‘Knowing Punjabi is must…’

Sheetal

Learning never stops. Confirms the ace music director, singer and composer Vipin Patwa, who started practising ragas and music at the age of 14 and calls it an undying process towards excellence. His learning process did not stop even after doing an MPhil in ghazals from Delhi University. He also did a six-year course of Sangeet Prabhakar.

And yet he doesn’t shy away from saying, “I learnt Punjabi a few years back because I started feeling the presence of Punjabi music in Bollywood.

And, I am glad that I did, because now it has reached the level that there’s no option for music composers and singers but to learn it.”

Not only Punjabi, Vipin has also given music to a Haryanvi film. He likes to spend time with the locals to get an idea of the way people communicate, the words they use, their diction and many other things before hitting the studio.

In love with a Punjabi girl, Vipin admits he is a complete Punjabi now. He likes to listen to shabad of Bhai Harbans Singh and spent the entire lockdown period practising meditation and listening to kachi bani. He says, “It is believed that kachi bani is not pure truth but it is as hard-hitting for the soul as pakki bani.”

In love with all things Punjabi, he says, “For Punjabi artistes, singing and dancing come naturally, for it is there in their roots. They are born rockstar. I have associated with Anirudh Kaushal for the single, Sach Manu Ya Fareb, who has also written this beautiful composition. I have collaborated with more artistes from the region and in talks for some big budget projects as well.”

Getting permission for the shooting was not a problem as most of the shooting is happening indoors involving only a few people.

About the popularity of Punjabi music as well as independent music, Vipin says, “The world is listening to our music, all thanks to singers and composers who are churning out fresh content. The other day I was hanging out with my Israeli friends who were listening to Guru Randhawa.”

The man, who has composed songs for films like Housefull 4, De De Pyaar De, Dass Dev and more, says, “I am excited to release this romantic number in the coming month. Also, I have given music for the upcoming film, The Girl on the Train, starring Parineeti Chopra.”

For an artiste to produce music with long-shelf life, he believes knowledge is the key. He feels artistes like B Praak and Arijit Singh are able to give hits because of their vast knowledge in music. And about the loss that the pandemic has brought to the music industry, he believes the loss will eventually lead to a big boom. “Things are changing for better and independent music is the only way out.”