Creating an unforgettable soundtrack of Sony’s “Apka Apna Zakir“, a tete-tete with composers Neil & Niraj.
By PRATYAKSHA ASTHANA
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian television, music continues to be a powerful tool that not only enhances the viewing experience but also connects emotionally with audiences. The latest testament to this truth is the captivating title intro of Sony’s “Apka Apna Zakir.”
The magic behind this unique sound is the dynamic duo, Neil and Niraj, whose innovative approach to blending Indian classical and Western influences has left a lasting impression on audiences across the nation.
As Neil and Niraj continue to push the boundaries of music composition, their work on “Apka Apna Zakir” stands as a shining example of their innovative spirit and collaborative synergy. With a unique blend of Indian and Western influences, they are poised to leave a legacy on the global music scene, one unforgettable soundtrack at a time.
BizNewsConnect sat down with Neil and Niraj to dive into the creative process behind this iconic piece of music, where they shared their journey, inspirations, and the challenges they faced while crafting a track that would define the essence of the show. Excerpts of the chat:
Pratyaksha Asthana: Neil, your journey from being a medical graduate to a music composer is fascinating. What inspired you to make such a dramatic career shift?
Neil: It was definitely an unconventional path. While medicine was my initial career choice, music had always been a part of my life. Growing up in a musical household, I was constantly surrounded by different genres, especially Indian classical music. Even during my medical studies, I was composing on the side. Ultimately, my passion for music overtook everything else, and I decided to take the plunge into full-time composition. It was a challenge, but it was also the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.
Pratyaksha: Niraj, your background in computer science brings a technical angle to your compositions. How does that play into your creative process?
Niraj: Having a computer science background has definitely given me a unique perspective. Music composition isn’t just about creativity; it’s also about structure, precision, and understanding the technical aspects of sound. Working with different software and understanding how to produce music technically has helped me fuse the traditional with the modern. Whether it’s crafting background scores or playing with unconventional sounds, my technical training allows me to experiment more freely.
Pratyaksha: The title intro for “Apka Apna Zakir” is a blend of Indian and Western elements. What was the inspiration behind it?
Neil: The show has a very unique feel, and we wanted the intro music to reflect that. The challenge was to create something that resonated with Zakir’s personality while also being appealing to a broader audience. We decided to incorporate live sitar and flute recordings, giving it a very earthy, traditional feel. But at the same time, we blended these elements with modern electronic beats and ambient sounds to give it a contemporary edge.
Niraj: The sitar and flute were key because they have this timeless quality that connects emotionally with the listener. When we combine them with more modern elements, it creates a bridge between tradition and modernity, which is something we always strive for in our compositions. It’s about respecting the past while also pushing boundaries.
Pratyaksha: What was the collaborative process like for this project? How do you two balance each other’s strengths?
Niraj: Neil and I have a great dynamism. I think one of our biggest strengths as a team is that we complement each other really well. Neil is incredibly innovative and always has these fresh ideas, while I bring a more methodical, structured approach. We both respect each other’s creative process, and that allows us to push each other to explore new possibilities.
Neil: Exactly. Niraj brings this calm, almost meditative energy to the table, which is perfect when you’re working on a project that needs deep thought and precision. We trust each other’s instincts and have learned how to blend our styles seamlessly.
Pratyaksha: You’ve both worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, but what sets this project apart?
Neil: “Apka Apna Zakir” was unique because we were working with a very specific narrative. Zakir’s personality is larger-than-life, but at the same time, he’s deeply rooted in Indian culture. We wanted the music to reflect that balance. The use of Indian classical instruments was a deliberate choice to ground the music in something very authentic while allowing the Western influences to give it that modern flair.
Niraj: What also made this project special was the creative freedom we were given. The team at Sony was very open to experimentation, which allowed us to push the boundaries. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and it feels great to have created something that resonates so well with audiences.
Pratyaksha: What’s next for you both?
Neil: We’re always working on something new! One of our goals is to take Indian music to a global stage. There’s so much richness in our musical traditions, and we’re excited about blending them with Western influences to create something truly unique. We also want to focus on creating music that isn’t just about entertainment but also connects emotionally and addresses global issues.
Niraj: I completely agree. We’re also expanding our presence on digital platforms. Social media, particularly Instagram, has been a great way to share our creative process and connect with our audience. We’re planning to release more original compositions on YouTube as well. There’s a lot to look forward to!
Pratyaksha: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring composers looking to break into the industry?
Neil: Be authentic. It’s important to find your voice and not just follow trends. Music is such a personal experience, and when you pour your heart into it, people can feel that.
Niraj: Patience and persistence are key. The industry can be challenging, but if you stay true to your craft and keep evolving, you’ll find your place. Also, don’t be afraid to collaborate and learn from others. Music is about community, and there’s always something new to learn.
About Neil & Niraj: Nil and Niraj are a visionary music composer duo, known for their fusion of traditional Indian and modern Western influences. Their compositions span a wide array of genres, resonating with audiences across television, film, and digital platforms. With a shared passion for music that transcends boundaries, they are redefining the soundscape of the Indian music industry.
