Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals why he has dedicated his Ghazal album Sukoon to Lata Mangeshkar

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a perfectionist and that's exactly what he has strived for in his first solo Ghazal album Sukoon, which releases on an online music portal today. Speaking exclusively to ETimes, SLB reveals the inspirations behind this new endeavour and why he has dedicated it to the late Lata Mangeshkar, an artiste who has inspired SLB to make films and music. 

Your Ghazal album Sukoon is finally releasing on today. How do you feel about your first tryst with this form of music?

Nervous and anxious. This is the first time I have composed a non-film album. I’ve been composing the music for my films since Guzaarish. Composing an independent Ghazal album is an entirely different creative process. Each Ghazal has an independent life. It was like doing twelve film scores.

There was a delay in the release?

Yes, there were multiple reasons for that, the primary reason being the COVID. All our plans went for a toss.

Is the other reason for the delay, your penchant for perfection?

I admit I kept working on the songs until the very last minute. It is the same with my films. No matter how much of myself I give to them, it is never enough.

You have dedicated the album to your idol Lata Mangeshkar?

It wouldn’t have been possible without her presence in my life. Whatever I know about music, whatever I know about filmmaking, I’ve learnt from Lataji’s singing. Her voice contains every human emotion expressed with flawless transparency. I grew up listening to her voice, picking up even the minutest of nuances.

Does your quest for perfection come from listening to Lataji?

Absolutely. She is so much more than just the best artiste India has ever produced. One gets to learn so much about life, love and longing by just listening to her. She is the reason why I make films. She is also the driving force, the wind beneath my wings that impelled me to become a music composer.

What according to you will be the USP of Sukoon?

Though it is a Ghazal album I have tried to make it accessible to today’s generation. It is important to merge tradition with innovation.