"I have to compliment Himesh. If we have 2 hits a year, he has 20" - Ehsaan
Courtesy: IndiaFM
Monday, March 27, 2006
The start of the new millennium saw a fresh lease of sound wave entering the world of Hindi film music. Youthful, peppy, innovative trendy! The country's first musician trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (with an unintentional Hindi-Muslim-Christian communal connotation to them) were surely responsible for the new harmonics. Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Bunty Aur Babli - there was a certain distinction in their music. The S-E-L stamp was soon established in the industry.
IndiaFM caught up with two maestros of the composer trio for an exclusive tÊte-À-tÊte. While Shankar Mahadevan was busy on his world tour, we did manage to get Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonca to speak out their hearts in an extended and exclusive conversation. Check on...
Bollywood has seen many musician duos. But Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy turn out to be the first and only musician trio. How did this association begin?
Ehsaan: There is a common thought that a threesome is much better (laughs). On a serious note, it just happened. We first came together in Mukul Anand's film Dus. Actually Mukul came to me first and I told him I cannot do this on my own and I'll need someone who is familiar with Indian music. So I contacted Shankar (Mahadevan) who immediately said yes. Then we contacted Loy. Actually we were all working together so it just became a threesome. Loy: I think a three legged bangs better than a two legged one.
Before the association, Shankar was a singer. So how did this thing come together?
Ehsaan: It's funny. Shankar was actually a computer engineer by professional and he was in two minds whether to get into music or not. He had sung for a few ads but was confused. He could have joined Oracle in the U.S. and could have been in Silicon Valley now. But all of us tried to convince him to take this step because he was good enough. In fact, the first single that he sang was for me. Then he made up his mind and here we are.
What
were
you
guys
doing
before
this?
Loy:
Ehsaan
was
doing
jingles
and
I
was
in
Delhi
before
I
came
here.
I
was
writing
for
television
then.
There
was
a
show
called
quiz
time
and
Siddharth
Basu
gave
me
my
first
break.
Then
I
did
Pranoy
Roy's
'The
World
This
Week'.
Then
a
few
more
shows
came
along
and
I
also
did
theatre.
There
was
Shahrukh's
Fauji
as
well.
Then
I
came
to
Bombay
and
started
doing
jingles.
I
hooked
up
with
Ehsaan
and
we
started
playing
with
music.
Then
Shankar
came
and
did
a
few
parts
on
the
Indian
bit.
So
we
all
worked
in
different
permutations.
Ehsaan:
I
know
Loy
is
going
to
be
cross
when
I
say
this.
Before
he
used
to
be
remembered
as
Loy
of
'The
world
this
week
fame'
and
it
pissed
him
off.
Of
course
it
was
quite
a
ground
breaking
thing
at
that
time.
(To
Ehsaan)
You
are
from
Bombay
totally.
So
tell
us
how
your
introduction
to
music
took
place?
Ehsaan:
I
used
to
play
the
guitar
in
school
and
so
I
met
a
lot
of
senior
musicians.
It
was
a
good
way
to
learn.
I
used
to
get
detention
for
almost
twice
or
thrice
a
week.
Most
of
the
seniors
used
to
play
in
the
band
so
I
mixed
around
with
them
and
escaped
the
physical
hardships
of
detention.
Then
I
started
playing
for
a
band
once
I
left
school.
Then
in
1985,
I
went
to
America
to
study
music
and
came
back
a
year
later.
I
was
like
a
studio
guitar
player
playing
with
all
kinds
of
people.
I
played
with
Kalyanji-Anandji
and
Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Then
I
joined
Louis
Banks
unit
for
a
year
and
a
half
which
really
made
me
grow
as
a
musician.
I
used
to
be
with
Ranjit
Barot.
We
had
a
band
and
wrote
songs
as
well.
That
was
a
big
part
of
my
musical
growth.
In
1989,
I
wrote
my
first
jingle.
In
fact
I
was
high
at
a
party,
immediately
went
to
the
studio,
started
writing
and
haven't
looked
back
ever
since.
