MUMBAI: Female music composers are a rare breed in the Indian film industry, but are no way less than the men. Rachita Arora is one of the many female composers, who are currently working in the industry and making a niche for themselves.

In Rachita’s own words, “I was brought up in a protected atmosphere and wasn’t prepared for this world. I guess this happens in every field; therefore, all you can do is work hard. I am passionate about my work and believe in keeping it going on.”

What sets Rachita apart is her unique choices of films for which, she composes music. She began her career with neo-noir thriller Gurgaon, followed by Anurag Kashyap’s Mukabaaz, and India’s official entry to Oscars Newton. Her recent movie, Kaamyaab, starring Sanjay Mishra, won an award in Spain.

Speaking about the experience, she says, “I had signed Kaamyaab last year. I first got the script and reading it was a learning experience for me as a person too. Sanjay Mishra’s character’s journey in the film teaches you a lot.”

The award in Spain was a cherry on the cake, as she exclaims, “I am truly honored to have received this award, but honestly working on a movie like Kaamayaab was in itself a big achievement. I can’t wait for the Indian release and people in our country to watch it. The film will be a meditative experience in this stressful life. It was a great experience to work on such an introspective life. I am thankful to my director Hardik for giving me such a beautiful opportunity.”

All her films have won her awards, accolades, and recognition. However, a full-blown Bollywood blockbuster would add wonders to her career. She has news for us in this regards, “I am actually working on one full-on Bollywood film with a massive star cast, but at this point I am not allowed to speak about it.”

However, she continues, “But I am happy and open to working on various projects. I enjoy working such ‘off-beat movies’. Anurag sir (Kashyap) gave me tremendous liberty to work and my creativity. Working like this is a great place to be in as it doesn’t put pressure on you and work in a specific manner. These movies have helped me grow as a music composer.”

Apart from composing music, Rachita has also scored background music. Her first prominent film as a background music composer is Shubh Mangal Savadhan. Sharing her experience as a background score composer, “In India, songs in a film are more popular, however, composing background score is more difficult and a full-time job. When composing background score, you have to stay with film and be consumed by it. Kamayab is my second film as a background composer.

Adding she said, ”When I did Shubh Mangal Savadhan, I was working on the background score day-in and day-out and do nothing else.”

Now she is also composing music for plays too and is currently working with the leading playwright Makrand Deshpande. “My aspiration is to work with amazing artists, work on quality projects.”

She also hopes to work with Dibakar Banerjee as she says, “I have worked with Anurag Kashyap sir and now look forward to work directors like him. Dibakar Banerjee is one such director, I would love to work with.”