Stories behind Irshad’s songs!

In India, all the storytelling forms — be it mythology, folklore, theatre or commercial Hindi films — are almost always peppered with songs. So, in essence, stories in India are incomplete without songs. But what if the tables are turned to explore a few fascinating stories behind the iconic songs. Well, that’s exactly what lyricist-writer Irshad Kamil has done with his “unique book” that takes you on a “thrilling ride of interesting tales” behind some of his most popular poetries in Hindi films.

Titled Kaali Aurat Ka Khwaab, the book essentially recounts what went on behind the scenes — vis-à-vis Kamil — before his words finally found its way into a film’s soundtrack. Encompassing his experiences of working on films such as Chameli, Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani, Shabd and Love Aaj Kal, the Hindi book is spread over 15 chapters, boasting of quirky titles such as Chameli Aur Main, Sachmuch Socha Na Tha, Muft Mein Shabd, Imaandaar Gafla and Prem Ki Kahaani, among others.

HOW IT ALL HAPPENED

“If I have put it succinctly, I will describe the book’s philosophy in one line: ‘If every story has songs, then there’s a story behind every song as well’. It showcases the process, journey and efforts that went behind my work,” says Kamil, with a smile. The book’s idea came to his mind due to a chance remark. “Some time back, my publishers and even a few friends suggested that I write a new book on my writings. But I thought, ‘such books are already out in the market’. But then I gave it more thought and hit upon an idea to put a very real and personal touch to the stories behind some of my songs. I hope this shows a path to other lyricists/writers too,” says Kamil, who has written books such as Ek Maheena Nazmon Ka and Bolti Deewarein in the past.

THE SELECTED FEW

But out of his long, illustrious discography, what made him choose only these films/songs? “They are some of my most popular ones, so people can relate to them very easily,” says Kamil, whose latest creation will also have photographs of his handwritten notes. “Till date, I have all my notebooks from 2002 onwards where I have written my songs. When anyone reads the book, they should get a sneak peek into my mind, how I think, and what did I go through while writing a song. Jo jaisa hua tha woh sab utni hi sacchai aur saadgi se batayi hai maine,” he says.

Interestingly, the book is also semi-autobiographical in nature as the first two parts of preface takes a quick look at how a young Kamil travelled from Malerkotla, Punjab, to Delhi and then Mumbai. “In the book, you will also see a lot of those parts (from his songs) that were never used. The idea is to show what experiences I had personally to reach those songs,” says Kamil, adding that making music isn’t “just a technical process”. “People have a perception that it’s just about exchanging lyrics and tune over emails (smiles).”

I will describe the book’s philosophy in one line: ‘If every story has songs, then there’s a story behind every song as well’. It showcases the process, journey and efforts.

IRSHAD KAMIL, LYRICIST

Irshad Kamil’s new book is spread over 15 chapters