In an interview with Komal Nahta music industry veterans Kumar Taurani and Ramesh Taurani opened up about their journey and experiences in the world of music.
Recalling how their journey with filmmaker Subhash Ghai began with the music rights to the 1991 blockbuster Saudagar he shares, “Subhash ji’s film Saudagar’s music wasn’t sold yet but he told me that he had commited to HMV. I asked him to give the music to us so he asked me to come time. He gave the music to them. When the Saudagar cassette was released we sent Subhash ji a 6-foot-3-inch cake, which said, ‘Saudagar Saudagar TIPS ke saath Sauda kar.’”
The gesture left a mark on the veteran filmmaker as Ramesh added “He (Subhash Ghai) went to his house he was so happy and he called all the distributors to his house at night. He praised me in front of them saying that this man doesn’t have my music or anything but still sent such a letter to me with a cake.”
The move won over Ghai for his film Khalnayak. On the negotiations and managing pricing with brother Kumar Taurani Ramesh recalled: “Then I went to him for Khalnayak. Subhash ji told me that all the distributors had asked him to take Nadeem-Shravan of Laxmikant-Pyarelal for the film. Subhash ji called Nadeem. He kept negotiating on the price. Subhash ji got angry that he was not talking about music but only money. He eventually went to Laxmikant ji. Said that he’s ready to pay double the amount. He signed him on by paying a token amount of Rs 5 lakh.”
“Finally Laxmi ji said that I will not take less than Rs 1 crore. I asked him to take Rs 70, 80 lakhs. Kumar had said that we won’t pay than Rs 75 lakhs. I gave him a nod for Rs 1 crore. When I came back I told Kumar that the deal was done in Rs 81 lakhs. He complained why I paid Rs 6 lakhs over and above the decided amount. Soon as I left Subhash ji’s office the news was everywhere in the media ‘Khalnayak’s music has been sold at Rs 1 crore.’ I told Kumar that it is news. Choli Ke Peeche was a hit from day 1. It was a hyped song for parties. I told Kumar to give him 10 lakhs cause the song was bought for 90. After a days Khalnayak became superhit and I talked about giving 10 more lakhs. Kumar got fed up and asked ‘Aakhir tu kitna dega isko’ I said this is final’
