On my pinboard - Ram Sampath

composer and music producer

Composer, music producer and musician, Ram Sampath dons many hats with elan. He started his career with composing jingles for the advertising industry, subsequently he started composing for pop albums like ‘Tanha Dil’ by Shaan.

After that, he started composing for films like Khakee (2004), Delhi Belly (2011) and Talaash (2012). The hit track ‘Bhaag DK Bose Aandhi Aayi’ from ‘Delhi Belly’ became an internet sensation ahead of the release of the film. He has also composed the music for the yet-to-be-released ‘Raees’ as well as the highly popular title track ‘Tera Rang Aisa’ of the talk show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ hosted by Aamir Khan.

Ram is married to singer Sona Mohapatra, who is his frequent collaborator as well as
business partner in their music production house ‘OmGrown Music’. He was also part of the 2013 season of the popular television music series Coke Studio.

Cinema
Elle

“There are too many to mention but the last film that thoroughly moved me was Paul Verhoeven’s ‘Elle’. It showcased a stunning performance by Isabelle Huppert and a beautiful score by Anne Dudley. In India, regional cinema has been producing some gems lately. Among the films I loved this year were Nagraj Manjule’s ‘Sairat’, Raam Reddy’s brilliant production ‘Thithi’ and Ruchika Oberoi’s ‘Island City’.”

Food
Japanese cuisine

“I love Japanese cuisine. Their emphasis on retaining the natural taste leads to the dishes saving most of their nutritious qualities and taste. I have had a wide variety of Japanese foods yet never tire of them. But my comfort food remains Indian cuisine — I can have it any time of the day or night.”

Travel
Rome

“Though I have been to many places around the globe, Rome remains my favourite travel destination. The history, architecture and sheer majesty of the place keeps calling me back. In India, I love visiting Kerala, Odisha and Uttarakhand. The beauty and grandeur of these places is a sight for sore eyes. Even though these places are my favourites, I have committed to seeing many more places in the near future.”

Author
 Amitav Ghosh

“It is a bit difficult to find the time to read books
as much as I would want to, due to my busy schedule. Reading has become something of a luxury these days though I still manage to pick up a book every now and then. Though I have a list of favourite authors, presently it is Amitav Ghosh. His latest book, ‘The Great Derangement’, is very interesting and a must read.”

Musician
S D Burman

“That is indeed a tough choice. I have so many of them. S D Burman is right at the top of this list with his soulful and ethereal melodies. I also love the works of Pt Kumar Gandharva, Billie Holiday, Madan Mohan, Girija Devi, George Gershwin, Miles Davis, Sting, Ilayaraja, Bernard Herrmann, Pt Channulal Mishra, Ustaad Rashid Khan, Peter Gabriel, Jeff Buckley, Aruna Sairam, Trent Reznor... this list can go on and on.”

Inspiration
History

“My sources of inspiration are many. Books remain a primary source along with history, travel and art — all serve to inspire me in one way or the other. And I always believe that there is beauty and creativity all around us; in everything we see. One just has to tune out the noise to appreciate the melodies all around us.”