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Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 15:40 IST
Aaliyah Qureishi, affectionately known as ‘Jhalli,’ is reshaping the blend of acting and music through her exceptional artistry. From her memorable performance in Bandish Bandits Season 2 to her contributions to soulful music tracks, she exemplifies creativity and versatility.
In this exclusive interview, Aaliyah opens up about her portrayal of the complex and compassionate character, Ananya, her musical path, and her commitment to challenging societal norms through her work.
Aaliyah Qureishi is a vibrant presence in the entertainment industry, seamlessly transitioning between powerful acting roles and enchanting musical performances. Whether captivating audiences in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan or showcasing her vocal talents in Bandish Bandits Season 2, Aaliyah has emerged as a dynamic force. Her role as the spirited Ananya highlights her ability to embrace diverse characters and artistic expression.
In this candid conversation, Aaliyah shares insights into her experiences, covering everything from her involvement in SRK’s iconic film to the intricacies of bringing Bandish Bandit’s musical energy to life. Viewers and fans will find her reflections on creativity, the challenges of balancing multiple artistic pursuits, and the delightful chaos of her artistic journey revelatory.
Here are the excerpts:
Ananya stands out as one of the most compelling characters in Bandish Bandits Season 2. A blend of strategic thinking and kindness, how did you navigate these contrasting traits in your portrayal?
Thank you for the compliment! Portraying Ananya was challenging because it would have been easy to depict her as merely arrogant based on the script’s initial impression.
However, Anand Tiwari helped me see her differently—she is someone who often assumes she is the most intelligent person in the room, which fosters a strong sense of empathy. Ananya’s awareness of her intellectual edge, coupled with her realization that others may not share her insights, strikes a compelling balance.
Moreover, her insecurities regarding her family influenced her benevolent nature, as she would go out of her way to ensure others do not feel the same way she does. Yet, she is also resolute when she believes she is correct.
Ananya’s relationship with Radhe was also a significant aspect of the story. While her feelings for him may not be reciprocated, she doesn’t allow it to hinder her competitive spirit. How did you and Ritwik Bhowmik develop their dynamic? In your opinion, is Ananya a better match for Radhe than Tamanna?
This season is all about Radhe’s personal growth and Ananya’s emotional exploration. They are attracted to qualities in each other that they feel are lacking in themselves, illustrating how opposites can indeed attract!
Despite the ongoing emotional tensions, their shared passion for music and confidence in their abilities remain at the forefront, ensuring the music never takes a backseat.
Building this relationship with Ritwik was a joyful experience. Our entire cast spent quality time together both on and off the set, fostering genuine friendships that translated into our performances. Additionally, we had the chance to rehearse crucial scenes beforehand, allowing us to feel confident and free to explore during shooting.
As for the last question, I admit to having some bias! I see Radhe benefiting from having someone like Ananya who can challenge him, whereas Tamanna often unintentionally inflates his ego and ends up hurt in the process. Their relationship is filled with highs and lows driven by passion, but I question its sustainability in the long run. We gravitate towards those who inspire our best selves, and I definitely align with ‘Rananya’.
Ananya applies her sharp intellect to Hindustani Classical Music. As Jhalli, do you approach music with a mathematical mindset, or do you prefer a more organic flow? How do you differ from Ananya in real life, and what steps did you take to embody her character?
Ananya and I share a lot of similarities—we’re both somewhat nerdy, creative, stubborn, and considered the black sheep in our families. I had my own struggles with social awkwardness, which allowed me to tap into that aspect of her character easily. Ananya’s emotional repression mirrored my own past experiences, making the journey of her emotional growth a thrilling one for me.
To truly step into her shoes, I created an extensive backstory for Ananya to comprehend her upbringing, relationships, and her bond with music. This narrative helped ground my performance.
Musically, our approaches diverge; while I typically draw from my emotions when composing and prefer heartfelt melodies, portraying Ananya has encouraged a more calculated approach in my music creation. I now challenge myself by setting limits in my compositions to see how my instincts operate within those boundaries, a shift instigated by playing her character.
The acclaim for Bandish Bandits Season 2 has been widespread, and much of that recognition is due to the vision of Anand Tiwari and Amritpal Bindra. What unique elements do you believe they brought to create such a notable season?
