MUMBAI: Indian film music composer, singer and film producer Mannan Shaah’s first movie ‘Commando: A One man Army’ completes 10 years this month.

Radioandmusic got in touch with the film composer to know about his thoughts on the achievement of his first movie and more. He also emphasised on his work for organisation with uniRISE Global Inc.

Check interview below:

Your first movie ’Commando: A One Man Army’ completes 10 years this month, how do you feel?

Nostalgic is what I’m feeling at the moment. First work is always special. But what makes it more special is the whole journey that we as a team went through behind making Commando - A One Man Army. It was a very challenging film to make 10 years ago and I’m proud of the fact that what we achieved creatively 10 years back was way ahead of its time and till today the film and its music album resonate in viewers’ hearts. Songs like 'Saawan Bairi', 'Lutt Jawaan', 'Lena Dena' and 'Mungda' are still being followed greatly on all streaming platforms particularly on YouTube. Collaborating with legendary voices like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Daler Mehndi and Dhruv Sangari on my very first film is something I will always cherish. Collaborating with ace lyricist Mayur Puri who was riding high on the success of some chartbusting film albums like Singh Is Kinng, Race, Jannat etc. was a blessing for me.  

For Commando, till today I keep receiving calls and messages randomly from people who have seen this film on repeat at least 6 to 7 times either on television or on OTT. I know people who have seen the film in cinemas at least three times. And that's what has made this film a cult and a huge success story amongst the masses because of the universality of this film. It’s a wholesome entertainer filled with strong action, story, content, music and performances.

You have music composed in different films, What is the one thing common?

Well, I believe every film is a new beginning. I don’t take my previous film’s experience to my next film because I believe in scoring for each film to its own script and being honest to its narrative. And that is why most of my melodies have been varied and they differ in their nature. 'Akhiyaan Milavanga' from Commando 3 sung by Arijit Singh and ‘Houn Jau De’ from my recent Marathi film ‘Roop Nagar Ke Cheetey’ are examples of it. The one common binding factor between all my albums is my strength of creating a strong Melody powered by some great lyrics which I have never ever compromised even a bit on. Rest all aspects follow but one needs strong melody and lyrics to create a strong impact amongst the listeners.

Tell us more about your organisation, uniRISE Global Inc., how is it helping people?

uniRISE is an organisation I’m a part of which has its roots towards improving the lives of rural India. So RISE stands for Rural Initiatives for Sustainable Enterprises and I’m working on the cultural aspects of it which predominantly caters to Indian culture related areas including Indian Folk and Classical Music, Handicrafts, Fine Arts and Culinary working primarily alongside persons with physical, neurological disabilities and persons who are underprivileged. The aim is to provide, as part of Capacity building and creating livelihood opportunities, access to formal training thus enabling a platform to create, publish and experience Music.