Rajev Paul can weave magic with words

There can never be a bigger boost for an individual than to be awarded for his very first attempt. And TV actor Rajev Paul witnessed this recently and is on cloud nine. Rajev, who turned poet with his first book, Mumbai, Mohabbat Aur Tanhai, is extremely elated as one of his poems, Uljha Sa Rehta Hoon, which was used by the band Shadow to compose a song, won the International IndieGo Award on 20 January 2012 in four categories, viz. Asian Champion of the Year 2012 (Special Jury award), Best Electro/Dance act, Best Pop Song and The best freaking act in the universe (Special jury award). The band, Shadow, comprises of Vineet Malhotra and Rajan Adlakha. Though Rajev is extremely delighted now; initially he was doubtful. “Vineet and Rajan contacted me through Facebook and told me they wanted to use my poem, Uljha, to compose a song. In spite of the fact that I was very skeptical, I gave them a nod,” says Rajev. Apart from lyrical contribution, the actor has also rendered his voice to the composition. “I read out a few verses of the poem.” And in fact, now he is all ready to launch an album with Shadow, which will feature Uljha and six more poems from Mumbai, Mohabbat Aur Tanhai. “Incidentally, Juhi Chawla told me that my poems are very lyrical and can make for very good songs. So when Uljha was nominated, Juhi was like ‘didn’t I tell you’,” smiles Rajev. He also reveals that many people have approached him to use his songs. This award came as a great surprise to Rajev: “When Uljha was nominated, I was very happy and was wondering if I actually write that well. And now that it has won an award, my joy knows no bounds.” He also tells us that he penned down the poem some six months back. “I started writing these poems long time ago, some 15 years ago. And I got a publisher very easily but the tough part was compiling the poems, as they were all scattered and I had to search them in different place,” says Rajev and adds that he had used simple words. Till date, Rajev has got great reviews for his work. “The last two years have been very testing for me, both personally and professionally. Since 2012 has started on such a good note, I expect great things to happen, year long.” Does that mean he will come up with another compilation of poems? “I would love to write another book, but it is just too early to talk about it. Probably, next year I might do it,” reveals the actor turned writer. But given that his stint with poetry is earning him so many laurels; will he do away with acting? “Acting will not take a backseat, I am an actor first,” ends Rajev.