Competing with self

rising talent

Debutant music director Shivamm Pathak is already on a high with the music of Mary Kom doing well on the charts.

The composer, who started as an Idian Idol 5 contestant, credits his guruji, singer-composer Suresh Wadkar, and director Nagesh Kukunoor, for his musical success. “They noticed my talents and gave me a breakthrough. With guruji Suresh Wadkar’s blessings, I am here today. He has groomed me into a singer and composer. I compose for all genres now,” he adds.

On clinching the chance to compose songs for Mary Kom, Shivamm reveals, “It was a task to compose for a film like Mary Kom. It’s not a typical commercial potboiler. Here we had a biopic based on a boxer, and we wanted to do something different. I came up with the patriotic song Salaam India, which was sung by Vishal Dadlani and Salim Merchant. Bhansali was so impressed with it that gave me the opportunity to compose music for the entire film.”

Shivamm says that initially he was scared to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “I had heard tales about his temper, and I was worried that he would have a showdown with me some day. On the contrary, he was always nice to me. He would offer to help while I was stuck at work, make minor changes in the sound arrangements, and give inputs as a music director.”

Priyanka Chopra, who plays the role of Mary Kom, has sung Chaoro (lori) with Manipuri lyrics for the film. The song is an absolute delight to the ears. Shivamm, having heard Priyanka’s international singles, could gauge the passion she had for music. “We didn’t have to convince her. When Priyanka heard the lyrics, she was convinced and excited enough to sing it. In fact, Mary Kom sings in real life, so Priyanka was all the more keen,” adds Shivamm.

Shivamm asserts that he has maintained variety in his compositions. “I am a fan of A R Rahman and Salim Merchant. I hope I live up to their images,” he adds.

Hailing from Lakhimpur, UP, Shivamm has been a music enthusiast since his childhood. “I came to Mumbai to complete my hardware networking course. My friends later insisted that I participate in Indian Idol as I loved singing. I set my own goals and won the contest. That was when Suresh Wadkar noticed me. I participated in one more reality show. Besides composing, I play the guitar, which comes  naturally to me.” He plans to release an independent album soon.

But the youngster is aware that his journey will not be a smooth one. “I know there are talented senior music directors around me and they have been lucky, but I am confident about my work. I am not here to compete with anyone. My competition is within myself, and I am sure that my hard work will pay off.” 

About upcoming projects, he says, “I am in talks with director Ashwani Dheer. Nothing has been decided yet. I am looking forward to doing some great work,” he signs off.