Anand and Amrit embody such infectious joy and passion, which is evident in their artistic vision.
Witnessing Anand direct and adapt scenes was a pure delight. He effortlessly infused humor and tailored character nuances to suit the actors, showcasing his deep appreciation for music. This show allows him to express his passion, even though he isn’t a musician himself—though I would argue he can sing quite well!
A standout moment in this season was the semi-final showdown between Radhe and Tamanna, reminiscent of a thrilling climax. How was that sequence orchestrated, and what were your experiences while shooting it?
I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed it! Filming that sequence was electrifying as both bands performed together for the first time. It was hard work, yet we shared plenty of laughs amidst the serious moments. Rohan and I would jokingly debate our keyboard skills, while Anand often entertained us with impromptu performances between takes, making it a memorable experience.
You contributed your voice to two songs, You And I and its Lo-Fi version. How did you collaborate with Soumil Shringarpure on these tracks?
We started with You And I (the up-tempo version), where the excitement of reverse-engineering Anand’s vision guided our writing process. He provided reference tracks and imagery that shaped our songwriting challenge, making it an enjoyable experience.
On the subject of the soundtrack, some listeners praised the new tracks while others felt they fell short compared to the first season. Personally, I perceive the second season’s album as more experimental and a beautiful fusion of genres. Do you believe comparing the two seasons is even necessary?
I completely understand the inclination to compare seasons, as it’s a common practice among passionate fans. The first season’s soundtrack was undeniably iconic, composed by SEL. However, this season also brought talented composers like Shankar, Siddharth Mahadevan, and Soumil Shringarpure into the mix, creating an album that still feels connected to the roots of classical music.
For me, this season’s fusion excites me because it does not merely juxtapose classical and pop; it introduces elements of eclectic rock and folk. This blending highlights the beauty of classical traditions while allowing new influences to shine through. The variety in voices and styles creates a rich musical experience.
What were your favorite tracks from the new album and why?
I’ve been playing the album on repeat lately. Nirmohiya holds a special significance for me because of its connection to Ananya. Additionally, I’ve been enjoying Sakhi Mori, Sur Hi Parmatma, and Yeh Raat this month.
If a third season of Bandish Bandits were to happen, what direction would you hope for Ananya’s character?
Honestly, I don’t want to speculate. It’s all in Anand’s hands, and we are merely tools to manifest his creative vision. However, I can imagine what Ananya would desire! (Radhe)
Your music showcases a tapestry of styles, including your latest track, Main Character Energy, created with Sanjeeta. It calls to mind influences from Ariana Grande while retaining your distinct essence. Can you share the creative process behind this song?
That’s an astute observation! Ariana was indeed one of our inspirations for the track. We penned ‘Main Character Energy’ during the last leg of Jawan’s filming at YRF studios. The song celebrates positivity, female friendships, and is simply a fun, upbeat anthem! We planned to release it on the anniversary of Jawan to pay tribute to the amazing female friendship we built during the film.
Your song Drama evokes a nostalgic pop vibe reminiscent of Taylor Swift. Could you shed light on its themes and inspirations?
Absolutely! I aimed for a confessional pop anthem tone, akin to Taylor Swift’s style. The subject revolves around overthinking and the chaotic complexities of emotions—especially in relationships—within a society that discourages full emotional expression. Drama embodies the idea that it’s okay to embrace life’s messiness.
Last year, your track Don’t Come Back resonated deeply with many, evoking themes of heartbreak and self-affirmation. What inspired you to create such a candid piece?
I appreciate that! Don’t Come Back captures the bittersweet essence of ending a toxic relationship. It serves as a reminder of personal boundaries and self-worth when dealing with the aftermath of unhealthy connections. Since it was so personal to me, I wrote, composed, and produced it myself, ensuring that it bore my signature sound.
The song Paraye showcases minimalism with a delicate interplay of Hindi and French lyrics, creating an evocative auditory experience. How did you craft this unique auditory vibe?
Thank you! My familiarity with French guided the creation of that song. I started by playing chords on the guitar, which naturally led me to sing in a ballad style reminiscent of French songs. The combination of Hindi lyrics added depth and emotion, resulting in a piece that felt authentic and meant to be.
Mukkadar stands as a delightful, ukulele-driven track brimming with sunshine and nostalgic romance. How did you transition it into the folk-pop genre?
