Mis Xclusive: Your Work Takes You Places, and that is the key to growth: Sahil Sultanpuri

How Did You Start In This Field?

During our schooling days, there were discussions in the family about how or what I will do as an adult. I was always of the idea of doing something else that would help me get fame. This was one of the guiding reasons why I decided to get involved into various kavi sammelans and other activities which brought me to this field, and helped me start in Bollywood.

Was your first work ‘Kali ki Saugandh’?

You are right about it, but I did another film ’30 Days’ before it. My actual first break was in 1999 when I did an album for T-Series which was titled,’Jeetenge Hum Hindustaani.’ This was in line with  the Cricket World Cup, so this can be considered as the correct start, and this was done in June of 1999.

Did you face any problem in finding work, because your last name ‘Sultanpuri’ resonates with Majrooh Sultanpuri Ji?

The land of Sultanpur blessed us, and so it is our responsibility that we also let others know about who we are or where we come from. I have no family relations with Majrooh Ji, but the land, writing, and same field of work are definitely a common factor. I met him once during my work.

Has there been a time where a work was taken away due to some big name being involved or a movie being shelved too?

It has never been that way. A verse from Jagjit Singh Ji’s ghazal ‘Naye Parindo ko udne mein waqt to lagta hai’ has always inspired me. As an outsider there are times when people don’t trust you, and the right way to meet the right people is also not known to us. We must meet different people to have an experience and understanding of what is good, bad and the ugly. A taste of salt and sweet is always better than just one taste.

Any Memorable or Bad Experiences that you wish to share?

A lot of bad experiences, but they are in the rear view mirror. I have been through experiences where my work has been shared under someone else’s name, or a launch is happening, and I am not on the stage while others are in front of the paparazzi. The experiences have helped me grow and so I am of the firm belief that when a thing happens, it helps you grow if you take it in the right stride.

Do you think your career has taken off after Saat Uchakkey?

Absolutely. A movie that goes through and makes it well through the audience provides you a cutting edge, so that you can talk about it in public forums and otherwise as well that you can write lyrics and on situations instantly. Work helps at all times.

Has your work been through plagiarism?

I did an album with T-Series and the person who did the album got their name on the package. I was taken aback and asked the company about it, but later realized that if you have the caliber you will make it, because someone who can plagiarize will do it once, twice, but the individual will never have the skill to do something worthwhile.

‘Black Home’ is one of your films, and as a writer/lyricist which place do you enjoy, backstage or on stage?

Every person in the process is important. It is just that some can’t be seen while others are directly visible to the audience. This is the only difference, and the ones in front of the camera are the ones that help the film be a hit or a flop.

You have usually worked with new directors, and is that one of the reasons why most of your movies didn’t see the light of the day?

By the time a lyricist gets on board, a lot of things are already finalized, so there is nothing much for us to think about except to work on the idea presented to us.

Is it easy for someone to get a break, or does it take time, as the style of content has changed over the years, from main stream cinema to OTT platforms and music videos because films now have local flavour?

No matter how or which platform you start with, the end result is getting an opportunity into films, and that is all that matters. The streaming platforms have evolved, so the opportunities have evolved, which includes OTT, Short Films etc.

Is a writer/lyricist given more value now compared to what it was in the past?

Actors definitely have the better edge, but others do get value, and if your song gets value then you may be talked about in the film division, or else usually the focus is on actor, director, and singer.

Varun Grover worked as a lyricist for 'Masaan', and was a script writer for GOW which got him a lot of recognition. So do you think it is this or his other works that have helped him get more value as a lyricist?

A communication with public is always important, and that has helped Varun too, because the more you connect with the audience, the better you are known to the masses. I am interacting with you, and this interaction would help me speak my mind, as Varun does during his other projects along with films and works of this division.

Varun was known before the movies mentioned above, so do you think it is the content and connect that matters or something else?

Your work matters at the end of the day. You can be in the media for a matter of moments, but not for long, unless you have the skills. Kabir Ji wrote his work, Tulsidas Ji wrote the Ramayana and Malik Mohammad Jaysi Ji wrote Padmavat, so they are known for their work, and that is all that matters.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Be committed to the work, and have a clear focus on the work you do. If you have the skills, everything else will be with you. There’s an example of how work matters. During a film, I wrote the Hindi part that had to be sung by Asha Ji who was and is still singing. It was a movie where the heroine was from Madras and the hero was from Sri Lanka. I had previously done an album with Asha Ji, and she gave me the opportunity to write for the film. The song had to be launched in Sri Lanka, but the lyrics were not available as the Hindi words were left in the country. I used the technology to share the work, and also added few stanzas as per request instantly. So if you are focused on work, the work will resonate with everyone.

Any question or word that you would like to state to your audience?

I would like to Thank the listeners of my work, who have helped me grow leaps and bounds. I Thank all the producers, and people that have shown their trust in me.