'Love Mocktail 2’ songs are all set to blare through your loudspeakers. With Valentine’s Day, the makers of the film have decided to release the songs that have been directed, composed and sung by Nakul Abhyankar. It’s a whirlwind of emotions for all of us as ‘Ninadene Januma’ releases on February 14. In a freewheeling chat with Metrolife, Nakul talks about the making of the album and more.
What inspired you to be a singer?
Music was always there in me since my childhood. As a kid, I listened to Mohammed Rafi, Hariharan, Kishore Kumar and Sonu Nigam, I was moved by their music and always imagined myself to be in their shoes one day. Being trained in Carnatic classical music and Hindustani music, my childhood dream was to make people listen to my songs and create a similar impact on them. I would unknowingly learn lessons from my brother who is also a trained Carnatic classical singer just by listening to his practice sessions. My parents noticed my thirst for music and put me into singing classes and that is how my brother and I started learning music together.
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment so far?
I wouldn’t call it an accomplishment but I would categorise it as all the good things that have happened to me in my life. My journey consists of getting the music right and exploring the inner musician in me. Accomplishment, for me, is very subjective. Although I have a lot of songs in my name, won awards and worked with eminent music directors, there is a constant fight in me to be a better musician every day.
Tell us about your upcoming songs for ‘Love Mocktail 2’. What is your favourite part about them? What should listeners expect?
‘Love Mocktail 2’ is just as beautiful and bewildering as the previous one. I am thrilled to have directed the music for them. Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj have been very supportive to me throughout the journey. We have come up with four romantic songs, penned by Raghavendra Kamath who was also a lyricist for ‘Love Mocktail 1’. What I love about them the most is that the songs are not only simple but also very relatable. I had all the freedom to come up with new ideas without any inhibitions or constraints and that is what makes the songs so beautiful.
How was your experience working with A R Rahman?
I have worked with many people but nothing like working with A R Rahman, there is something about him that gives me goosebumps every time I see him. His interpretation of music, the way he talks and his outlook on life, moves me to another level. It’s extremely different from what you see. I have been closely working with him for almost four years now, and every time I see him, it’s like I am meeting him for the first time.
What’s next for you?
So far I have been working as a music producer, I think it’s about time to step into composing. I have been working on my two independent albums as well but it’s on hold because I am concentrating on movies. With ‘Love Mocktail 2’ being my fifth film, I am looking forward to working more with Kannada industry.