Do
people
now
identify
you
as
the
composers
of
'UP
Bihar
Lootne'
from
Shool?
Loy:
The
'U.P.
Bihar'
song
was
something
that
contracted
us
as
people.
A
lot
of
people
asked
us
whether
we
actually
did
that
song.
And
I
think
'Kajra
Re'
has
taken
that
even
further.
If
you
guys
had
to
choose
between
the
music
of
only
one
of
these,
which
one
would
it
be?
Dil
Chahta
Hai,
Kal
Ho
Na
Ho,
Bunty
Aur
Babli?
Loy:
I
think
Dil
Chahta
Hai,
because
it
was
something
really
fresh
and
broke
a
lot
of
ground.
Ehsaan:
I
would
agree
with
Loy.
I
was
listening
to
'Jaane
Kyon'
on
FM
the
other
day
and
now
it
just
sounds
like
another
song.
But
at
that
point
of
time
I
just
cannot
remember
what
thought
process
we
had
gone
through
to
make
the
song.
Loy:
Also,
there
was
a
bit
of
hand
percussion.
I
don't
think
we
used
that
instrument
again.
It's
like
a
pop
band
concept.
How
easy
or
difficult
is
it
for
the
three
of
you
when
it
comes
to
composing
and
coordinating
while
making
a
song?
Ehsaan:
It's
total
chaos.
The
thing
is
that
we
don't
have
any
set
roles.
There
was
a
set
role
initially
when
one
would
come
up
with
a
melody
and
then
Shankar
would
add
an
Indian
part
to
it.
Loy
would
think
of
it
from
an
arrangement
point
of
view.
But
now
it's
all
kind
of
mixed
up.
You
know
I
have
composed
the
sitar
part
in
Kajra
Re
which
is
very
Indian.
The
Kal
Ho
Naa
Ho
theme
is
composed
by
Loy.
So
it's
all
muddled
up
together
and
that
makes
it
more
interesting
because
each
time
we
work
together,
we
have
a
different
input.
For
the
film-maker
who
is
there
sitting
there
with
us,
it
turns
out
to
be
very
entertaining
for
him
because
the
three
of
us
have
a
very
nice
sense
of
humor.
Shankar
is
the
funniest
guy
in
the
world.
People
like
Shaad
Ali
and
Karan
Johar
got
used
to
our
style
of
working
now
but
earlier
it
would
be
shocking.
It
really
works
out
well
at
the
end
of
the
day.
Aren't
there
a
lot
of
squabbles
between
the
three
of
you
while
making
a
song?
Loy:
A
lot!
Ehsaan
gets
very
upset
if
it
sounds
remotely
like
anything
else.
Then
he'll
get
sleepless
nights.
Then
next
morning
we'll
see
him
with
dark
circles.
Then
he'll
finally
say
it
sounds
like
another
song
and
will
call
up
a
few
people
to
see
if
he
is
right.
Then
we
say
no
it's
all
right.
Then
once
we
sit
down
and
convince
him
that
it
doesn't
sound
like
anything
else,
we
move
on.
Ehsaan:
Shankar
and
Loy
have
a
lot
of
clashes
mainly
for
the
fact
that
Shankar
comes
from
a
very
Indian
classical
background.
We
come
from
a
western
centre
where
we
think
harmonically.
Loy:
It's
nice
to
have
such
clashes
because
it's
because
of
these
clashes
that
make
the
music
sound
more
fresh
and
cool.
Which
one
of
you
guys
generally
take
an
award
home?
Do
you
guys
own
a
chain
saw?
Loy:
Initially,
we
used
to
get
only
one
award
but
now
most
of
the
times
we
are
given
three
awards.
It's
actually
not
about
who
takes
the
awards.
It's
more
about
winning
the
award
and
making
good
music.
Ehsaan:
We
actually
don't
even
remember
who
has
taken
the
award
home.
I
asked
Shankar
whether
he
had
the
screen
award
and
he
said
he
doesn't.
Maybe
Loy
might
have
it
so
give
him
a
call.
We
told
Screen
that
Shankar
has
taken
the
head
of
the
award,
the
legs
are
with
Loy
and
the
middle
is
with
me.
