Javed Akhtar: Mannan’s music is an interesting synthesis of traditional melody and modern energy

When a film’s music director reads the script four times, is a part of all narrations and then designs the musical graph of the movie, it reflects in the soundtrack. And that is why composer Mannan Shaah’s score for 'Namaste England' strikes all the right chords.
Javed Akhtar, who has penned the tracks for the film, is all praise for the composer. “I am very proud of Mannan and feel that after quite some time, a talent like this has surfaced.He is an interesting synthesis of traditional melody and modern energy. There are composers who only do traditional music, and then there are those who only do modern. Here is a person who has the melody that comes from traditional music and also has the energy that is very modern. Aap uski jitni bhi compositions dekhenge, aapko saaf dikhai dega ki iski jo sensibilities hain, that is not anybody’s echo."
"He is a voice in himself and has something that is very much his own. Usually, jis taraj ki cheezein chal rahi hain duniya mein, jo bhi trends hai, hum bhi wohi karne lagtein hain. Aam log aisa hi kartein hain. Aise log successful bhi ho jatein hain, lekhin woh koi significant impact nahi bana paatein. But Mannan is creating something that is unique. Whether it is his 'Tere Liye', 'Tu Meri Main Tera' or 'Ziddi Hai Dil' – yeh sab original hai and they won’t remind you of any song. His work appeals to everyone.”
'Namaste England' is Mannan’s third film as a composer and he’s overwhelmed to have worked with the legendary lyricist. “It was an honour. While working together, I got completely lost in a different world — that is what his writing does. He is fondly called Jadu and his writing creates Jadu in every way,” says Mannan.
Talking about his compositions, Mannan explains, “My songs are raag-based and I feel it is the raag that sets the mood for the film. I’m glad 'Tere Liye' has hit the charts and struck a chord with listeners; the response it has received is great. It was the first song we worked together on and also the first one to release. Vipulji (Shah) as a director has a tremendous sense of music and it’s a blessing to get an opportunity to work with such strong musical storytellers. He knows what he wants and that’s what made my work easier.”