Exclusive interview with Manzar lyricist and founder of Lafzon Music - Gilbert Chettiar

Gilbert Chettiar who has written the lyrics of the recently released song Manzar is the founder of Lafzon Music which is an independent music label by Lafzon Se Ho Bayaan Entertainment. L.S.H.B Entertainment is a U.K. based Music Production company which creates original compositions of all genres and releases across all the streaming platforms worldwide.

Gilbert started writing in 2008 and his first single Baahon Mein was recorded in 2013 and it was sung by Raajiv Bhalla. Later on Hungama music label released it across all audio streaming platforms in the year 2016.

In the year 2018, Gilbert wrote one song ‘Adhure Reh Gaye’ for a very popular web series ‘What The Folks Season 2’ which was directed by Ruchir Arun (Director of The little things - Netflix) and it was produced by Dice Media. Here’s an exclusive interview with him:

How did the word Manzar and the lyrics thereby come into existence?

Manzar to me is Self-Realization, a reflection of my thoughts and sanity. Manzar portrays the emotions which were hidden deep down inside me. My observation and experiences in life made me come up with the term ‘Manzar’. Songs like Manzar cannot be written in a jiffy. Though I wrote Manzar in just one hour but it took a strenuous effort to express the dilemma.

How did you get Salman and Vipin on board for this one?

I wrote the lyrics of Manzar last year in August 2020 sitting here in London. I was desperately looking for a music composer/arranger. Then Bhaskar Sarma Sound Engineer who mixes and masters all my songs. He introduced me to this amazingly talented musician Anshul Sharma. I shared Manzar lyrics and the vision behind the lyrics with Anshul and instantly we got connected and created Manzar in one month’s time. We first locked in Salman as we felt his voice would be apt for something like this and as we progressed, we realised a duo would work fantastically for this one and that’s how Vipin came on board. Thereafter in October 2020 we recorded with Salman Ali and Vipin Aneja. It was recorded & mixed by Bhaskar Sarma at Emsquare Studios Mumbai, India and Mastered by Donal Whelan at Hafods Mastering U.K.

3. You’ve been in London, did you miss being around while the shoot took place? How was it coordinating over all things virtually?

I miss everything about Mumbai. It would have been really great to witness the moment which was shot so beautifully and aesthetically pleasing. Since last one year I’ve been making music for my Lafzon Music label and trying to get right and passionate minds on board. Initially it was a bit difficult to manage and collaborate as our time zone differs. Now I have set up my core music team and everything is in place. Must say it’s been an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind experiences.

4. What lies ahead for Lafzon Music? Any other songs you have written during the lockdown?

With the success of Manzar and the kind of support we received from Bollywood celebs is incalculable. There are a few things lined up- I’m in talks with my composer and keeping the ethos of Lafzon music intact - melodious yet meaningful song and video, we can’t wait to unveil our next creative collaboration.

One Music composer-singer duo, you’d like to work with?

I would love to write for AR Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Amit Trivedi, Salim Sulaiman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Amaal Malik to name a few.