You are 50 years old today and you’ve also made it to the Limca book of records, how do you react to such scales of achievement?

I’m indeed happy today. Whatever I am today is because of my colleagues who have supported me at all times. I’m completely thankful to the film fraternity who has stood by me throughout.

Describe the initial days of your career? Was it easy for you as you had the backing of a great lyricist father, Anjaaan Saab?

The beginning of anyone’s career is difficult and so was mine. The comparisons drawn between my father and me were immense. It’s so difficult when you are often compared with a very successful father at the initial stages of your career.
It’s a problem faced by many today, even Abhishek Bachchan goes through that daily. For me, I was really dedicated to make it big and my father guided me. His blessings have made me what I am.

Which movie according to you was your career defining one?

‘Dil’ was the first film that got me my recognition which was backed by Ashiqui and ever since my career just took off.

Over 27 years in the Industry, would you like to credit your success to any particular music label?

I definitely share a very good bond with T-series, Venus and Tips. They have been my back bone.

Define your success from the perspective of your playback singers?

Kumar Sanu , Himesh Reshammiya , Alka Yagnik , Udit and Sonu are all very dear to me. But Kumar, Alka and Anurradha Paudwal sang the maximum for me during the Nadeem-Shravan era.

Kumar Sanu says he made his career out of your lyrics. Your comment…

Kumar is a dear one. In the earlier days whenever I would write a song I would visualize him. He is one of the few singers whose voice suited the big screen for every hero. We still hope to work together and I’m sure he will make a big comeback.

Do tell us a little about your bonding with Himesh?

Himesh is one of my favourites from the 3rd generation. He was one of the very few who gave me constant feedback and suggestions to change according to the trends. He is a very hard working lad and his base is his melody that never dies.

Elaborate a little on the Sameer-Himesh success formula?

There isn’t any such formula. The only formula to success is hard work.

At the age of 50 and such heights of achievement what more do you look forward to?

Age does not matter. I start off each morning with a prayer and by putting aside my age and ego. In fact this is the only birthday I have celebrated in the last 27 years . The celebration has been to gather people who have supported me or have been close to me.
There is lots to look forward to each year, this year I have Race which is very dear to me. Then there is Khambaqt Ishq , Right Ya Wrong , Sadiyaan , Suneel Darshan ‘s next , Dharmesh Darshan’s next and many more.

How do you see the future of lyrics writing in India?

The scenario of lyrics writing too is evolving but the basic format of simplicity of lyrics never changes. No matter what you write it always has to be from the heart.

What would be your take on Prasoon Joshi who has made a huge impact as a lyricist in the last couple of years?

Prasoon is very talented. I hope he maintains his style. He is also very down to earth. He represents the newer talent and now is the right time for new music directors, lyricists etc. This flexibility and freedom to work will surely bring in many more talented people like Prasoon.
This flexibility is what allows music directors to also lend their own voices and try other variations.

Finally any message for those fans who have bought your tapes right from the Dil , Ashiqui to Aap Ka Suroor?

I firstly want to thank them. They have always been by me and would want them to just keep faith in me. Faith is the only power that makes me become a successful songwriter.

Here’s wishing you all the very best and it was a pleasure talking to you…

Same here. Thank you.

Vinay, to start off with what’s the latest film you have signed and also tell us a little about your character in the film.

Well, the last I’ve signed is ‘Mumbai Chaka Chak’ a film by Sanjay Jha Mastan being produced by Suneil Shetty’s Popkorn Entertainment. This film is special as it’s an ensemble cast and the subtext of the film is about cleanliness in our city. The story has a message which is just so apt and it’s the right time for a film like this.

A little about your character, please…

The shooting of the film hasn’t started as yet but still I’ll give you a little insight into my character. Basically, I play the antagonist in the film who stands for all that is wrong. He is ignorant of the hazards of accumulating waste and dirtying the city. It’s more like the new school of thought comprising of Rahul Bose, Mandira Bedi and Cyrus Broacha taking on the old school guys i.e. Suresh Menon and me.

Post ‘Bheja Fry’ how has life changed?

Post Bheja Fry I’m getting lots of work to choose from. Producers are actually offering me chunkier roles. I have many such releases this year.

Do tell us of the movies in store for us and a little about the characters you play

In April-May there is ‘Oh My God’ which is an entertainer pitched in the modern society. I’m paired with Divya Dutta, and the film directed by Saurab Shrivastav talks about the craze for making money.

Then there is ‘Straight’ by Paruti Balagopalan of ‘Rules-Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula’. It’s a romantic love story with Gul Panag.

And then there is Saurab Shukla’s ‘Raat Gayi Baat Gayi’ with Rajat , Neha Dhupia and Anu Menon (Lolakutty of Channel V) . I have to mention that Anu has floored us with her performance, she is simply awesome.

Any plans of turning director?

Yup! Maybe next year.

So what sort of genre do you want to explore?

Don’t know as of now.

Do you feel that Ranveer, Rajat and you have created a clique of your own that makes the so called ‘niche’ films for a ‘niche’ audience?

Niche is all hogwash. We too belong to the same Industry. Its one big hub and we too are members of it. It’s not true that our movie is for anybody specifically. At the end of the day, when you do a film you want more and more people to see it. Then how can it be ‘niche’. It’s just that today the masses are appreciative of our work and the consumer is the king, looking always for something different and entertaining.

You seem to have lost a lot of weight, is it particularly for any film?

Yes. It’s for a film which I wouldn’t want to reveal anything about right now.

Vinay, tell me according to you what’s the best film that has released this year?

‘Mithya’.

Ok, if one were to watch a film according to your recommendation what would it be?

Mithya. Did you watch it?

Yes

Well, what did you think of the film?

hmmm….it was ok, but you were barely there in it. Anyways,we look forward to greater performances from your side. It was a pleasure talking to you. God bless!

Thank you.