Talented: Arjunna Harjarie
He grew up in a musically inclined family, so becoming a musician came naturally to Arjunna Harjarie.
Born to a Punjabi father and Bengali mother, he learnt Western classical and jazz music. When he shifted to Mumbai, he trained under Suresh Wadekar, became a trained pianist and a sound engineer.
This soon led him to compose jingles and music for television shows. When he was working with Nikhil Advani for ‘P.O.W - Bandi Yuddh Ke’, Arjunna composed the original score, a few songs and lent his voice for the songs. Apart from juggling various projects, he is now scoring music for ‘Lucknow Central’ starring Farhan Akhtar. He talks to Anila Kurian about his achievements in the industry so far.
What was it like growing up in a musical family?
I often accompanied my parents for their recordings. The concept of playback singing didn’t exist then, so everyone had to be prepared and get it right in one take. I was mesmerised by the big consoles and live recordings, I knew that I wanted to do this when I grew up.
How did you become a composer and not a singer?
When I was studying in school, singing was something I did very often — it came very naturally to me. But when I realised how much more involved music directors are in the studio, I knew this was my calling. I can sing anytime I want.
What’s the one statement that changed your life?
I can’t say it’s one sentence but multiple experiences. I always say that you need multiple experiences for a drastic change to happen in your life. Mistakes are also important so that you can learn from it.
You’ve worked with a lot of artistes, who has been your favourite?
I have only worked with him twice but Arijit Singh is one of my favourites. The class he has in his voice is amazing. Having said that, I enjoy working with all the hardcore musicians who are not just in the industry for commercial reasons.
What are your plans after ‘Lucknow Central’?
Apart from working on advertisements, I’m working on my single in which I will be singing. I got a lot of critical appreciation when I sang for ‘P.O.W...’ and that’s when I realised that the listeners are very evolved and intelligent.
Their comments and appreciations encouraged me to try something on my own.
So how difficult is it to be original these days?
I believe that originality comes from within. It’s not too difficult to be original but there are certain demands from the industry that you end up working on an old song anyway. But the challenge is to make it your own to sound different.
The one person you are grateful to in life...
Kumar, the lyricist. He is the one who introduced me to Nikhil Advani who became my mentor. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
A song that best defines you.
It has to be ‘O Soniye’ by Arijit Singh. It’s a song that defines my idea of love.
Will you be visiting Bengaluru anytime soon?
I am planning to work on South Indian films soon so I look forward to coming here very soon!