1. Can you take us through your creative process?

My method usually includes thoroughly understanding the theme and characters and how those characters can be represented through different instruments and binding them into a musical journey. The tempos, keys and feel play an important role in defining the direction of the music.

2. Who would you like to work with next?

There is a long list of Filmmakers and musicians I would love to collaborate with. It includes Director S.S. Rajamouli and musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain along with my favorite Soumendra Padhi. With so much amazing talent in the industry, I am sure a good script and a good film will come my way!

3. What skills do you think are essential to succeed as a music composer?

Love for music, a good ear, a good sense of rhythm, know how to play a few instruments, hands on with Digital Audio Workstations and a good set of work ethics.

4. Which musical instruments do you love playing ?

My main instruments are Guitar and Bass Guitar but I’ve picked up a bunch of folk instruments along the way like Bagal Bacchu, Morchang, Ektara and Melodica and Harmonica. I’m constantly trying to teach myself the keyboard which is essential in today’s times.

5. How did you get to composing Hasot Liye ? What was the brief given to you?

According to the brief, the song was supposed to be a fun, peppy and uplifting track in the background of a wedding scene with very street style vocals narrating the situation of the entire Phishing Scam of Jamtara. There are some songs that we work over time and they evolve into the final versions as we hear them. But Hasot Liye, unlike those kinds of tracks, was born the day it was written. It instantly caught everyone’s attention and developed into a desi dance song. I really wanted to make the characters dance more than anything else and I think Hasot Liye achieved that.

6. What advice would you give to young aspiring composers who want to make it big in the music industry?

My advice is to follow your heart and seize all the opportunities you get. Practise your skills hard and have fun playing. There are many mainstream avenues in music now and looking at how much content is being created and consumed, it’s a great time to be in this profession. Especially with the technology at hand, one only needs great ideas. Go for it!