Neerja is a Befitting Tribute to Neerja Bhanot - Says Music Director Vishal Khurana

Ram Madhvani's Neerja which stars Sonam Kapoor in the lead has been not only appreciated for its content but also for its heart-touching music and background score, composed by debutant Vishal Khurana. While initially one thought that there wasn't much scope for songs in the movie, tracks like Aisa Kyun Maa, Aankhen Milayenge Darr Se, Gehra Ishq and Jeete Hai Chal have been gelled extremely well in this inspiring film.

To know, what went into the making of the music of Neerja, we got in touch with Vishal Khurana for a quick chat. Here's what the young lad had to say!

How did Music happen to you?

I was 7 years old when my mother bought two toy keyboards for me & my sister. My sister broke her’s the very first day but i had fallen in love with mine. I composed my very first tune on that toy keyboard & at that age. I could not part away from it and seeing that, my parents got me a real keyboard. I thereafter undertook training in both Western Classical & Indian Classical music. I even composed a dance ballet for Padmashree Shovana Narayan when I was 13. I have completed Grade 7 exam in electronic keyboards, conducted by Trinity College, London and I have been learning Dhrupad form of vocal music from my guru - Padmashree Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar and I shall continue my learning process.

Neerja music is being appreciated. How did you bag the project?

It is heartening to see the response we are getting for the film and for the music. I had actually worked with Ram Sir (Ram Madhavni, Director) on a few of his ad films before Neerja. We developed a very nice comfort level while working together and I am truly grateful that he had his faith in me and believed in my music to give me his film. 

What has been Sonam Kapoor's reaction to the movie's music?

Sonam Kapoor has been really appreciative of the music - both the background score & the songs - and she is also very vocal about it which is very encouraging for me. She was also present at the studio when we were recording Shekhar Sir on the song ‘Gehra Ishq’ and that was a really fun recording session. As for the Background score, she saw the film with the background score only recently when the first screening was held and she said that it was superlative and gave me a big hug. It was truly overwhelming for me to get such a reaction from her.

Which is your favourite composition from the film's song?

All songs are conceptually very different from each other.  My favourite would be ‘Aisa kyun Maa’, especially for Prasoon Sir’s beautiful lyrics depicting the mother-child relationship.

Was there any difficulty you faced in composing music for a film like Neerja?

Ram Sir has made this biopic with utmost honesty & sincerity, keeping everything very real. I had to keep up with this vision of his and strike the right balance in the music so that it added to the scene & enhanced its emotion but without attracting undue attention or sounding dramatic at any point.  Unlike any other project, on Neerja there was a sense of responsibility to uphold the spirit and the soul of Neerja Bhanot. Also, working with the two stalwarts - Ram Madhvani & Prasoon Joshi - on your first film can make anybody nervous but both of them were extremely supportive of me and have mentored me throughout the film’s journey.

At a song launch, Prasoon Joshi said that you will go a long way and you are immensely talented. How do you take such compliments?

The kind of faith that Prasoon Sir has invested in me and my music is unimaginable and I truly feel blessed. Getting the opportunity to compose his lyrics was a dream come true for me. Such great appreciation from a person of his stature, besides making me really emotional, it motivates me to keep striving to improve in my work. 

Which is the best compliment you have received for your work in Neerja?

It was when my father heard Aisa Kyun Maa and he cried saying that he really missed Bebe (his mother). 

One director, actor and actress you would want to work with?

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. I have always admired his films and the way he weaves music into his stories.

Have you seen Neerja. What is your reaction to the movie?

Neerja is unlike any other film that I have ever seen. It is a befitting tribute to the amazingly inspiring woman that Neerja Bhanot was and you cannot not cry feeling the grief of the Bhanot family on their tragic loss. 

What are your forthcoming films?

I haven’t yet signed a new film but hoping to work on more such credible projects in the future too.