But when it's a foreigner on the job, it's an even bigger challenge. American composer-musician Wayne Sharpe who's worked on films like Gangajal, Apharan and Lahore has returned with the song 'Dhan Dhan Dharti Re-Vande Mataram' for an upcoming film

Let's make it Sharpe!

IT' isn't easy to compose a song as iconic as Vande Mataram. But when it's a foreigner on the job, it's an even bigger challenge. American composer-musician Wayne Sharpe who's worked on films like Gangajal, Apharan and Lahore has returned with the song 'Dhan Dhan Dharti Re-Vande Mataram' for an upcoming film. He talks to CS:

Musical journey
There is a small instrumental of Vande Mataram's main melody in the background score. Dhan Dhan Dharti Re is a very nationalistic song. I wanted the music to be warm and heartfelt, while having a powerful and uplifting feel to it. The instrumental version was done in New York and Prague with members of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. When I came to Mumbai, Gulzar wrote the lyrics for it. And that man is brilliant, to say the least!

A big dealu00a0
When Prakash (Jha) and I had started working on the background score, he suggested that we work the theme of Vande Mataram into it. I was very impressed with the melody and power of Vande Mataram. It was a huge responsibility to work on its melody as there is such a strong history to the song. So as a non-Indian I felt I had to do the justice to the song.u00a0

Bollywood calling
Working here has been a tremendous experience. It has enabled me to blend Eastern and Western influences seamlessly. There is something magical about blending the sounds of Indian instruments and voices with the Western melody. It is just magical. Even though the method of working is different, I love India.

Rahman magic
He has had a big influence on my music. When I first heard his music for the film Taal it felt so fresh. That musical score changed my thinking when it came to Hindi music. He blended our sounds so well that it sounded entirely new to my western ears.u00a0