Indian cinema’s most prolific lyricist Sameer, is having a busy time with lots of work in his kitty. He is one of the most popular lyricists in Bollywood. He made news when Sanjay Leela Bhansali signed him for ‘Saawariya’ last year. This year he has already made his mark delivering quality stuff with ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’, Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Red’, Raj Kanwar’s Raqeeb and Suneel Darshan’s ‘Shakalaka Boom Boom’. Other than contributing his time to Bollywood soundtracks, Sameer has written the touching lyrics for Adnan Sami’s recently released album ‘Kisi Din’.

Excerpts from an Interview:

What are the works that you been doing lately?

Right now, I’m excited and busy completing my works. I have in hand Abbas Mustan’s Naqab and Race, Himesh Reshammiya’s Aap Ka Suroor, Satish Kaushik’s Tere Sang, Anant Mahadevan’s Anamika and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya. I’m also recording private albums. 

What do you have to say about your biography that was released some time back?

It has opened another door for me. My book will help young writers to find work in movie town. It will caution them about the ways of show business. The biography depicts my journey in Bollywood over the years. It’s been a very adventurous, exciting and satisfying journey. I started writing at an early stage of my life. I have completed 25 years in the industry and I am very happy with my position, career and my achievements. I do not have any regrets.

How do you feel about your newly released album ‘Simply Sameer’?

My new album Simply Sameer was launched during my Birthday and it was a very special event for me. This was Kulmeet Makkar’s (CEO of Saregama) idea to launch an album on my birthday. I have written many songs for their company so they planned to make an album of hit songs that I wrote for Saregama. It’s like a gift for me from Saregama on my birthday. My well-wishers like Anand and Milind, Himesh Reshammiya and Kulmeet Kakkar unveiled the album. The album comprises the compilation of the best and most popular numbers penned by me. This album is very special to me as I shared a nice bond with Saregama.

There is also news that an album of song penned by your father Anjaan will be launched?

Saregama are also planning to come out with an album of songs written by my father. An interesting thing about this album is that I will recite some lines about my father, his career and his songs before each song. This will be one rare combination between my father and me.

Who are your idols and what do you think about Javed Akhtar and Gulzar?

There are many people who have been my inspiration in life. My father Anjaan was my friend and my guru. He was everything for me. Whatever I am today is only because of my father. He showed me this way of my life. He was one of the finest people that I have ever known in my life. I am a great admirer of Majrooh Sultanpuri and Anand Bakshi. Javed Akhtar and Gulzar are like father figures for me. I respect their work. It’s a wrong perception that we’re not on good terms. Whenever we meet at parties, we give each other a warm hug. You don’t do that to people you don’t like. When I’m their age, I will probably be respected as much as them.

How is your equation with Himesh Reshammiya?

It’s perfect. Initially, I didn’t want to work with him. I didn’t find him quite worthy then. But after Tere Naam, my opinion changed completely. We have planned something out of the world for his acting debut.

Just like Javed Akhtar and Gulzar you’re also writing Hinglish lyrics. Why?

I’m not aping anyone. Today everyone is writing Hinglish lyrics. I wrote Hinglish lyrics for Dhoom 2, Javed saab for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Gulzar saab for Jaan-e-mann. College and school students, youngsters, everyone’s into them. If something sells in the market, why not sell it? Literary lyrics worked in the ’60s and ’70s. Tastes have changed. So have we. We also now use Punjabi, Gujarati and Marathi in our songs.

Are you contented with your work?

I’m very happy, but I’m not content. The day I am content, I will stop working. I’m working as much as I should. I’m trying my best to match my rhythm with this generation’s. I want to stay in the business for longer. Otherwise, what’s the point of sitting at home and talking about the glorious past.