In this exclusive interview with iGlobal, Vimal Anandpura - the visionary behind the London Bollywood Orchestra - opens up about his latest passion project and the magic of Indian film music.
By day, Anandpura serves as the Global CFO at UWS, but his true calling lies in music. His brainchild, the London Bollywood Orchestra, made a dazzling debut last year at Wilton’s Music Hall, earning widespread acclaim for its mesmerizing renditions of Bollywood classics. The ensemble enchanted audiences with spellbinding performances of iconic melodies like Lag Jaa Gale and An Evening in Paris, featuring ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ star Navin Kundra.
Now, ahead of their upcoming show, ‘Sounds of Mumbai’, Anandpura shares his vision for the orchestra, his deep-rooted passion for music, and the timeless, universal appeal of Indian cinema’s melodies.
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What does music mean to you?
Music holds deep significance for me. I believe it is often underrated in the development of an individual. Like art, literature or sport, music broadens one's horizons and plays a crucial role in well-being -especially in this day and age, where stress is so prevalent. It is not just a source of enjoyment; the more one engages with music, the more enriching it becomes. So I think for me music is a critical part of who I am and my personality.
How did the London Bollywood Orchestra come about and what are your hopes for it?
The London Bollywood Orchestra is my vision, which I initiated with Tim Pottier. Tim and I first collaborated in 2008 when he arranged music for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's performance with Sonu Nigam at the London Coliseum. Watching Bollywood music performed by UK-based Western musicians inspired me to take the idea further. However, my corporate commitments delayed the project. Last year, when I become a bit freer from my work life, I reconnected with Tim to establish a more manageable ensemble. A band of between 40 to 20 which can still reproduce the similar, if not better, sound than a huge symphony orchestras ensemble of around 65 to 70 musicians.
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What makes Bollywood classics and melodies so universally timeless?
I think Indian composers, especially in Bollywood, have been incredible. I can’t speak as much for South Indian composers, though, of course, legends like Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman have made a huge impact. Bollywood has done a fantastic job of adapting the foundations of Indian classical music - ragas, melodies, and the taal - while also embracing influences from around the world, whether Western or Arabic. But no matter how much inspiration it takes, Bollywood music always retains its distinct Indianness. Be it the lyrics, the harmonies or the sweetness of the melodies - all of it comes together in a way that continues to connect with people, no matter where they’re from. And when you blend that with Western orchestration, it creates something truly unique. I’ve even heard Western classical musicians say that some compositions by legends like Shankar-Jaikishan and Laxmikant-Pyarelal are more complex than pieces by Mozart or Beethoven, which just shows how much depth this music really has.
That’s something I take great pride in. Bollywood music isn’t just about entertainment - it has a lasting quality that deserves to be cherished. If we don’t preserve it properly, we risk losing some of its intricacies over time. That’s why I want to make sure it’s presented in the right setting -concert halls with proper acoustics - so people can truly experience the richness of the sound, just as the composers intended when they first created these songs.
*Info: Sounds of Mumbai