"Ranveer will cherish Bajirao Mastani for lifetime," says Gajanana composer Shreyas Puranik

If you can't stop going gaga over the Gajanana and Ab Tohe Jaane Na Dungi from Bajirao Mastani, then you have to thank debutant composer and singer Shreyas Puranik for it. The young lad, who has worked for the first time with the maverick director, is overwhelmed with the response his songs have got. We got in touch with the budding singer-composer for a quick conversation where he spoke about his experience of working with SLB, his encounter with Priyanka Chopra, his forthcoming project and more.

This is the first time you working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. How did you bag Bajirao Mastani?

The Ex-CEO of Bhansali Films introduced me to Sanjay Leela Bhansali during Ram-Leela. In the first meeting, sir wasn't impressed with me much but then I went for a second time and I made him hear my compositions. That he liked and offered me a debut in the form of Gajanana. Then he also gave me a chance to sing. And now he has offered me one whole film as a music director. I have coordinated the music of the film, helped Sanjay sir for recordings and have taken care of everything.

How was it working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali?

It was an experience of a lifetime. If I have to take one thing from him then that would be taan which means his hearing power. He knows what he wants and whichever film he does, till the time it doesn't complete, he will work hard to do it and will do total justice with it.

Gajanana made its way to Guiness Book of World Records. Were you expecting this kind of response?

Not at all. But I am happy with the response it has got. Sanjay sir had briefed me about the situation in the film where he wanted a song. There is a scene in the film where Ganesh Aarti is being performed and hence he wanted a song on those lines. The one that I composed first got scrapped. Later I worked again on it, which was on the day of the shoot of that particular scene. When I had composed it, I went on the sets where the scene was being shot with two other singers. Song wasn't ready. In fact I had take 2 singers, 2 Dhol wallahs, with me. We sung the song for at least 20-25 times from 12.00 am to 2.30 am. As soon as they said action, we used to sing. After that we recorded the song and it went for programming. When the scene was shot, the song wasn't recorded and ready.

Once the song was ready, what was SLB's reaction?

He really liked it and he said it was a magical trak. Even Sukhwinder Singh was really happy with it. Prashant had written such wonderful lyrics, so all of it fell in place very nicely.

And what about Ab Tohe Jaane Na Dungi. How did that happen?

Ab Tohe Jaane Na Dungi is a separation number. It is Kashibai's song for Bajirao. I had sung the scratch and Sanjay sir liked it so much, that he decided to keep it in the final album. In fact that is Priyanka's favourite song. She had come to office once. When we met then, she remembered me as I was also part of Mary Kom. That is when I told her that this is the song I have sung. Her instant reply was 'That is my favorite song'. In fact, if you remember, she had also tweeted during the shoot that she is shooting for a sad song. This was that song.

Ranveer, Deepika and Priyanka are winning praises for their act. How happy are you seeing them in these roles?

They are the apt choices for the role. They have invested crucial amount of time for the film, Ranveer has gone bald, Deepika has learnt dance, Priyanka has managed to complete the project despite her other commitments and that in itself is commendable. Ranveer's dedication is mind-blowing and I don't think anyone else but him could have done this film. He was into the character and this is the film that Ranveer will cherish for life time. He will surely win awards for this film. I pray not only Ranveer but the even the film wins awards. Sanjay sir has put in so much dedication and hardwork. And when you see the final product, you will realize the effort behind it. I wish the film also wins National Award. I hope it does win.

Composing or singing - What do you enjoy the most?

I love singing my own songs and enjoy composing. Though composing is my favourite, but I love singing my own compositions too.

You are also working on Tamil and Telugu songs. How is it going on?

Tamil, Telugu songs are shaping up well. Shreya Ghoshal, Neeti Mohan, Vijay Prakash, Divya Kumar, Javed Ali are singing for these languages. I am just taking care of the recordings, Sanjay sir is composing it. The album won't be released, it will just be there in the film.

What's next on cards for you?

I will begin work on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. I will soon let you know. Hopefully the work should begin by January 2016.