Wajid turns lyricist, impresses Subhash Ghai

Mumbai, May 27 (IANS) After composing chartbusters for films like "Welcome" and "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" with partner Sajid, music director Wajid has turned lyricist for a song in "Paying Guests". And he's impressed none other than Subhash Ghai, the film producer.

"I wasn't meant to do lyrics for 'Paying Guests'. In fact officially I have never been in charge of the lyrics department, though on and off I do come up with suggestions. It was by default that I ended up writing a song for 'Paying Guest'," Wajid told IANS.

The song had travelled quite a few hands before it reached Wajid, who's created hits like "Soni de nakhre" and "You are my love" in "Partner".

The basic requirement was to come up with a song that revolved around the nursery rhyme "Jack & Jill" and would appeal to both children and youth. When none of the other lyricists succeeded in coming up with the perfect words, Wajid took up the challenge.

"I asked director Paritosh Painter for a couple of days and assured him that I would revert with the appropriate lyrics for 'Jack & Jill'. When I returned to him with the song, he liked what he saw but the biggest reaction came from Subhash Ghai himself," he said.

"He was very impressed with the song and complimented me in as many words. Coming from a man like him who has been known for his great taste of music for decades...it was nothing but an honour," he added.

This was not all as Ghai now wanted Wajid to sing for "Paying Guests" as well and the composer ended up singing the title song.

"He loved the base rhythm of the song that I hummed to him. He then insisted that I sing the song as well and wasn't even willing try any other singer," Wajid said.

"Thankfully, the song was completed in almost a single take and I was relieved because Ghai-saab was there in the studio and seeing it all. It was a very good experience to be working under the mentorship of the 'Showman' himself," he added.

This is not the first time Wajid has gone behind the mike. He has lent his voice to songs in "Hello", "Dhoondte Reh Jaoge" and the forthcoming "Kal Kissne Dekha". Click the Movie button below for more info:
Paying Guests