Andhadhun music composer Daniel B George on baul, folk nuances in his music

From

Andhadhun

, Agent Vinod,

Helicopter Eela

,

Johnny Gaddar

, Sonali Cable, Bell Bottom to

Judgementall Hai Kya

,

Quickgun Murugun

and the recent Ashutosh Gowariker's

Toolsidas Junior

, music composer

Daniel B George

has carved his own niche in the Indian music industry. His latest work involves background score for another film being based in Kolkata. In a quick chat with us, he shared his thoughts on working on projects based in the city, music and more.

Tell us about your connection with Kolkata through work and if otherwise. Also, what sound elements or impact did you keep in mind while scoring for this film based in Kolkata?

My journey with Calcutta, now Kolkata, started earlier on with a film called Parineeta by Pradeep Sarkar. As an integral part of the film’s music team, I had orchestrated, played and arranged all the songs for Parineeta. That was followed by Antaheen and Aparojita Tumi for Anirudh Roy Chowdhury (Tony) where again I had orchestrated and arranged the music, score, songs. So the music of Bengal, be it folk or Rabindrasangeet and its rich classical heritage is not alien to me at all. After the songs of Parineeta, I especially enjoyed exploring the beautiful landscape of Bengali music in the song called Jao Pakhi Bolo sung beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal.
Continuing my association and having already experienced the Bengal music landscape in my earlier years, I have generously used the ambience of Kolkata in my recent background score. I have picked up nuances from the baul folk instruments as well. Also, I love S D Burman sir's music.

Tell us about the difference between working in Tollywood and Bollywood music industries? How similar or different are they?

Once upon a time one could differentiate Tollywood and Bollywood music. But in the current milieu, the lines are blurred with both industries having an equally strong influence on the whole pan-India narrative alike. The core and depth of each are distinct but the presentations vary giving it a universal appeal. Thanks to today’s social media boom, even listeners from anywhere in India make no distinction or judgement anymore.