Manmeet Singh and Harmeet Singh: We are hardcore romantic boys

Manmeet Singh and Harmeet Singh popularly known as Meet Bros are currently riding high on the success of their latest song, ‘Jolly goodfellow’, from Akshay Kumar’s latest release The State vs. Jolly LL.B 2. In an interview with HT Café, they talk about their plans to compose romantic numbers and their love for independent music.

Do you prefer making independent music more than making music for films?

Harmeet: We want to do more independent work because we have composed music for films, and we have achieved a certain milestone there. We are investing 30% of our time, money and energy in making singles, but 70% of our focus is still on films.

Do you get more creative freedom while making singles?

Manmeet: Absolutely. The word independent is used, because it is not dependent on anybody. When you make a track for a movie, it is a tailor-made song. It’s made for a particular star cast and film. Everything is for the film. You are trying to please everyone. However, when you are making singles, you make what you love. It can be any song and can belong to any genre. There are no limitations. I wouldn’t say I prefer that, but I enjoy it. Making a song for a movie is also a challenge, because you have to please the director, the producer and the actor. It’s very easy to make a song that comes naturally to you, but it’s difficult to make a song that stems from demand. However, film music is more challenging and fun for me.

Does only Bollywood music sell at the end of the day?

Harmeet: Bollywood music will sell in any case. It is backed by rich producers

and features the biggest stars and most exotic locations. However, independent music is now picking up because people like to see the other side of the world. They want to see what artistes are like, and what they can sing. Internationally, only independent music exists. Bollywood masala music and independent music can co-exist here.

Do you want to explore other genres of music?

Harmeet: Yes, we are trying different genres. In 2017, you will see a variety of songs. We composed ‘Hangover’ (Kick; 2014) and ‘Ijazat’ (One Night Stand; 2016), which starred Sunny Leone. ‘Ijazat’ is a big hit on the Internet. We are making a conscious effort [to diversify], because we love romantic music. We want our audience to hear the kind of romantic music we can make.

Manmeet: Absolutely, we are hardcore romantic boys (laughs). Somehow that side of us hasn’t been tapped yet. This year, you will hear a lot of romantic music from us.

What is your equation with Kanika Kapoor?

Harmeet: She is like family. We share a [good] comfort level with everyone because of our nature. We believe in astrology. Our connection with Kanika is lucky. Whatever song we do, it clicks [with the audience] on another level. We are looking forward to a single now, because we have worked on film songs with her. It’s in the pipeline. It is going to be a different song with a Punjabi touch.

Manmeet: We are actually childhood friends. We have known each other since we were five years old. We went to boarding school together in Gwalior, and we used to go to Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) to her house. We have sort of grown up together. Even as a child, she always had a fantastic voice. But then she moved to London (UK) and got married. I was in touch with her throughout, though. She would keep telling me, ‘Bhai, I want to sing’. When we composed the melody for ‘Baby doll’ (Ragini MMS 2; 2014), we realised that this would suit her. So, we called her and told her that she was doing the song. She thought we were joking.

Do you want to collaborate with artistes in the West?

Harmeet: Of course. I feel Manmeet and I are desi (Indian) in our thought process, yet we think international. So, it’s just a matter of time until everybody sees that. ‘Party animals’ (their single) has an international touch to it. We have plans to collaborate with international artistes.

Watch the official video of ‘Party animals’ here:

Manmeet: In fact, we had gone to the US to record a single. At that time, we had met many artistes, and some of them really loved our music. But, we are so busy with Bollywood that we don’t get the time [to do anything else]. However, we are sure that we can come up with an international song easily. It’s not a problem.