National Award winning composer Ismail Darbar says he rejected 32 proposals after the success of "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" because he would not compromise on quality.

"If I only wanted to make money in the world of film music, I could have accepted any of those 32 offers. But, no, I want to create immortal melodies," tells Darbar.

He was in the city to attend a social function and also meet old friends in his native state of Gujarat.

He won the National Award for "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" directed by Sanjal Leela Bhansali. The director gave him another opportunity in "Devdas" and Darbar delivered haunting melodies for the classic tale of love and loss.

The acclaimed director, however, did not opt for Darbar's music in his much-talked-about next venture, "Black".

"Bhansali and I are friends as well as foes," he said with a smile. "He may give me an opportunity in his next project," he added.

Darbar's most awaited release is Subhash Ghai's "Kisna".

"Ghai wanted A.R. Rahman to compose music for the ambitious film, but Rahman was busy with a number of national and international projects. It was Rahman who suggested my name to Ghai.

"That was how Ghai contacted me. However, he convinced Rahman to compose two numbers for the film."

Darbar is very fond of "Yeh Chilman Uthegi Nahin", an 11-minute qawwali he has composed for the big banner film. "I have attempted a fusion of the Sufi qawwali tradition and Western music. I am sure it will appeal to all generations," he said.

While two of his five films have left critics and fans craving for more, he regretted that his music in "Tera Jadu Chal Gaya", "Mehbooba" and "Diwanagi" had turned out to be entirely forgettable.

"Still, two out of five is not a bad ratio," said the son of a saxophone player from the south Gujarat city of Surat.

"I am happy when some fans tell me that my music reminds them of the music composed by the all-time great Naushad. I wish I were born 25 years ago.

"I could have then worked with my favourite musicians like Madan Mohan and I would have had to work harder to compete with the likes of Naushad, Ravi, Shankar-Jaikishan and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. I could have then had my compositions sung by my most favourite singer, Mohammed Rafi.

"The increasing craze for remixes only proves that old is gold. Singers like Talat Mehmood and Mukesh were original diamonds. Compared to them, most of those around us today are like artificial diamonds," Darbar said.

"Among the current generation, I am amazed by the energy Anu Malik has. As for singers, Sukhwinder Singh is the one who makes my task easiest. I also love Udit Narayan's voice."