Renowned Bollywood composer Salim Merchant recently shared his thoughts on music, spirituality, and his admiration for Dubai. Alongside his brother, Sulaiman, Salim has crafted musical hits for films like Chak De! India and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. However, he finds his deepest passion in Bhoomi, an independent project that has provided a platform for folk musicians across India since 1999.
Dubai: A Reflection of Islam’s Values
Salim expressed his love for Dubai, praising its leaders for creating a city that welcomes all faiths. He views Dubai as a “great reflection of Islam,” which, he says, promotes love and respect for every human being, culture, and religion. He also expressed admiration for the city’s modern infrastructure and commitment to quality of life, citing its 30-km-long cycling track as an example. Salim is also collaborating with Dubai-based poet Amaan Haider Zaidi, whom he describes as a naturally blessed artist with a powerful command of words.
The Art of Independent Music
Salim explained that while he still works on Bollywood films, his independent projects like Bhoomi allow for greater creative freedom. He feels that modern Bollywood music has become too “boxed” and that he can no longer create songs with the same artistic depth as those from his earlier days. With Bhoomi, he is free to explore diverse musical styles and folk traditions, which he says are a true reflection of his own personality. He also praised singer Arijit Singh as a “once-in-a-lifetime talent,” attributing his success to his dedication and grounded lifestyle.
