Amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, Bollywood's top musicians are either making appearances on news channels or engaging the fans with their live concerts from the comfort of the living rooms. However, composer Vishal Mishra has released not one but two songs. The first being Muskurayega India, a noble initiative intending to raise funds for PM-CARES Fund and the Maharashtra CM's Relief Fund. The anthem also features Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar along with Tiger Shroff, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Kriti Sanon, Rajkummar Rao, Taapsee Pannu, Rakul Preet, Sidharth Malhotra and cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. And the second being Aaj Bhi, a romantic single featuring Surbhi Jyoti and Ali Fazal.
Now in an exclusive interaction with PeepingMoon.com, Vishal spoke about his songs, working during the lockdown period and how music is something that gets everyone going during this tough time. Excerpts from the interview:
Your new song Muskurayega India aims to boost people's spirits in the fight against coronavirus, your thoughts...
See, it was a germ inside my brain to send positive vibes that everyone is together as we fight this pandemic. In fact, that’s the least we can do as a fraternity together. It is just a little effort to let people know that things will be fine eventually, it is an urge to be home, to be together and that bad times shall pass.
Leading Bollywood celebs have come together for the song. What do you have to say on celebs uniting and how they are aiding to fight the pandemic?
Anything from this song is directly going to the PM-Cares Fund. So we all, be it Akshay Sir, Kartik, or me, we are all in this together for no selfish reasons but only for our country and its citizens. In fact, most of us who are in this video have already done their bit but all these faces and the support coming from everywhere is fabulous. The song is resonating with the audience and the amount of money that it generates is just a small step that we are taking against COVID-19.
Even PM Narendra Modi has praised your song…
See, it is an effort that he has recognised. In fact, the initiative has been started by him only, the lockdown or the steps we need to take in order to be safe. All we have done is given a hand to his initiative and as for his tweet, his words reach places far and wide. And the song is now more like the latest anthem and I am so happy for it.
What was the inspiration behind such catchy lyrics and the composition?
I go with my heart, be it any of my songs like Pehla Pyaar and all. So this one was also nothing but following my heart and expressing my feelings.
How difficult it was for you since the video has been composed, edit and shot at home?
It was very difficult as I am not used to being alone. I work 18-19 hours a day and I also have a studio at my home. But it was difficult to not have anyone around and I did everything from the first switch to the last delivery. Although it was taxing, but we all pulled it off.
Also how are you spending your time during quarantine phase?
You can see that on Youtube (laughs). It all started with Manjha, which released on March 16, just a few days before the lockdown. Then of course Muskurayega India. I have also released another song, titled Aaj Bhi. Then I have a film with Anurag Kashyap for Zee 5. Titled Bamfaad, the film marks Aditya Rawal’s debut and I am the sole music director of the film. I am also working on 7-8 songs. So in short, I want to do something for people during quarantine and I think music is the last magic left. So it’s a high for me that people feel happy or sad hearing my songs for 3 minutes. That’s the least I can do for people during his tough time.
