'Maa Na Rathda' is a small gift from me to Gujarati audience, says singer Divya Kumar

Popular playback singer Divya Kumar, who is known for songs such as 'Jee Karda' and 'Chunariya', has turned composer with Tips Industries' Navratri special song 'Maa Na Rathda'.

The garba song, which has also been sung by Kumar, sees the use of traditional and modern instruments. Speaking about deciding to turn composer, Kumar told Cinestaan, "I guess I always had that hidden desire to become a composer. My grandfather Pandit Shivram was a composer, so was my uncle, so it's not like it's completely new territory for me."

"So when I finally made the decision to become composer, I thought why not begin my this new career with a garba song. I sent my tune to Tips Gujarati's creative head Priya [Saraiya]. They all liked it a lot and gave it a go-ahead, and that's how I got launched as a music composer.  I'm really glad that people are also liking this song. The festival is very close to my heart, and It's a small gift from me to the Gujarati audience on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

 "I would also like to thank Priya and Tips for believing in me and my song because It was my very first composition and you always need such a confidence boost, especially at the start of your career," said Kumar. The song has been penned by Saiarya.

Elaborating on how he decided to become a composer after having a fairly successful career as a playback singer, Kumar said, "Even as a singer, I tried to add my own little elements like an aalap or murkhi to make the song more interesting. I believe every singer is a potential music composer because these aalap, harkats, murkhis are also part of the composition. You just need to have that hunger to learn the technicalities involved the composing. That's why for many years I also assisted Sachin-Jigar. I got to learn a lot from them about the intricacies of song composition, and programming."

After composing for a devotional album, the next logical step for Kumar is to compose for a feature film. "I would love to compose for feature films. Though I know it's a long road ahead, and I have just begun my new journey. But one thing is sure: I want these opportunities only based on my hard work and talent and not through any other influence. Right now the only thing in my hands is to work hard and give the audience what they want," he said.