'I love what I'm doing so I never get bored'

It was out of pure coincidence that Vishal Mishra became a singer and composer in Bollywood and the Marathi film industry. He is known for composing music for the film ‘Tutak Tutak Tutiya’ and has projects like ‘Munna Michael’ and ‘Aapke Kamre Mein Koi Rehta Hai’ in his kitty.

Vishal has also composed for the most awaited Marathi film of the year, ‘FU — Friendship Unlimited’, where he recorded a song with Salman Khan. In a tete-e-tete with Anila Kurian, he talks about the experience and his journey in the music industry.

You were studying law when you entered the industry...
Yes, I actually came to drop a friend for a music audition and took part in it just for fun. I got selected and ended up winning too. 

Was it difficult settling in the industry?
I was fortunate enough to meet the right people at the right time. They helped me understand how the industry works and I never felt like a stranger.

What’s the most important thing that you learnt here?
You have to be good at what you do or you won’t survive.

The best piece of advice you’ve received.
One of my law professors once asked me if I believed in luck. When I replied ‘yes’, he said that it’s great but it is the meeting of preparation and opportunity that makes luck. I will never forget that.

Tell us about your work in ‘FU — Friendship Unlimited’.
I’ve composed 14 songs in the film. Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Nigam and Lulia Vantur have crooned the compositions and I’ve also done the playback for ‘FU’ and ‘Spruha’.

We’ve heard that you play 17 instruments...
It’s actually 16 but I will soon add more to the list. I am never content in life, I always crave for more. And learning a new instrument is what drives me to work.

Your current favourite song.
‘Agar Tum Saath Ho’ from ‘Tamasha’ and ‘Castle On The Hill’ by Ed Sheeran.

Three random things about you...
I enjoy painting. I love photography and reading. And I know five different
languages.

How do you spend your free time?
To be honest, I don’t get much free time. I love what I’m doing so I never get bored.

And when you take a break in between...
I go out and eat something and try not to gain weight.

What do you eat?
Anything and everything! I do love South Indian food though.

You graduated from St Joseph’s College. How was the experience?
It was a lot of fun. My friends and I used to roam around in all the malls and try out different restaurants. I miss Bengaluru! I hope to come there soon.