Musically yours...

He is the most sought after music composer in Bollywood today and has become a household name thanks to the chartbusters he has been belting out in the recent times. Pritam Chakraborty is clearly at the top of his game and is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, with filmmakers queuing up to sign him for their productions.

Despite having a late start to 2015, Pritam is back with a bang with hit tracks including “Selfie Le Le Re” and “Tu Chahiye” for the latest blockbuster feature Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Speaking about the experience of working on the film, the reclusive composer says, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan is an emotional and beautiful film. I felt an instant connection with the movie the moment I read the script. Although I realised it is not a music-friendly film and does not lend itself to too many song-dance situations, which are typically incorporated in a masala movie, it’s a storyline that will always be special to me. Director Kabir Khan is a fantastic person to work with and gives enough freedom to his team.”

Apart from the interesting line-up of upcoming movies including Kabir Khan’s next Phantom, Shah Rukh-Kajol starrer Dilwale and Jagga Jasoos, Pritam is also a part of a one-of-a-kind talent hunt project called Closeup Websinger in association with #fame, which aims at giving a digital platform to aspiring singers in the country.

Speaking about what attracted him to the unique initiative, the composer says, “Today, the digital space is extremely fast moving and I believe music is one of the most accepted pastimes online and it resonates strongly with the youth, leaving a powerful impact. The concept of the show is quite different from the usual music programmes, which made me take this up. Through Closeup Websinger, we will discover India’s next wave of superstar singers.”

At a time when music reality shows are fighting for TRPs on TV and have a wide reach and crazy fan-following, Closeup Websinger may have a tough time garnering a base. When asked what he felt about the reach of the show, Pritam clarifies, “Consumers around the world are moving towards the smartphone market. The smartphone frenzy has hit the tier II and tier III cities as well. With this, we will be able to tap not just developed urban consumers, but also a mix of rural and small town population. So, we definitely have the required reach and access to all these people who are waiting to get noticed and showcase their talent. I am looking forward to this exciting digital experience with #fame.”

With new artistes entering the music scene, composers like Pritam seem to be spoilt for choice. “We have seen a tremendous change in the music scene. Although we have had legendary singers who have lent their voice to the industry, I believe the music space is growing with every passing day and there are innumerable people who are looking out for the right medium to present their talent to the world. We are constantly on the lookout for such extraordinary talents. And get to experiment with different voices, which is any composer’s dream come true.”

Pritam, who comes from a musical family (his father runs a music school in Kolkata), has a long list of artistes who have shaped his musical sensibilities and have been a part of his musical education. “I have been influenced by many musicians starting from Freddie Mercury to R D Burman. Some of my albums that I cherish the most are Life In A Metro, Tum Mile, Barfi!, Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani,  and Cocktail.”

After back-to-back hits in the last two years (Barfi!, Cocktail, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Yaariyan), has the star composer become picky about the projects that come his way? “I want to commit myself only to limited projects so that I can give my best to them,” he says, adding that he doesn’t want to compromise on quality at any cost.