Saiyaara lyricist Irshad Kamil opens up about 5 SWA Awards nominations

Irshad Kamil is walking on cloud nine. Not only is his latest writing, Saiyaara title track, a chartbuster, but the lyricist also continues to enjoy the fruit of his last year`s work, Amar Singh Chamkila. Kamil leads the nominations in the best lyricist category at the upcoming edition of the Screenwriters Association (SWA) Awards. "These days, it feels like I am in heaven," he smiles. 

Kamil has bagged five out of six nominations for his songs in filmmaker Imtiaz Ali`s musical biopic, including Baaja, Vida Karo, Naram Kaalja, Bol Mohabbat, and Ishq Mitaye. Interestingly, these are five out of six tracks in the much-loved album. 

"I am thinking that I did not write a bad sixth song. That was also good," he chuckles before adding on a serious note, "I don`t see this is as domination, but appreciation. And appreciation is the real inspiration for a creative mind. I am humbled by these multiple nominations."

The sixth nomination in the category has gone to lyricist Sagar for Tu Hai Toh from Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer Mr and Mrs Mahi. 

The SWA Awards, which are slated to take place on August 9, is another opportunity for Kamil to reflect on his partnership with Ali and Amar Singh Chamkila`s composer, AR Rahman. The trio previously worked on Tamasha (2015), Highway (2014), and Rockstar (2011)-- all three hugely celebrated albums. 

What`s the key to their magic, we ask him? "It`s faith. The faith we have in each other. We are so confident about the calibre, creativity and understanding of each one of us. How can I doubt AR Rahman about any piece of music? He is the master. How can I doubt Imtiaz for how he shoots a song? I can`t. I think the same goes for them. Even Mr Rahman and Imtiaz know what Irshad is capable of. I feel creativity only comes from faith. That faith, perhaps, becomes an edge for us," Kamil shares.

Another enriching experience for the lyricist-poet has been collaborating with director Mohit Suri for Yash Raj Films` romance, Saiyaara, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.

Besides the title track, Kamil has penned the song`s female version and another love ballad, Humsafar. The duo earlier worked on Suri`s 2013 hit, Aashiqui 2, for which Kamil wrote several songs, including Chahun Main Ya Naa, Hum Mar Jayenge, and Milne Hai Mujhse Aayi. 

The lyricist gushes about Suri`s ability to employ music in his films. "He is one of the few directors in this industry who really justifies music in his films. In Saiyaara, I we a chance to create a musical atmosphere because apart from the songs, I also wrote the thematic poetry, `Dil Saiyara Dhoond Raha Hai, Ek Sitara Dhoond Raha Hai.` Mohit is a very intelligent guy in terms of music. He has a musical ear. He is very involved in the film`s music. Every day at eight in the morning, he will call and give you feedback on the songs. It`s as if he thought about it the whole night, and has to discuss with you first thing in the morning," Kamil says.

As he enjoys the film`s success, there`s something that the writer is particularly thrilled about. "The best thing about this film is that it has proved that if the character lip syncs, he will connect more with the audience."