Vishal had composed for Govind Nihalani's Sansodhan and Laurence D'Souza's Fauji already, but his first mainstream release was Gulzar's Maachis -- an album which immediately captured the nation's fancy.

From Chappa chappa charkha to Chhod aaye hum, Vishal delivered many an anthem. It was all a portent of greater things to come.