Madhushree talks her experience with AR Rahman in Ek Deewana Tha

Playback singer Madhushree, who interestingly has the word honey, not only in her name but also in her voice, is back once again with her favourite composer AR Rahman. Her song 'Sharminda Hoon" from Gautham Menon"s film Ek Deewana Tha is her first full-fledged duet with the legendary composer. The singer talks about her icon, her experience of working with him and item songs. Here are the excerpts from Madhushree's interview.

1) How was the experience of working with AR Rahman again for Ek Deewana Tha?
As magical as it has always been. As I have repeatedly said, Rahman is "the music director" who guided me in this industry. I continue to be fascinated by his compositions and his style of working. Ek Tha Deewana is a romantic film. And Rahman"s music in this one oozes romance with every note.

2) Do you regret not being able to sing for him for some years now?
Ever since he won the Oscar, he has become so busy with international assignments that he hardly stays in India. But I"m happy that if he is working on a film in India, he does call me whenever possible. I feel honoured that he has such faith in my singing. My journey with him started in 2002 and it is still going on. I missed only 2011, where I sang for him but it has not released yet.

3) What do you think of the song Sharminda Hoon?
It is a romantic song to its core. It has such a sweet melody. And the subtle variations in the orchestration, the arrangement make it a song that touches your heart. The effect is sheer magic which only a legend like Rahman could conjure up. And the lyrics by Javed Saab take it to a different level altogether and make it unforgettable. It is a song which is complete in all its aspects. I just hope we get to sing such songs as often as possible. And yes, Sharminda Hoon is also my first, full-fledged duet with Rahman.

4) We hear that the lyrics have been written to fit into the already composed tunes. Was that difficult?
As you must be aware, Ek Deewana Tha was originally made in Tamil and then in Telegu by director Gautham Menon. Both the versions were super hits. And Rahman had composed of them. Now, Hindi lyrics had be fitted into those compositions. It was difficult. But Javed saab has done it so beautifully that it is impossible to realize that the words have been written around the tune. We had a little problem fitting the first word, Sharminda. But then both Rahman and Javed saab managed to solve the problem and it sounds beautiful. Incidentally, Javed saab also told me that this word 'Sharminda" has probably never been used in the very beginning of a song so far!