Published On : Fri, Oct 31st, 2014

Nagpur star, Shreyas Puranik, all set to twinkle in Bollywood under great Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Advertisement

Shreyas Puranik in Nagpur News as the Assistant Music Director in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastane

Nagpur Today: With Nagpur receiving the honour of having its very own Devendra Fadnavis becoming Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who has taken the oath today, the day the city will emerge as one of the best in India is not far away!

Adding to the Nagpur progress and anticipated dynamic aura is the young, tranquil and talented Shreyas Puranik, who is all set to make a major breakthrough in Bollywood!

When Nagpur Today caught up with the CEO and Co-producer of Sanjay Leela Bansali Films, Sandeep Singh, we discovered that he invests his trust in Shreyas’s magical talent blindfolded when he said, “After Nitin Gadkari and Devendra Fadnavis, Shreyas would be the next Nagpur ki Shaan!”. Emphasizing on his work, Sandeep added that even the legendary producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali would agree that one day Sandeep would bring laurels to the city.

During his visit to Nagpur this Diwali, Shreyas had his presence made at Nagpur Today’s Office.

This young Nagpur lad shifted to Mumbai in 2008 and has been learning classical music from eminent singer Suresh Wadekar since then.

In his initial days in Bollywod, he has been successful in being a lyricist, singer and composer.

He has started off his career in Bollywood as the assistant music director in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial upcoming flick, Bajirao Mastani. It’s a period romance film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film is based on the love story between Maratha Peshwa Bajirao-I and his second wife Mastani. The film’s lead roles will be played by Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra.

Shreyas comes from a family of four, with father and brother as engineers, and mother as a housewife. The family has always been supportive of his music, which has led him to come this far.

Shreyas with his family

Shreyas with his family

While getting candid with Nagpur Today, Shreyas unlocked the key to his life towards success, and still has a long way to go.

When asked about his life, he let us know quite a lot….

“I’m a singer and composer, and aspire to go ahead way too far with both. I’m singing from the age of 3, and had my first stage performance at the age of 5. Since past six years, I have been fortunate enough to be learning music at Gurukul by Suresh Wadekar, who is my source of inspiration. Previously, as a student I was pursuing my degree in Bachelor of Commerce at Mithibai College of Commerce, Mumbai. This is the place where I unknowingly became a composer. I had gone through tough times then, and got inclined towards making music-pain was the inspiration then!

How were your college days?

I was new to Mumbai, and so was my approach! I remember myself in bell-bottomed jeans and shirts bought from Fashion Street, a guy with ‘the guitar’, a singer at college, an extrovert… a lil funny isn’t it? But those were the best days of my life! Now I’m entirely a different person, but my love, passion and work for music stays intact, or has improved a lot I must mention. I had to wake up early in the morning and leave for Gurukul, and later half was for college, which rarely got attended (laughing)!

Tell us about your experience at Gurukul..

Gurukul for me has always been a parampara – a shishya (student) following his guru (teacher).. and hence, for me Gurukul is Suresh Wadekar. Such a disciplined person I got to see in my life.

Tell us something about the tough times in your life…

The toughest part was staying away from family. At times there were problems with accommodations and even basic necessities. Rejections at that time hurt you a lot, but I somehow was positive about life.

During my hard times, I must mentioned that two of my Gurukul mates, the Indian Idol star Rahul Vaidya, and Hans Raj Hans son Navraj were the true mates, who helped me a lot. Finally after 2010, things finally started getting better.

How did you end up in Bhansali Films?

In 2012, I met Sandeep Singh, who liked my work. Later I met Sandeep Singh yet again, who introduced me to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Initially, my throat wasn’t all that well, I dint give my best shot in front of him. But opportunity knocked my door again, and I got the chance to meet Bhansaliji again in January 2014, and this time I was ready. The music was not exactly contemporary, it was a lil off-beat, he liked my voice and the way of composition. My work and composition was liked and praised, and I got chosen as the assistant music director for Bajirao Mastani.

Whom do you give all the credits for your success till now?

At first, my father, who was my first inspiration. Then my guru Suresh Wadekar, and finally my mentors now, Sandeep Singh and the awe-inspiring Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

What are your upcoming projects?

I’m being driven towards opportunities I feel. After Bajirao Mastani, I’m doing an album with Padma Wadekar as a composer, of which Suresh Wadekar is the producer. In two more projects, ‘Ishq Uncensored’ and a movie ‘Bombay Mumbai’, I’ll be a part as the music director.

How was your experience with Sanjay Leela Bhansali?

I need not mention that he’s a big inspiration, not just for me, but for most people working with him. He has an exceptional vision, which others cannot get hold of too easily. SLB’s direction, according to me, gives a punch to the role, music, and every other thing related to the movie. His detailing are precise. ‘Ek Junoon hai unke andaaz me!’ Above everything else, he’s gem of a person. My most memorable moment with him was undoubtedly the one, in which he randomly asked me to sing in front of other few, I did that in a flow, and got praised like never before. I’m thankful to Bajirao Mastani, it gave me a huge platform to get initiated with.

Which were your past memorable projects?

The entire project with Bhansali Films has been the most memorable one! Apart from that, I composed ‘One Message Received’. I am grateful to Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan, who sung for this one, as they did it just for me, and asking nothing in return. To mention one more, I did the ‘Safety Anthem’ for Bharat Petroleum.

Shreyas Puranik with Sonu Nigam

Shreyas Puranik with Sonu Nigam

 

A candid moment being shared by Shreyas with Sunidhi Chauhan

A candid moment being shared by Shreyas with Sunidhi Chauhan

What is your ultimate ambition in life?

Commercially speaking, being a singer is always much preferable for me. Presently, I would like to sing in Bajirao Mastanifor Ranvir Singh (wink).

Which singers do you idealize?

All classic old ones, but mainly RD Burman, Rafi Sahab, Laxmikant Pyarelal, and also Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh.

What do you aim in life as a singer?

I feel like every great singer in Bollywood, even I have a unique voice. I’m not much of a fusion person, my genre is Hindi Bollywood and pop music. I’ve never let western way of music and style get induced in me. Hence I aim to move forward with Bollywood numbers and sing from my heart, the melodies of which should touch the listener’s hearts. Also, I want to focus on my work with experienced people for time being. I would love to do more independent music like albums, etc. in future, although its market is a bit low. I would want to own a studio soon.

A message for Nagpur Musicians?

Do what your heart asks you to! Never get disheartened, be positive, feel positive always.

Shreyas Puranik with Subhash Ghai

Shreyas Puranik with Subhash Ghai

PICS BY : Amol Gajbiye