Screen
then
gives
us
one
award
during
the
event
but
sends
us
two
later.
Who
are
the
musicians
from
the
past
who
have
really
inspired
you?
Loy:
As
a
piano
player,
Louie
Banks
definitely.
He's
really
one
of
my
favorite
jazz
piano
players.
Then
there
is
a
guy
called
Madhavachari.
If
you
can
track
him
down
you
have
to
listen
to
him.
Internationally,
there
are
Ray
Charles
and
Stevie
Wonder
and
many
more.
Ehsaan:
I'll
start
with
Bollywood
influences.
I
love
Hemant
Kumar.
He's
one
of
the
finest
composers
there
was.
There
off
course
are
R.D.Burman
and
Shankar
Jaikishen.
I
love
Eric
Clapton
and
Deep
Purple
a
lot
more.
I
got
a
thousand
CDs
at
home
and
we
guys
keep
on
complimenting
a
lot
of
CDs
to
each
other.
Who
are
the
current
music
directors
who
you
guys
really
like?
Loy:
A.R.
Rehman,
because
he
redefined
a
lot
of
things.
Vishal-Shekhar
are
doing
a
really
good
job.
I
like
some
of
Himesh
Reshammiya's
stuff
though
all
of
his
work
doesn't
go
down
with
me.
Ehsaan:
Off
course
A.R.
Rehman.
Top
of
the
line
no
doubt!
I
like
Vishal-Shekhar
too
because
their
background
is
the
same
like
us
and
their
music
is
well
composed.
Then
I
think
Sandesh
Sandhaliya
has
done
some
good
stuff
as
well.
I
love
what
he
did
for
Chameli.
Have
to
compliment
Himesh.
If
we
have
2
hits
a
year
he
has
20.
Jatin-
Lalit
though
not
together
anymore
did
some
great
work
as
well.
Who
are
you
favourite
singers?
Loy:
Sonu
Nigam,
Shaan,
K.K.,
Udit
Narayan
and
lots
more.
I
think
a
good
singer
is
someone
who
can
add
value
to
the
song
rather
than
just
show
his
name
off.
Ehsaan:
I
love
Sonu
very
much.
But
top
of
the
line
has
to
be
Shankar
Mahadevan.
I
don't
think
there
is
anybody
better
than
him
in
the
country.
I
don't
want
to
compare
the
both
of
them
because
they
are
two
different
types
of
singers.
But
when
you
see
technicality,
range
and
versatility,
Shankar
is
the
best.
Shaan
and
K.K.
are
nice.
Udit
Narayan
for
whatever
he
stands
for
is
very
good.
From
the
females
Chitra
and
Mahalaxmi
Iyer
and
my
favourites.
Which
is
the
most
rare
or
unusual
instrument
that
you
have
used
in
your
compositions?
Ehsaan:
We
used
an
Australian
instrument
which
is
called
the
'diggidy
do'
in
Dil
Chahta
Hai.
It's
a
very
difficult
instrument
because
it
gives
only
one
note
and
you
can
only
do
rhythmic
variations
on
it.
Did
you
expect
Kajra
Re
to
be
the
craziest
rage
of
the
year
2005?
Loy:
When
we
compose
music,
we
just
try
to
make
it
good.
The
fact
that
it
becomes
a
hit
is
not
really
in
our
control.
Sometimes
we
feel
that
there
is
a
vibe
to
it
but
we
can't
really
say
that
it
is
going
to
be
a
nationwide
hit.
Ehsaan:
When
we
composed
the
song,
it
felt
good.
So
I
knew
that
if
the
song
would
catch
on
it
would
go
on
big
time.
You
look
at
a
song
and
you
wonder
if
it
will
play
at
wedding
or
rick-shaws.
When
I
saw
Kajra
Re
being
picturized,
I
had
the
feeling
that
it
would
work.
There
was
word
that
Amitabh
Bachchan
did
not
like
the
tune
of
Kajra
Re?
Ehsaan:
That's
true.
