<p>Hindi poet Raj Shekhar made his debut in Bollywood as a lyricist with ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ in 2011. Born and brought up in Madhepura, Bihar, Raj secured his master’s degree in<br />Hindi literature from Delhi University and is currently residing in Mumbai.</p>.<p>He has penned lyrics for the movies ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’, ‘Hichki’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’, ‘Tumbbad’ and ‘Uri’. ‘Jabariya Jodi’ and ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ are his upcoming movies. </p>.<p>In 2018, Raj was conferred with ‘Kaavy Samman’ award by Hindi Academy, Delhi for his contribution to poetry. He also contributes to children’s literature as a writer and translator.</p>.<p>The lyricist was in the city recently for the Bengaluru Poetry Festival.</p>.<p><strong>Music</strong></p>.<p><strong>Venkatesh Kumar</strong></p>.<p>“In recent times, I have become a fan of Hindustani legend Venkatesh Kumar. I listened to his songs on a loop for a month when I discovered his music. I started paying attention to the elements of the genre only after listening to him. Now, I travel to attend his concerts.</p>.<p>I am also a fan of A R Rahman; he is a revolutionary. I am waiting to work with him. Other than that, I listen to all kinds of music — from B B King to Mohammed Rafi, but I haven’t been able to develop a taste for metal and heavy metal music.”</p>.<p><strong>Film</strong></p>.<p><strong>The Shawshank Redemption</strong></p>.<p>“I am a fan of thriller films. ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is the film I watch when things are not going well. Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’ is also another favourite. I also admire the poetic quality of Imtiaz Ali’s movies.”</p>.<p><strong>Travel</strong></p>.<p><strong>Nigeria</strong></p>.<p>“The visit to a small village in the sub-Saharan region of Nigeria is my favourite. It was quite an adventurous trip as we had to travel during harsh weather.</p>.<p>I like places that have a rich history and delicious cuisines. Also, I prefer mountains over beaches.”</p>.<p><strong>Literature</strong></p>.<p>“I am a student of literature, so I can’t pick a favourite. I admire the works of Pablo Neruda, Kabir, Amir Khusrow, Nirala and Faiz Ahmad Faiz. I am also a fan of haiku for its imagery.”</p>.<p><strong>Inspiration</strong></p>.<p><strong>Shailendra</strong></p>.<p>“I am inspired by different things in different categories. As a lyricist, I look up to Shailendra, Sahir Ludhianvi and Gulzar. Contemporary lyricists Irshad Kamil, Amitabh Bhattacharya and Varun Grover also inspire me to do something new.”</p>.<p><strong>Food</strong></p>.<p><strong>Sattu paratha</strong></p>.<p>“I love sattu paratha, a Bihar special, and mustard fish. Except for pork and beef, I am a fan of all kinds of cuisines. Also, when I was in Bengaluru, I had gunpowder rice in Nagarjuna; it was divine.”</p>
<p>Hindi poet Raj Shekhar made his debut in Bollywood as a lyricist with ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ in 2011. Born and brought up in Madhepura, Bihar, Raj secured his master’s degree in<br />Hindi literature from Delhi University and is currently residing in Mumbai.</p>.<p>He has penned lyrics for the movies ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’, ‘Hichki’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’, ‘Tumbbad’ and ‘Uri’. ‘Jabariya Jodi’ and ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ are his upcoming movies. </p>.<p>In 2018, Raj was conferred with ‘Kaavy Samman’ award by Hindi Academy, Delhi for his contribution to poetry. He also contributes to children’s literature as a writer and translator.</p>.<p>The lyricist was in the city recently for the Bengaluru Poetry Festival.</p>.<p><strong>Music</strong></p>.<p><strong>Venkatesh Kumar</strong></p>.<p>“In recent times, I have become a fan of Hindustani legend Venkatesh Kumar. I listened to his songs on a loop for a month when I discovered his music. I started paying attention to the elements of the genre only after listening to him. Now, I travel to attend his concerts.</p>.<p>I am also a fan of A R Rahman; he is a revolutionary. I am waiting to work with him. Other than that, I listen to all kinds of music — from B B King to Mohammed Rafi, but I haven’t been able to develop a taste for metal and heavy metal music.”</p>.<p><strong>Film</strong></p>.<p><strong>The Shawshank Redemption</strong></p>.<p>“I am a fan of thriller films. ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is the film I watch when things are not going well. Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’ is also another favourite. I also admire the poetic quality of Imtiaz Ali’s movies.”</p>.<p><strong>Travel</strong></p>.<p><strong>Nigeria</strong></p>.<p>“The visit to a small village in the sub-Saharan region of Nigeria is my favourite. It was quite an adventurous trip as we had to travel during harsh weather.</p>.<p>I like places that have a rich history and delicious cuisines. Also, I prefer mountains over beaches.”</p>.<p><strong>Literature</strong></p>.<p>“I am a student of literature, so I can’t pick a favourite. I admire the works of Pablo Neruda, Kabir, Amir Khusrow, Nirala and Faiz Ahmad Faiz. I am also a fan of haiku for its imagery.”</p>.<p><strong>Inspiration</strong></p>.<p><strong>Shailendra</strong></p>.<p>“I am inspired by different things in different categories. As a lyricist, I look up to Shailendra, Sahir Ludhianvi and Gulzar. Contemporary lyricists Irshad Kamil, Amitabh Bhattacharya and Varun Grover also inspire me to do something new.”</p>.<p><strong>Food</strong></p>.<p><strong>Sattu paratha</strong></p>.<p>“I love sattu paratha, a Bihar special, and mustard fish. Except for pork and beef, I am a fan of all kinds of cuisines. Also, when I was in Bengaluru, I had gunpowder rice in Nagarjuna; it was divine.”</p>
