The new lyricist on the block

We had politicians-turned-successful writers, leaders of the nation who have been great poets and published books, but senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal may be the first Indian politician to have forayed into the world of films. Penning some emotional laden lines like “Khuda ke bandha sambhal ja, waqt hain ab bhi badal ja” and “Milne pe bhi jee na bhara, saathi bana saya hi raha,” he displayed his prolific poetic skills when he wrote lyrics for the songs in the yet to be released film, ‘Shorgul’

Lawyer-turned-politician Kapil Sibal has now ventured into writing lyrics. The former Union Minister is making his Bollywood debut with the movie ‘Shorgul’, which is slated to release on June 24.

The movie is a political drama inspired by sensitive real-time incidents that shook the foundation of democracy, set against the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh. A 24 FPS Films Production, the film is based on intolerance and aspires to make audiences contemplate on where humanity stands amidst the noise of religious, social, political and economic prejudice.

It will touch upon grave subjects that transpired in the recent past, such as Muzzafarnagar, Godhra, Babri Masjid riots apart from referring to bureaucratic misdoings, mind games and controversial masterstrokes of some high profile dignitaries.

Sibal, who was first nominated in July 1998 as a member of Rajya Sabha from Bihar, has served at the helm of various ministries over the years in the Congress-led UPA government. In his role as a lawyer-politician he began with the Ministry of Science & Technology (2004) (then the Ministry of Human Resource Development), followed by the Ministry of Communications & IT and the Ministry of Law & Justice. He also served as Additional Solicitor General of India (December 1989 – December 1990) and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association on three occasions (1995–96, 1997–98 and 2001–2002).

This isn’t Sibal’s first brush with song-writing. He has been penning poems from his childhood and has an anthology titled ‘I Witness: Partial Observation’, which was published in 2008. His vast experience as a politician and his love for poetry make him a meticulous lyricist for ‘Shorgul’. In an exclusive conversation, Kapil speaks about his foray into the new domain, his songs and of course politics.

“Tera Bina” is a romantic song and its lyrics are really heart touching. Who is the inspiration for you behind writing this song in ‘Shorgul’?
When I met Niladri Kumar and I heard his instrumental rendition, and I was moved by the flawless composition, it stirred so many emotions instantly. Besides that, the character in the film, her loss, her hope and ensuring that this song can convey the intensity of the emotion is what inspired me to take up writing this song.

In addition, the song had a humane touch to it with the underprivileged kids singing the chorus. When I used to see them under going training it used to really motivate me to want to complete this song and see a successful release which I’m happy it got.

You have been writing poems since your school days. Do you now feel that you should have entered Bollywood long time back?
Maybe I should’ve. But writing for me was never really with a motive to enter films alone. Writing is a form of expression to myself, which now over time has branched out to also expressing to others and allowing my work to be accessible to many. There’s always an apt time for things and all said and done I’m happy with the time.

Why did you choose to pen lyrics for ‘Shorgul’?
‘Shorgul’ is a political drama. The movie has a strong message and is not just any other popcorn film. It has a tight story and brings out issues that relate to every citizen, brought to light with a contemporary twist. Through its tale it speaks about pockets of extremists that lie on each side of the coin and misuse religion for their own personal agenda. In the midst of it all the common man is subdued to accommodate these bureaucratic moves.

It’s a thought provoking cinematic rendition that will be a subtle reminder to cinema goers on how the voice of the masses is what constitutes the voice of the nation. “Khuda ke bandha sambhal ja, waqt hain ab bhi badal ja” is the message. After hearing this script and with my background, I thought it would be most apt to write lyrics for a subject like this.

Did you write lyrics after listening to the story of the film?
I decided to agree to write lyrics after I heard the synopsis of the film and the narration of what kind of songs I would be writing. In addition I’ve always loved Niladri’s music. He’s a pride of India and it’s been a pleasure collaborating with him.

The lyrics process did take at least one month and I kept on going back and forth with Samira (CEO and Creative Head) She was a real task master and bundle of energy and ensured I kept pushing my potential till we got the apt words and expression. Although there were changes, the process was never tiresome. It was great fun working with the young team.

This is also Niladri Kumar’s debut as a music director. Do you think he did justice to the lyrics?
Justice? I hope my lyrics did justice to his enchanting melody! Nevertheless, Niladri is a genius when it comes to his skill, and I am 110 per cent overjoyed with the way the track has come out. Arijit has rendered it mellifluously, the kids add soul to the track and I can confidently say that amidst all the songs coming out,

this is one of those that is going to stay with you, have an unforgettable taste and will remain fresh even many years down the line. Niladri has given us great instrumental hits in Bollywood before like “Crazy Kiya Re” “Chup Chup Ke” and so on. I’m glad I could convince him to play his ‘zitar’ in “Tere Bina” and that portion in the full song just takes the lyrics to a whole different appeal.

What was your first reaction when you heard the song?
Wow! Simply stirring! This is going to be a romantic delight. Arijit sounds inimitable and Niladris zitar bends really stir the soul. Lines like “Milne pe bhi jee na bhara, saathi bana saya hi raha” just got uplifted when I heard it in Arijit’s voice.

In future, will you write more songs for Bollywood?
Definitely! I would love to write more songs. There are few projects in the pipeline that should manifest soon.

‘Shorgul’ is set in UP and has political background to it. As a politician what similarities with reality do you see in the film?
The film gives a bird’s eye view on how politicians, religious leaders exploit the common man for their own selfish needs. The common man in the midst of it all gets tied down. Some get fundamental, brainwashed and the sad part is they do not know the higher agenda of those instigating them and begin ruckus amongst themselves at the joy of others. The similarities I see are mainly along the lines of how religion is used as a tool for exploitation and how if the ideologies of politicians evolve then there is a possibility of a better nation in the making.

A PIL was filed against the film. As an eminent lawyer what is your take on it?
The film is not a biopic, neither is it based on any particular character. Although masses are eager to view it, it is ruffling the feathers of many leaders who feel they may be exposed in some manner. That is not true. A subject, an ideology, is being exposed so that it drives home a message. The censor board has given the film a U/A and I’m glad the High Court slammed the PIL.

Your anthology of poems ‘I Witness: Partial Observation’ was released in 2008. Are you coming up with any more anthologies?
I have quite a few projects in time to come along with some collaboration that I’m sure you will enjoy. Maybe another anthology may materialise soon!

In future, will you retire from politics and concentrate on your new Bollywood career?
These two are paths that are intertwined and interlocked with one another, “Lyrics and Politics”, “Lyrics in Politics”, “Lyrics on Politics”! I enjoy both sides of these equally. Each has its own charm and effort!

The ruling party in India is saying that they have successfully made a Congress-mukht Bharat; the performance of Congress in State elections across India was poor. As a veteran politician, do you think India will really become Congress mukth?
That is all just Shorgul (noise). Hopefully we will now create the right kind of noise!

What are the plans of the party to jump back into the game?
I don’t think Congress was ever out of the game. And the plans to jump in the forefront will take centre stage soon enough.

Congress expelled six UP MLAs, who voted against you in Rajya Sabha poll. What is your take on it?
‘Ye sab Rajneeti hain. Rajneeti.’ (One of the dialogues in the film ‘Shorgul’.)

By: Navin Pivhal