Tochi Raina: ‘Good Music Needs Saving Today’

At a time when Bollywood is experiencing a mind-boggling incorporation of talent and the resulting mad scramble for opportunities””not to mention the rampant arm-twisting by labels, how far can one go without comprising one’s artistic principles? The battle for survival in the studio or on stage is fierce and only those that display pliability seem to thrive, so say the wise ones. But for singer/composer Tochi Raina (that magnificent voice behind songs such as “Kabira,” “Saibo” and “Gal Mitthi Mitthi”) the reward has always been in pure and sweet patience. His latest release, “Rab-e-Ilahi,” was composed almost a decade ago but never got a chance to see the light of day””a sufiana song is a rarity in movies nowadays and investing in an independent album a big risk as well.

Fortunately for Raina, a meeting with the folks at the production studio Drishyam Films bore fruit and “Rab-e-Ilahi” was released this month on Drishyam Play, a music curatorial platform for independent artists. Says Raina, “I couldn’t have been happier with this collaboration. Drishyam have a keen ear for good music; they understand that a good song must also carry within it a good philosophy. And as an artist, that is very important to me. I cannot make music that doesn’t convey a deeper meaning and connect with the listener. In fact, good music needs saving today and that responsibility is ours.”

Co-composed by Raina and Neeru, with lyrics by Vinay Kochar, “Rab-e-Ilahi” combines sufi poetry with soaring orchestral arrangements. The video explores the themes of alcoholism and rehabilitation and its impact on a young family. “These topics need to be discussed more openly. I am very grateful to [director] Kapil Madnani for weaving the story so beautifully in the video.”