Initially, I wrote it on guitar, but a realization struck me: it needed to be a ukulele piece! Despite not owning one, I purchased a ukulele to centralize it in the song’s production. It draws inspiration from artists like Ingrid Michaelson and Taba Chake, with the instrument adding an inviting innocence to the overall vibe.
The title of your EP, Why Should I, is both intriguing and bold. Can you explain its significance, especially regarding your grandmother’s catchphrase?
My grandmother embodies strength and independence, standing up for her beliefs in a time when it was risky to do so. Her catchphrase, “why should I?” has always resonated with me. This EP is a collection of songs that challenge norms, making her spirit the perfect thematic inspiration.
How does your nickname ‘Jhalli’ contribute to the theme of your EP, and what does it signify to you as an artist?
I strive to remember my roots as an artist and resist getting lost in industry expectations. My childhood belief was that true art connects with those who feel out of place. Jhalli symbolizes the beautifully flawed artist in me and serves as a reminder to embrace authenticity, which I hope inspires others to do the same.
Individuals labeled as “jhallis” tend to defy norms—those who are unconventional and creative. I aim to encourage such uniqueness, as our world benefits from diverse expressions rather than perfectionism.
The name elicits strong feelings—some embrace it while others resist it. Art, after all, has the power to challenge comfort and offer solace.
Rebellion appears to be a recurring motif in your music. How does this theme connect to your personal journey as an artist?
Being an artist entails a unique perspective, often prompting a sense of rebellion against conventional wisdom. Conformity stifles free thought, leading to creativity that lacks authenticity—an honest and impactful expression is impossible in such a context.
Dream Girl critiques the traditional portrayal of women in pop culture. What prompted you to address this specific archetype, and what message do you want to convey?
I want listeners to recognize that the dream girl is a societal construct. Women are complex beings with their own realities, yet societal pressure to conform to ideals can be suffocating. Dream Girl aims to highlight that chasing perfection can detract from genuine happiness since true perfection is unattainable.
In what ways does Hurricane express your views on gender norms, and how does its incorporation of Vedic symbolism enhance its message?
If cultural elements naturally integrate into my work, I embrace them. Hurricane expresses the impermanence of societal constructs, emphasizing the empowerment that can come from righteous anger.
How have your familial background and experiences in the US influenced your musical style and approach?
Studying in the US exposed me to a rich blend of music and diverse ideas, significantly broadening my artistic perspective and refining my songwriting skills.
Having explored various genres such as R&B, jazz, pop, and indie rock, are there other styles you’re interested in pursuing? Which genres do you enjoy most?
With my foundation in Western music genres, I now feel a strong curiosity to delve into Hindustani classical and Indian folk music. Inspired by my experience on Bandish Bandits, I recognize the depth of our cultural music heritage, and I’m eager to explore further.
What musical influences inspire your creative process? Are there any artists or actors who have significantly impacted your personal and artistic development?
My current influences include The Beatles, Gulzar, Joni Mitchell, Javed Akhtar, Hozier, Lana Del Rey, Alex Turner, and Julian Casablancas. In terms of acting, I hold immense admiration for Nasir, and working with Rajesh Tailang was a valuable experience. Additionally, I deeply respect Deepika’s nuanced approach to her craft.
The label of “Jawan Girl” has become part of your identity. However, do you feel this title might overshadow the broader range of your artistic capabilities, especially since Jawan was your debut?
Not at all! I cherish being associated with it. Collaborating with the legendary SRK and forming bonds with the other ‘Jawan girls’ remains a highlight of my career. Much like graduates who take pride in their institutions, I gladly embrace this chapter of my journey.
What does your 2025 agenda look like? Are there any new EPs, LPs, or acting projects on the horizon? Furthermore, which artists or actors are on your wish list for future collaborations?
I have a collaboration called “Ishare” with Somanshu coming out soon, which I believe listeners will genuinely appreciate.
I’m also creating new music and still deciding the direction I want to take it in.
I recently wrapped filming on another project, so you can expect more from me soon. I’d love to collaborate with Sneha Khanwalkar, AP Dhillon, or King from the Indian music scene. Internationally, artists like Billie Eilish, Jacob Collier, Joy Crookes, and Chappell Roan are on my radar for potential partnerships.
Source
www.news18.com