Vishal, Rekha likely to release album next year

Filmmaker-composer Vishal Bharadwaj says he has been wanting to collaborate with his singer wife Rekha on an album, but his work commitments have kept them away from it. He hopes the album will be in the market by next year.

Rekha has added her rustic voice to songs "Namak", "Chingari", "Phir le aaya dil" and "Mast kalandar", and has even sung in some of her husband's directorial projects.

"We have been working on an album together for past three to four years, but because of my film commitments, it always gets behind. Now within next year, I think we will come out with the album," Vishal, known for movies like "Omkara", "Kaminey" and "7 Khoon Maaf", told IANS.

Vishal said their album is based on Urdu poet Bashir Badr's work, because "he has been our source of inspiration since we were children".

The 47-year-old, whose distinct sensibility of music has been felt through his movies, admits he is fond of singing with his wife, personally and professionally.

"In college, we used to sing together. But otherwise all the time we are singing because this is our soul," he said.

Talking about the ongoing trend of music reality shows on TV, Vishal said these are a boon for budding artists.

"I think more than Bollywood, the reality shows launch singers. I have seen so many singers coming from them. These reality shows are very beneficial for young and upcoming singers. It's a boon for the artists," he said.

Asked if he will be seen judging a reality show anytime soon, Vishal said: "Unless I am given loads of money, I won't judge them."

As of now, Vishal is busy with the promotions of his forthcoming co-production with Ekta Kapoor - the psychological thriller "Ek Thi Daayan", which stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin, Huma Qureshi and Emraan Hashmi in the lead.