Film and music entrepreneur Ajay Naik made his mark in the industry with films Lagna Pahave Karun (2013), Hostel Days (2018) and Baavare Prem He (2014). The software professional turned film director and musician, Ajay has continued to excel in everything he does. In an exclusive interview he talks about his current projects, working with daughter Anoushka and more.
Congratulations on launching JustKolab! Can you tell us more about the project and its goals in promoting artists globally?
It is our way of building an ecosystem for artists. It’s a platform that lets artists Connect, Collaborate, and Flourish creatively. Through an App, artists can upload profiles, explore collaborations, and seize opportunities for artistic growth. We’re leveraging both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Intelligence (HI) to curate a supportive and organized creative space.
How do you envision JustKolab making an impact on the artistic community?
The Performing Arts industry faces challenges, often driven by a closed network. JustKolab addresses this by providing a space for artists to collaborate, receive daily updates on auditions, and maintain privacy in the audition process. It’s about creating a fan base and streamlining the ‘artist-to-project’ engagement process, ensuring consistency in work compensation for freelancers.
Your daughter, Anoushka, is a singer. Can you share your experience working with her on musical projects?
My daughter, Anoushka, is a musical polymath—composing symphonies, weaving poetic verses as a lyricist, and mastering the strings with finesse, both on bass and electric guitar. Her melodic prowess extends beyond the realm of instruments; she has lent her voice to collaborations with legends like Shankar Mahadevan, and her portfolio boasts five original compositions. Adding a visual dimension to her artistic repertoire, she has recently ventured into directing, helming three music videos with creative finesse. As a father, witnessing Anoushka traverse the musical landscape, mirroring my footsteps before forging her unique path, is an incomparable and gratifying experience. In our collaborative endeavors, whether as a musician or a video director, I find myself marveling at what I affectionately call a “BETTER version” of me—an sentiment shared by my wife(laughs). While our creative journeys occasionally spark disagreements, the ability to find common ground propels us forward. The Gen Z ethos, embodying fearlessness in experimentation and a penchant for confrontation, is vividly embodied by Anoushka. Her unique perspective breathes fresh life into our collaborations. Having mentored numerous young talents throughout my career, I take immense pride in affirming that Anoushka is poised to carve her niche as an artist, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of creativity.
What inspired you to start a media company for Anoushka, and what role does it play in her artistic journey?
The inspiration to launch a media company for Anoushka stems from my belief that we are in the era of entrepreneurship. Unlike our generation, where the path was to secure degrees, find jobs, marry, buy a car, a house, and then be declared a “settled person,” today’s world offers a myriad of opportunities and a broader horizon. This contemporary landscape thrives on innovation and collaboration, encouraging individuals with the passion to experiment and carve their own niche. Anoushka embodies this spirit as a dynamic young woman unafraid of trying, unafraid of failing, and relentlessly focused on moving forward. With her extroverted nature and exceptional interpersonal and managerial skills, she’s perfectly suited to excel in the media industry—a realm traditionally reserved for extroverts and go-getters. As part of “The MediaVerse,” Anoushka oversees two entities, “Mudio Music,” an exclusive music label for independent (Indie) artists, and “SpotGlitz,” a digital magazine dedicated to providing exposure to talented artists seeking recognition in the mainstream industry. She has crafted a comprehensive plan for her journey as an artist and is equally committed to empowering others from her generation. Her philosophy centers around “collective and collaborative growth.”
How do you see the media company contributing to the changing landscape of the music industry?
MediaVerse aims to create a unique space “Of the Artists,” “For the Artists,” and “By the Artists,” offering better control to artists in an industry that can be disorganized. Mudio Music, the artist-focused label, ensures artists retain 90% of revenue, emphasizing originality and independence. The goal is to empower artists in a crowded content space.
Could you walk us through your creative process when working on a new film or music project?
Filmmaking, often described by Spielberg as the addiction of celluloid, provides an expansive canvas where imagination knows no bounds. In my case, I wear multiple hats—writing, directing, producing (or co-producing), composing music, writing lyrics, and creating the background score. Each film engrosses me entirely, and therein lies the thrill! The genesis of a film involves crafting a story with a unique premise, setting, characters, and plots that captivate the audience. Movie making, fundamentally, is about selling a dream, ensuring viewers find value in every penny spent on a movie ticket. My scripts are born in the ambiance of coffee shops like Starbucks or CCD, where I reserve a table for nearly a month. The diversity of personalities, conversations, and energies around me sparks creative breakthroughs. Strangers have an uncanny ability to inspire, triggering unique ideas for film characters that resonate instantly with audiences. Similarly, in music, devoid of formal training in either music or filmmaking, I rely on divine blessings. Crafting characters, dialogue, and story ambiance naturally integrates sound, shaping the music’s essence. For instance, an urban premise calls for a modern, uptown sound, while a rural setting demands a more rooted, raw vibe. This fusion extends to the lyrics and overall sound of both movie songs and indie music creations. When envisioning a film, the casting process follows suit—a “match the following” endeavor that aligns actors with script-created characters. The magic unfolds when the perfect match is found. In the realm of music, composing a song involves imagining its sound, leading to the casting of the ideal singer. It’s a process of “matching the following,” seeking the voice that perfectly complements the envisioned sound.
Are there specific rituals or sources of inspiration that you find particularly influential?
Deeply spiritual, I believe music creation is an interpretation of universal waveforms. I emphasize loyalty to art and craft, fearing a loss of creativity if betrayed. My scientific approach to creativity reflects a belief that artists are interpreters more than creators, appreciating the innate existence of artistic ideas in the universe.
What have been some of the most challenging moments in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Entering the film and music industry after a 15-year IT career brought challenges. Despite being untrained, my perseverance led to four successful feature films and over 50 songs. Recognizing the industry’s uncertainty and unpredictability, I found my space by focusing on my work and appreciating the industry’s diverse roles.
I believe music creation is an interpretation of universal waveforms. I emphasize loyalty to art and craft, fearing a loss of creativity if betrayed.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and musicians looking to make their mark in the industry?
I advise against having a Plan B, emphasizing perseverance and a well-carved approach. I highlight the need for entrepreneurship, building a social media presence, and creating an audience. Originality and loyalty to the craft are essential, and aspiring artists should have a clear game plan and adapt to industry changes.
Are there any lessons from your own journey that you think would be valuable for emerging artists?
Believing in oneself and adopting a scientific approach to creativity has been crucial for me. I stress the importance of perseverance, planning financials realistically, and acknowledging the support from family and networks. Avoiding comparison with peers and embracing uniqueness while remaining loyal to the craft are key lessons.
Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
I have ongoing projects, including “Sangeet Setu,” scouting fresh talent for music creation. The movie “Ishaqbaaji” is in the scripting phase for a 2024 shoot. I’m working on “Darbari,” a musical project embracing various music genres. My Music Label, “Mudio Music,” supports Indie Music, and through JustKolab, a community for artists, 12 original songs have been created and released globally.
(This article was first published on Culture Canvas)
