Rachita listened to ’90s disco for Sacred Games

Composer and singer Rachita Arora managed to turn heads within a short span of time after her entry into the industry. Starting her Bollywood career with neo-noir thriller ‘Gurgaon’ in 2017, followed by ‘Chal Tu Apna Kaam Kar’ from ‘Newton’, she recently created waves with her music in popular web series ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Karenjt Kaur - The Untold Story of Sunny Leone’.

She also composed and scored Discovery Channel’s documentary film ‘Mumbai Paani Mafia’ and has worked on many plays, including those by National School of Drama.

One of the few women music directors Hindi cinema has had, Rachita has also composed four songs in Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming ‘Mukkabaaz’ featuring Vineet Kumar Singh in the lead. Rajitha Menon finds out about her journey.

How did you get into the field of music?

When I came first in an inter-school competition, my principal had a word with my parents and asked them to make me learn Hindustani classical music.

How did your Bollywood break happen?

I originally came to Mumbai to learn production. One day, I went to Prithvi Theatre and my friend introduced me to Makarand Deshpande. We got talking and he asked me what I did. When I told him I was a singer and a composer, he asked me to compose something for his play on the spot. I did and he loved it so much that he messaged Anurag Kashyap the same day. And thus began my Bollywood journey.

What were the things you kept in mind while composing music for ‘Sacred Games’?

When I compose anything, the only thing I keep in mind is the situation. For ‘Sacred Games’, Anurag Sir told me I had to compose three disco tracks reminiscent of the 90s — a new and exciting work for me. I listened to many similar tracks to get the feel of disco music but I composed and produced it my way.

Singers you admire...

Many — Lata Mangeshkar (“I really love her voice”), Mohammed Rafi sahab, Kishore da and so on. When it comes to western music, I love Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Michael Bublé.

How was the experience of working for National School of Drama?

Composing for theatre is always a great experience because it is so organic and out-of-the-box. You get to play around with your music and there is just so much energy that you feel amazing.

Any special memory?

I compose a lot for Makarand sir so my most special memory is the day I met him. I just love the way he acts and the way he writes. Every script of his evokes much excitement.

Future projects?

There are a few projects coming up soon but I am not allowed to talk about them.

Rachita’s works include

Sacred Games

Karenjit Kaur – The Untold Story of Sunny Leone

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (background score)

Gurgaon Newton (composer)