MUMBAI: Pranay Rijia made his foray into Bollwyood in 2009 as a composer with 'Raaz:The Mystery Continues'. He neither had a background in music nor a godfather in the industry. On the sheer strength of his talent, Rijia has come a long way. His recent song ‘Get Ready to Fight’ from the upcoming film Baaghi starring Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor has already fetched him accolades. In a conversation with radioandmusic.com, the young composer recounts his journey so far.

Tell us about your background.

I do not have any background in music. In fact, I am the only one from my family who pursued music. During my college days, I developed an inclination towards learning the guitar. I took lessons from Bismarck Rodrigues, a  popular guitar teacher in Mumbai. It was from then that I became more serious about music and explored different genres.

The movie that really got you started as a composer was 'Raaz: The Mystery Continues' (2009). How did you land the project?

Director Mohit Suri was looking for someone who could do justice to the darker theme of the film with a suitable song. I contacted Vishal Mahadkar who was an assistant director in the Bhatt camp at that time. It was exciting for me. Bhatt Saheb (Mahesh Bhatt) and Mukesh Bhatt liked the song. Mohit loved it and it was finalised quickly within two or three days.

What do you look for when looking for a new project?

The script is primary, then the director and finally production. My first priority always remains the story of the film and thereafter I sit and discuss with the director about  the song needs.

You compose for ads as well. What is the difference you have experienced while composing jingles and songs?

There is a vast difference between the two. We need a different mindset for jingles. For films, we have four to five minutes to have our say. In addition, film compositions incorporate longevity that make people remember tracks and are situation based, which ad-jingles lack. Composing for films bring recognition and credit in your kitty.

What do you think surprises a newcomer the most in the music industry?

What really surprised me is how many discussions and strategies are applied for creating a single number. For instance, for a new singer or composer, it takes  along time to understand how to sell your song and get acceptance universally. You do not compose for one person but for an entire panel, this is a part of the realisation. After everybody’s approval, the final product which is liked by the whole, can work wonders.

How did ‘Baaghi’ happen to you?

Saabir Khan. He is the one because of whom the opportunity came my way. He believed in me and thought I could go for the song (Ready to Fight) which requires zeal and a fighting spirit. We sat and worked on the lyrics with Rahul B Seth. Luckily, he liked the song.

Have you tried independent music? Is music for you limited to composing?

Right now, I am concentrating on my career in Bollywood. If the audience knows you, you can go for in for making independent music and releasing singles. Definitely, after a year or two, I am going to do that.

I sing as well and pen lyrics too. In fact, for one of my songs, I have penned my own lyrics. As a composer, I have to be clear and unbiased. That is why; I am waiting for the right moment when the right song suiting my voice knocks on my door.

Which are the new projects in your kitty?

There are some Bollywood projects but I cannot speak about them till the deal is inked.  I am also doing a web-series based on book 'Losing my virginity and other dumb ideas' by Madhuri Banerjee produced by ex chief creative officer of Balaji Motion Pictures, Tanveer Bookwala  for which I have composed the title track and background score.

What is your dream project?

Well, there are too many. I want to work with Raj Kumar Hirani. It would be my pleasure composing romantic songs or an entire soundtrack for directors like Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Basu and Aanand L Rai.