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‘Banno is my Sholay’, says Brijesh Shandilya

Says singer Brijesh Shandilya about the special connect with the song that became his career’s game-changer

Updated : Sep 14, 2019, 06:20 AM IST

‘Banno is my Sholay’, says Brijesh Shandilya

Brijesh Shandilya’s voice is a perfect combination of modern touch and rustic charm — whether it’s Trippy Trippy from Bhoomi or desi tunes Banno from Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015), Mera Nachan Nu (Airlift, 2015) or Baaki Rab Pe Chhod De from Lucknow Central (2017). The UP boy has given a number of other chartbusters, including Golmaal Again title track (2017). His latest releases are Munde Da Character from Jhootha Kahin Ka and Kar Saamna in Judgementall Hai Kya. Here, Brijesh talks about his style of music.

You’ve had three title tracks of late—Jhootha Kahin Ka, Judgementall Hai Kya and Pranaam. How did you prepare for them?

I believe it’s a coincidence and my voice also suits them. You don’t usually get the time to prepare. You need to understand the character and get on with the job. As a singer, one is required to follow the brief. Voice texture is just god gifted.

You’ve sung club bangers to hip hop (Swag in Munna Michael) and dance numbers. Any particular genre you are fond of?

I’m not attached to or fussy about any particular genre. I mould myself to a genre. I go with the flow.

Does that also help in breaking the monotony?

I’m lucky that all the songs I’ve got have been different from one another. At the end of the day, there are only four to five variations and you have to make the best out of it. If I sing all the songs now then in two-three years’ time, I won’t have much to do.

(A still from Banno)

Though you have sung many chartbusters, you’ve become synonymous with Banno...

Every actor, director, singer dreams of one big moment in his life and Banno was the breakthrough for me and my life’s Sholay. I always wanted to have one song that would break the shackles for me and the whole world would remember. It gave me the recognition, opened up avenues and production houses started calling me. Whenever people talk about Brijesh, Banno’s name will invariably come up.

From Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn to Tiger Shroff, you’ve sung for many actors. Does it matter whom you lend your voice to?

I’ve always given my best regardless. I only believe in hard work and nothing else. If I get to know, I try to go by his body language and persona. If you get carried away by singing four-five songs then your passion takes a hit. I’m not after any song, but I get that special number every year.