We
met
him
at
a
Diwali
party
and
he
told
us
that
he
wanted
an
anthem
for
himself
and
Abhishek
to
be
on
screen
together.
He
heard
the
song
and
asked
for
a
few
changes.
We
told
him
yes
but
Shaad
Ali
and
Aditya
Chopra
were
happy
with
the
song
and
they
convinced
Amitabh
that
it's
fine.
He
heard
it
a
few
more
times
and
agreed
as
well.
In
2006,
you
have
a
huge
list
of
films
which
include
Farhan
Akhtar's
Don,
Nikhil
Advani's
Salaam-e-Ishq,
Karan
Johar's
Kabhi
Alvida
Na
Kehna
and
Salman
Khan's
Marigold.
So
tell
us
about
all
these
albums?
Loy:
All
we
can
tell
you
is
that
the
music
is
by
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
We
are
working
with
all
OF
them
once
again
and
it
feels
really
nice.
Ehsaan:
Kabhi
Alvida
Na
Kehna
is
a
lot
more
mature
in
terms
of
compositions.
Off
course
there
are
item
numbers
as
well.
Salaam-e-Ishq
is
in
a
different
format
totally.
We
have
tried
experimentation
here
but
they
are
all
good
and
popular
songs
and
it
was
fun
making
them.
Marigold
is
different
as
well
because
we
have
collaborated
with
foreign
singers
in
the
album.
Word
is
that
you
are
remaking
the
original
songs
of
Don.
Is
it
true
and
which
ones?
Loy:
Kahike
Paan
Benares
Wala
and
another
one.
What
are
your
takes
on
remixes?
Ehsaan:
I
think
remixes
are
a
valid
form
provided
it
is
done
well.
I
don't
like
the
remix
of
Kajra
Re
and
I
think
it
sucks.
But
on
the
other
hand
I
have
heard
remixes
of
Hindustani
and
Dil
Chahta
Hai
and
they
have
been
done
well.
Loy:
Remixes
are
generally
geared
towards
dance.
So
they
have
much
more
energy
and
oomph
in
it.
A
remix
just
happens
to
be
another
way
to
look
at
a
song
and
there
is
nothing
wrong
with
it.
Would
you
be
comfortable
composing
for
a
period
film?
Loy:
We
would
love
it.
Ehsaan:
We
haven't
had
a
chance
yet
but
then
again
the
country
hasn't
seen
too
many
period
films
in
the
last
few
years.
But
if
asked,
we
would
love
to
compose
for
that.
What
according
to
you
is
the
reason
for
piracy?
Loy:
Technology
has
changed
a
lot
and
has
made
copying
easier.
People
are
not
morally
hassled
by
it
any
more.
Morality
has
changed.
Ehsaan:
Piracy
is
bad
but
now
I
think
it
has
gone
beyond
a
decision
whether
it
is
bad
or
good.
I
don't
think
people
are
thinking
in
terms
of
piracy.
It's
more
about
it
being
more
convenient.
The Trio's Track Record
-
Mukul
Anand's
Dus
(1997)
-
Shool
(1999)
-
Dillagi
(1999)
-
Mission
Kashmir
(2000)
-
Dil
Chahta
Hai
(2001)
-
Yeh
Kya
Ho
Raha
Hai?
(2002)
-
Ek
Aur
Ek
Gyarah
(2003)
-
Armaan
(2003)
-
Kuch
Naa
Kaho
(2003)
-
Kal
Ho
Naa
Ho
(2003)
-
Rudraksh
(2004)
-
Lakshya
(2004)
-
Kyun...!
Ho
Gaya
Na
(2004)
-
Phir
Milenge
(2004)
-
Vanity
Fair
(2004)
-
Bunty
Aur
Babli
(2005)
- Dil Jo Bhi Kahey... (2005)
Upcoming Films
-
Marigold
(2006)
-
Kabhi
Alvida
Na
Kehna
(2006)
-
Don
(2006)
-
Salaam
E
Ishq:
A
Tribute
to
Love
(2006)
- Luck by Chance (2007)
(Venue courtesy: Zenzi, Bandra (W), Mumbai)