One of the most anticipated events at Kalaa Utsavam 2019 is undoubtedly the concert by National Award-winning Bollywood composer, renowned singer and lyricist Amit Trivedi. One of the most popular and in-demand music composers of today, the concert will also mark Trivedi’s Singapore debut.
Connected to India spoke to the music composer of major Bollywood hits like Dev D, Lootera, Kai Po Che, and Secret Superstar, about what he feels is the difference between performing in India and abroad, his favourite musical score, the importance of Kalaa Utsavam and much more.
Do you feel there is a difference between performing for an Indian audience abroad versus an audience in India?
It’s mostly the same. But because abroad there aren’t as many shows as there are in India, you can feel the energy and the excitement from the Indian audience abroad and that just pumps you up for the show even more.
What role do you think festivals like Kalaa Utsavam play in spreading Indian arts and culture in other countries?
They play a massive role because they not only help Indians abroad be connected to their roots but also expose people of other nations to our cultures and traditions and experience the beauty that is India.
What has been the most memorable music score you have worked on and why?
I’m proud of all of the music that I’ve created. All are very memorable. The one that stands tall though is my first film – Dev D. It was a beautiful experience working on the film, and with Anurag (Kashyap) sir.
Tell us about winning the National Award for Music Direction… that must have been a very special moment for you.
Of course, it was. As I said, scoring for Dev D has been the most memorable experience for me and winning a National Award for that was just immensely exciting and humbling.
What was it like composing the music for The Extraordinary Journey of The Fakir, whose producers are incidentally Singapore based – did you feel there was any difference in composing music for a Hollywood film?
There wasn’t – because the situations were very Indian and the songs that were required were a club song, a romantic song, a theme song, which are generally the requirements here too. So, in that way there wasn’t much difference but yes, the setup was different, which coming from a French director was very refreshing to see. An almost Bollywood-ish kind of brief from a French director was a very interesting and refreshing change.
How important is audience feedback to you?
Well, I create music for the audience and not to enjoy for myself. So, it is very important that audiences receive it well and appreciate it well. It feels good. If they don’t then it makes you work harder so audience feedback is very important.
Which do you enjoy more – composing music for films or performing live gigs?
Both, actually. It’s all connected right? When new music is composed for films that’s what we go and perform outside for people. But I’m happier being in the studio.
Amit Trivedi at Kalaa Utsavam
Where: Esplanade Theatre
When: 23 November, 2019 at 8.00 pm
Entry: SGD 55-165
Click here to buy tickets.
