. That’s why I agreed.”

Shreedhar would love to have his own reality show, “where people can watch the making of music.” He added, “It could be about live performances. Not only focussing on the singers, but all those involved in making a show.” Neeraj opined that music directors tend to get left out of those formats.

“There are barely 15 music directors today. And they have reservations about the music they create and singers they work with. So there is less scope for fresh voices to get a break. We need more  variety. With every show focussing on singers, people might have begun to believe that music is only about singing. And that everyone just wants to be the singer. Creation of music involves various stages. Any show I might come up with, would spotlight the technicians and others.”