MUMBAI: Singer composer Jasraj Jayant Joshi, a renowned name in the Marathi music industry, has had a number of recent hits like ‘Satrangi Re’ from the film ‘Satrangi Re’, and ‘Kalandar’ and ‘Pinjade Wale’ from ‘Highway’ amongst others. However, Joshi, who has worked in both, the Marathi music industry and Bollywood, feels that the former offers more freedom to experiment.

“In Bollywood you have set formats and patterns; you end up playing safe. But the Marathi music industry allows you to experiment, and you are given a free hand to be creative, which is what I really like,” said Joshi.

His interest in music came from his grandfather, who was trained in classical music. Right from his childhood, Joshi decided that he would be a musician, a choice his family supported as well. They were strict about his riyaaz and made sure that he devoted at least a few hours for practice. “Even my wife supports my profession. I feel blessed to be around such people,” explained Joshi.

He recently crooned a song for upcoming Marathi film ‘Kiran Kulkarni versus Kiran Kulkarni’, composed by Vaishali Samant. The track is a slow number and has a Sufi touch. “I enjoyed singing the song as Sufi is my favourite genre, and Vaishaliji has really composed a very beautiful song,” he elucidated.

Joshi became a household name in 2012 after winning the singing reality show, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’. However, he says, being in the music industry is a completely different ballgame as compared to winning a reality show, which does not necessarily get you work.

The singer, who is also part of the music composer trio- Jasraj Saurabh Hrishikesh, prefers composing music to singing, as it gives him an opportunity to experiment and be a part of the song right from scratch. “We have known each other for a long time and even started a band when we were in college. Later, we worked on a few songs and now we are composing for films.” Joshi elucidated.

In the past, the trio has composed songs for films like ‘Online Binline’ and ‘Timepass’. They will next be seen composing music for the film ‘Funturu’ and a couple of other unnamed projects.