Dev Negi: Expressions in the voice are important; that’s what connects a singer to his eventual audience

Music producer Bharat Goel and singer

Dev Negi

’s new single, Kahin Ka Na Chorha, penned by Siddhant Kausha has won them applause from music patrons. Bharat’s previous song, Kamli, was with singer Nikita Gandhi and had a party vibe to it. Kahin Ka Na Chorha is a soulful number that talks about heartbreak in modern times.

Singer Dev Negi, who started his career in Hindi film music in 2013, feels elated to collaborate with Bharat, who has worked with top music composers, on his special track. Known for his songs like Butterfly (

Jab Harry Met Sejal

), Chalti Hai Kya 9 Se 12 (

Judwaa 2

),

Badri Ki Dulhania

(

Badrinath Ki Dulhania

) and Ho Gaya Hai Pyar (

Tanu Weds Manu Returns

), the singer says, “Bharat Goel is a superb producer. We have been friends for some time and when he decided to start his own channel, I was only happy to be a part of it. The interesting part is that this song allows me to present another side of my ability as a singer. There are songs that are evidently in your space but I am happy that Bharat gave me something unique to lend my voice to.”

Writers, singers and composers have been among the busiest professionals in the entertainment industry during the five-month long lockdown in the country. When asked how he spent his time indoors, Dev said, “Writers, singers and composers have really had the busiest time during the lockdown. It was the same for me. Usually, with shows and recordings, one barely ever has the time to introspect on the work done thus far, and try something new. I used the lockdown positively, and created some new music, learnt some new things and lent my voice to some Corona anthems, too. I worked on my music production skills and I cooked, which I find extremely therapeutic.”

Given the variety in his work, one wonders what must be the most challenging aspect of his job as a singer. Dev reveals, “Sur pakdna is the most challenging aspect. One has to ensure that one does not go off track. While singing, you have to remember the plot of the film, the point where the song appears and the character you are singing for. You have to embrace their emotions, mix them with yours and understand the nuances of the situation before starting to sing. These factors make a very big difference. That’s how a singer sounds different with each one of his songs. For instance, Mansoor in Kedarnath had to sound different from Badri in Badrinath ki Dulhania. Every song has a demand. Expressions in the voice are important; that’s what connects a singer to his eventual audience.”

Talking about the most difficult song of his life, Dev says, “While every song that I have lent my voice to has been difficult for me, I would say that Ho gaya hai tumse pyaar in Tanu Weds Manu Returns was one of the most difficult ones for me. Sometimes, knowing the composer helps you understand what he wants without much explanation. Sometimes, it’s great to just go with the flow with someone new. When I sang the song in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, I was really hoping to get a nod from the director and the music composer. Thankfully, they liked how I had balanced the emotions in my voice. The song, today, is among my favourites.”

Dev’s next projects include Sabbir Khan’s Nikamma and David Dhawan’s Coolie No 1. “There are some more projects, too, but I will know only the details only the films go on floors,” he ends.