Anu admits that Himesh’s number came as a shock to him. “I had no idea this was coming. I’ve now decided to get a written contract with every producer that no other composer would be brought in at the last minute. I’ve spoken to Harry Baweja about it. I told him I’ll do his son’s Love Story 2050 only if I have it in writing that I’ll be the only music composer. Harry is a sweet man. He understood what I’ve gone through.”

Anu is clearly smarting under the blow. “It’s very clear that T-Series is promoting one music director. I wish them all the best. I’m happy with my daal-chaawal. I don’t want biryani. I’m not looking for a career as a singer. In fact, after this incident I went to Bhooshan Kumar who’s like a kid to me, and politely told him to cancel my contract with T-Series.”

Anu had recently signed a 3-year contract with T-Series as composer and singer for non-film albums. “I’d rather focus on my composing career right now. So this incident has been a blessing in disguise. It helped me to get my priorities right. I don’t want to do private albums. Not when J.P. Dutta’s Umrao Jaan is around the corner. At this juncture I’m looking to compose for the likes of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra. I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I was focusing on my private albums.” ? SKJ

EXTRA FREE

Himesh Reshammiya replies:

I’ve the highest regard for Anuji. He’s my senior and I’ve been deeply impressed by his track record. I’ve no interest in muscling my way into anybody else’s domain, least of all Anuji’s. I agreed to do the song for the promo video of Humko Deewana Kar Gaye only after T-Series showed me the NOC (no objection certificate) from Anuji. If he had any objection to my promotional song, then why did he give them an NOC? [The song has been used in the film as well, twice. — etc]

Bhooshan Kumar of T-Series Adds:

We see absolutely no reason for Anuji to be upset with Himesh doing the promo song. Does he say he had no choice but to give the NOC? I don’t know what he means by that. There was no pressure on him to give the NOC. We’re going to put out a new edition of the Humko… soundtrack with Himesh’s song in it.