We are thrilled that Indian audiences have finally begun to accept a new genre as exemplified in Bhoot

With the thriller, Bhoot, and Viva pop stars behind them, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant are making waves on the music scene, as much for their tantalising tunes as for their unorthodox looks

Would anyone give credence to the fact that there are two absolutely fun-filled, unconventional and symphonic guys behind the freaky background score of the latest Bollywood blockbuster Bhoot? Brothers in arms, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, the seemingly antithetical music composers, are far from incompatible. Their contrasting temperaments have resulted in the heterogeneous blend of some of India’s unrivalled Hindustani music.

I encounter them in their studio at their suburban Mumbai apartment. With their striking Sufi looks and curly locks, the two brothers claim that their music is an extension of their personalities and it is needless to say that their creative bent is far more than visible.

“You can say that music is in our blood, since dad (Sadruddin Merchant) was a music director himself and also manufactured percussion instruments.” Starting their careers with stage shows, while still in their teens, the brothers entered Bollywood with the film Hamesha, about six years ago, which is probably remembered only for its soundtrack and music. Then followed films like Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi, Ghaat, Bhoot and Darna Mana Hai, which is their favourite since it is the first film for which they have composed the complete soundtrack.

“We are thrilled that Indian audiences have finally begun to accept a new genre as exemplified in Bhoot. Apart from the script, the background score plays a pivotal role in the movie, which gives a boost to the technicians who put in a lot of effort.”

How does the fraternal factor work? “We obviously connect easily. But no matter what our relationship is at home, at work we are absolutely professional. The only minus is that we often take each other for granted.”

Bloodline apart, twenty-nine-year-old Salim and thirty-two-year-old Sulaiman are temperamentally different. One is obsessively paranoid, the other laid-back, and yet the duo actually complements each other’s creativity. With Salim orchestrating the melody and Sulaiman fusing the groove, the two have been very successful in creating astoundingly original scores. They also collaborate with other musicians from the industry for scintillating stage shows.

Currently in the pipeline are many Bollywood films, the second Channel V pop star hunt, and a film, Gate to Hell, for a German production. What makes for the most striking feature of this German project is that it is all happening through the Internet. They plan to launch their album soon too with tunes that are in sync with world music.

So what is it that Salim and Sulaiman are not doing? For one thing, they don’t party, as every moment is tapped for learning. Their background music has pushed them into the forefront and the brothers are all set to score more hits together.