‘Ramayana’ Song ‘Main Ram’ Deserves Grammy Consideration, Says Singer Sachet Tandon (EXCLUSIVE)

While “Ramayana” may be billed as a Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman soundtrack, the recently released “Main Ram” becomes the first song from the album to not have either of the two maestros composing. JAM8’s Prateek Walia has scored the music for the single while Dr Kumar Vishwas remains the lyricist. 

Variety India spoke to singer-composer Sachet Tandon, who lent his vocals for the single.  He reveals a deep attachment to the “Ramayana” song and being a composer himself, how he surrendered to the vision of another composer.

Excerpts…

You have a unique distinction of singing in two films based on the ‘Ramayana’ (‘Adipurush’ and ‘Ramayana’). What do you think has worked in your favor?

I think it’s magical for destiny to bring it to me in both films. It’s Lord Rama who wants me to do this, hence I am able to do what I am doing. The divine energy is special. And I feel whenever I try to do something for Him, it finds its way to me. I become someone else. I feel a different energy in the process of recording and giving away my vocals. 
When I sang “Main Ram,” it wasn’t about the voice; it was about understanding the pain and the responsibility that comes with it. 
With “Main Ram,” the different lyrical approach has brought a distinct feeling  to the song because Lord Ram represents so much strength, sacrifice and righteousness. This has not been said before in such a way.  As a singer, being able to express even a small part of that pain through my voice is a blessing. 

What hit you harder: the music or the lyrics of ‘Main Ram’?

Honestly, both, but the lyrics hit me on a very different level. Music can make you feel something even before you understand the words, but when the lyrics carry the weight of Lord Rama’s journey, his sacrifices and his strength, stay with you. The composition gives those emotions a voice, while the lyrics give them meaning. With “Main Ram,” I wanted people to not just hear the song but feel something within themselves when they listen to it, hence, this one was heavier for me, but totally worth it.

As a music composer yourself, how do you submit to the vision of another composer?

For me, the first thing is to approach every song as a singer, not as a composer. When I’m creating music myself, I have my own vision, but when I’m singing for another composer, my responsibility is to understand their vision and serve the song. Every composer has a different way of expressing emotions, and I love discovering that. I believe a good singer knows when to bring their own individuality into a song and when to surrender to the composer's thought. Ultimately, the song should be bigger than any individual involved in making it and should touch millions of hearts, so yes, that is the end goal.

Of the songs you’ve released this year, which one would you have submitted for Grammy consideration if you could?

I would have chosen “Main Ram” because it represents something beyond just a song for me. It carries devotion, emotion and a connection to our culture that I feel can resonate with people across the world, even if they don't understand the language. Music has no boundaries, and I would love for a song rooted in our spiritual and cultural heritage to reach a global audience. For me, the biggest achievement would be for people around the world to experience the emotion behind “Main Ram.” Seeing my country’s Indian history and culture going global is my biggest dream.  A Grammy nomination would be a wonderful recognition, but the love and connection people feel with the song will always be the most meaningful thing.