In this exclusive interview with Dheeraj Kumar, the accomplished songwriter behind the heartwarming “Mann Joggiya,” we delve into the intricate details of his collaboration with the renowned Arijit Singh and the creative process that brought this melodious track to life.
Here are excerpts of the interview:
How did the collaboration with Arijit Singh for “Mann Joggiya” come about, and what was it like working with such a renowned artist?
Collaborating with Arijit Singh on “Mann Joggiya” for our romantic film “Pyaar Hai Toh Hai” was like working with a skilled jeweler adding unique colors to precious gems. The connection was natural, and having Arijit lend his sweet voice to my lyrics felt like meeting a deity – a truly extraordinary experience.
Can you share the inspiration behind the lyrics of “Mann Joggiya”? What message or emotions were you trying to convey through the song?
The film’s narrative, the directorial of Pradeep Choudhary, and Anique’s evocative tune served as my primary inspirations. When it comes to emotions, my goal has been to express each sentiment in simple words that resonate with people, touching both their tongues and hearts.
The song has received a lot of love from the audience. What do you think makes “Mann Joggiya” resonate with listeners?
The endeavor I spoke of earlier seems to be yielding positive results. It brings me immense joy that the heartfelt words have not only originated from the heart but have also resonated with millions. I am genuinely grateful for this widespread connection.
Songwriting often involves personal experiences and emotions. Were there any personal stories or experiences that influenced the creation of “Mann Joggiya”?
‘ve gone through the trouble of rushing my “Majnu” type friends to the hospital. In that moment, a mix of anger and love overwhelmed me, contemplating the difficult task of explaining to his family if he met his end in the pursuit of love. It was from this experience that the line “DIL HO GAYA ROGIYA” was born. Using words like ‘rogiya’ might be uncommon for lyricists, but in this instance, it added a distinctive charm to the narrative.
How do you approach the creative process when writing lyrics for a song? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you find inspiration?
You’ll likely agree that a creator experiences true rest only in death; otherwise, thoughts persist incessantly. I find inspiration while chasing sleep, a process distinct from the meditation others use to quiet their minds. Additionally, I explore new ways of savoring dishes to stimulate fresh perspectives on old ideas. Trust me, if a line eludes me, I might resort to pairing sweet biscuits with sour chutney for that extra creative jolt.
As a songwriter, what do you think are the key elements that make a song stand out and connect with the audience?
First of all, whatever is said in the song should not be about you alone but about the common people. Then a lovely tune like Mann Jogiya, a soulful voice like Arijit Da, and a romantic film like Pyaar Hai Toh Hai, apart from the impact of all these, promotion is also equally important.
What advice would you give to aspiring songwriters who aim to achieve success in the music industry?
Every day, I receive messages from aspiring lyricists on Instagram, many of whom want me to consider their songs. Hold on a moment, what would I do with your precious creation? You must discern who truly needs your song – a musician, in most cases.
To find one, begin your search on social media, just as you found me. However, the crucial aspect is continuous improvement in your writing. Strive to make each day’s work better than the last. Do everything within your means to achieve this goal.