Samira Koppikar has shown her mettle as a composer as well as singer with multiple projects in Bollywood. She struck a chord with her compositions in the song Maati ka palang from the Anushka Sharma-starrer NH10 in 2015 and again with the song Bairaagi from the film Bareilly Ki Barfi. As a singer she has scored with hits like Aaj phir tumpe from Hate Story2, Mohabbat barsa de from Creature 3D and Kabhi jo baadal barse from Jackpot. She is also charting a course as an independent musician and released an EP Sang Baarishon Ke last week. We caught up with the versatile singer to talk more about her independent music.
Is this your first EP? What is the inspiration behind it?
Yes, it is my first EP. My friends jokingly call me a serial songwriter and music composer. It has become second nature to keep creating music and expressing myself. So, what better way than to put out a collection of songs that are an extension of oneself?
You have dropped four songs so far. How has the response been?
The response to the EP has been amazing. People are appreciating the musical and lyrical range. I have vocally tried to push boundaries. Like in Baat kya hai, I’ve used the clarinet in a fusion style of rendering. The melody is unique, and a catchy, foot-tapping chorus draws the listeners into the song. In another song, Iss dil ka, one has arranged the electric guitar in Carnatic style. Evolution happens when one experiments; that has been the beauty of this creative experience.
Take us through the songs.
The first song that I released was Baat kya hai. It is a romantic song about moments when you are perceiving your lover through all your senses; being one with nature. The winds whisper sweet nothings; you can feel the beloved’s presence in the sounds of the sea or a wafting fragrance. It’s a unique and catchy melody, upbeat with a bossa nova flavour. It’s foot-tapping, and it draws you in with a catchy, vibrant space. It has been penned beautifully by the talented lyricist Shelle. It features a clarinet played by Shankar Tucker rendered in an unusual fusion style. It’s been interesting to explore a new sonic realm with this song.
The second song is called Sang baarishon ke. It is special since it is one of the first songs that I’ve written lyrics for. The vivid imagery, lyrics, and this soulful melody came to me simultaneously. The music is deliberately minimal so as to keep the vocals upfront. The soundscape comprises only acoustic guitars, live cello, and some ambient elements that give the song an intimate and relatable feel. The song drifts lyrically into a parallel English verse. It’s very different from what one has created and vocally rendered before.
Boondon ki saazish is a song that captures the romance of the monsoons when one feels like dancing in the rain or going for long drives, taking in countless shades of green. The mood is happy, spontaneous, and groovy, and another song features my lyrics. Musically, it’s a pop song with guitars and an energetic beat driving the lilting melody and vocals.
Lastly, Iss dil ka is a melancholic song where one is pining for the beloved. The heart is helpless, and so begins a tug of war between the heart and mind. The soulful melody is beautifully complemented by the lyrics by Yash Eshwari. The musical arrangements are soft rock, featuring guitars and an electric solo that has an Indian classical touch, and drum beats that drive the melody of the song.
You’ve worked on both film projects and independent music. What are some of the differences between the two, and which do you prefer?
I enjoy both, as they are challenging in their own way. When one is creating for a film, there’s a brief in terms of the film’s script, characters, and the filmmaker’s vision that one needs to keep in mind. Indie music is your own vision. There’s no brief; the topics and musical spaces to explore are endless. It is a space where one can create a unique sonic identity.
You’ve worked with some incredibly talented vocalists in the industry, such as Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. How does it feel to collaborate with such big names in the music industry?
It’s been amazing to work with these artistes, who are so experienced, talented, and sublime in their vocal rendering. They take the song to a level that is beyond one’s imagination and expectations.
Can we expect any collaborations in the near future?
Well, there are some interesting collaborations on the anvil, including a song that I composed for the title track of an upcoming feature film. I’ve featured IP Singh, lead singer of the band Faridkot. There are some non-film collaborations with artistes like Anand Bhaskar Collective and Sanam in the making. I’ve composed a very catchy Punjabi song for an upcoming series, and I am planning to feature the Nooran sisters on this track.
