Melody Matters: Rohan Utpat and Vinayak Salvi

Rohan Utpat and Vinayak Salvi have been friends since the age of four and are trained musicians. The duo have worked on the music for ad campaigns for Indian Idol and KBC, and recently provided the score for Ashwini Iyer Tiwari’s Nil Battey Sannata. We caught up with Rohan and Vinayak, who will be working on Amitabh Bachchan’s next TV show for a quick chat about their musical favourites.

Song on repeat on the iPod: (Vinayak) Yed Lagla by Ajay-Atul from Sairat. It’s a mind-blowing composition with awesome live orchestration.

Songs that would feature in the soundtrack of your lives: (Vinayak) Why Georgia by John Mayer. The lyrics describe whether you’re on the right track of life. The guitar riff has mesmerised me ever since the first I heard it. Moongil Thotam by A.R. Rahman. It’s a love anthem for my fiancée and me. The melody and arrangement is the best I’ve heard. Akheracha Ha Tula Dandavat by Lata Mangeshkar. The song has nostalgic value for me.

A song you love listening to: When you’re happy and upbeat: O Humdum from Saathiya and Lean On by Major Lazer.

When low:  (Vinayak) Khel Mandala from Natarang and Nastes Ghari Tu Jevha by Salil Kulkarni.

Working out: (Rohan) Zinda from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. (Vinayak) Priti Cha Vinchu Chavla from Fandry. I try to run to the beat.

Music I loved while growing up but am now embarrassed by:  (Vinayak) Love Rap from Krantiveer. It’s still a fun track though.

Favourite time/way to listen to music: Something or the other is always on in the car, headphones, computer, studio. I listen to music 80 per cent of the day.

A live act you’d love to see once in your life: (Vinayak): Only John Mayer!
(Rohan): My guruji Pt. Anindo Chatterjee with santoor maestro Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma or sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez.