Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy talk music, Pakistan and what has kept them together for 20 years

In coversation with the iconic Bollywood composers

LAHORE: ‘Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy’ barely need an introduction.

As one of the most sought-after and celebrated music composers of the Indian film industry, the trio – comprising Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, has become a brand in itself. From the eclectic guitar riffs in Dil Chahta Hai, the foot-tapping dance beats of It’s the Time to Disco and soothing dholak and ghoongroo combination in Kajra Re, the three gurus have covered it all and continue to do more, each and every time.



Destined to be together, Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy first met about 20 years ago, while composing for a film called Dus by the late Mukal Anand. Ironically, the soundtrack of the film didn’t see release but one of its tracks, entitled Hindustani, struck a chord with audiences and from there on, the trio never looked back.

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But ask any of the three musicians why they have stuck together for so long and neither will say it’s for their brand name. “For me, it’s all about the music and the joys of creating it,” Ehsaan tells The Express Tribune, supported by his good friend Loy. “Yup, it’s the music, more than anything else. Of course, we’re also great friends and that has kept us going for such a long time,” the latter adds. For Shankar, the key to success is that all three of them are different people with different energies. “Yet, music binds us as one,” states the Breathless singer.

The trio’s big break was, arguably, the 2001 cult classic Dil Chahta Hai which propelled it towards mainstream music in Bollywood. Not only was the Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan and Akshay Khanna-starrer a hit with the masses, it’s soundtrack garnered much appreciation from the youth, so much so that Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe is still a mehndi staple here in Pakistan.

Soon after, Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy scored a National Award for Best Music Direction for Karan Johar’s Kal Ho Na Ho and have, since then, worked on 60 other blockbusters, including My Name Is Khan, Rock On, Don, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, and Zindagi Na Miley Gi Dobara.

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As any true musicians would say, Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy claim that the art comes to them from within. “Music really surprises you. Sometimes it comes from the ether, other times we really wonder where it all starts from,” shares Ehsaan, who has studied music in America. “It comes to me from the strangest of places,” reveals Loy. “At times, I will simply be sitting with my instruments and I automatically start composing. If we’re working on something more western, Shankar leaves it to Ehsaan and I while we leave the classical to him.”



Ehsaan continues, “Being a musician is a huge commitment. One should not commit to it if they aren’t super passionate about it,” and Loy agrees. “Music is a beautiful thing, you see. It heals, makes people happy and motivates them. I have a lot of gratitude for music and being a musician,” he shares.

That is not to say that one should take music too seriously. “I don’t do that, at least,” shares Ehsaan. “I don’t even take music critics seriously. Music is not something you can assign marks or points to.”

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When asked whether they prefer playback or performing live, Ehsaan picked the latter. “Well, performing live is one of the ultimate highs that a musician could get. It’s not only a larger audience but an instantly responsive and receptive one too that makes for a good show.” Loy adds, “That’s the beauty of it that I enjoy thoroughly. There have been many memorable concerts and none of them supersedes the other; they are all very close to our hearts.”

The band has largely been unperturbed by the rise of digital media in the entertainment industry. “Good music remains un affected, digital or analogue. Unfortunately now it’s all about singles and not entire albums that became huge hits,” states Ehsaan. “When pop and digital are combined, it emerges as technology. This becomes the carrier of the music, or a newer medium that carries the music. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you change your music for that.”

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A lesser known fact about the composers is that they’re avid fans of Pakistani music. “There are so many inspiration musicians from Pakistan, such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Fuzon. The food there is also wonderful, as are the people – so hospitable!” stated Ehsaan, who believes art transcends politics. “Such things should not affect music for music is an ambassador of peace,” he adds.

Loy, on the other hand, draws inspiration from Ghulam Ali Khan. “I’ve heard him perform live and the feeling is so euphoric! Also, Abida Parveen is one of my favourites.”

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