'Casting couch exists in every walk of life'

...says Shantanu moitra, the ace music director, in a tele-chat with TOI, ahead of his visit to the city for Carlsberg International Film Festival Nagpur, organised by Nirzar Film Society.
How is it that your music always retains the melody sans the rock-remix music prevalent the most today?
I don't create songs to sell; I genuinely like to create good songs. Songs, which give an insight into the film is what I believe any music director should keep in mind while composing songs for any movie.And probably that's the reason why my songs are diverse as I try to reflect the characters in the movie through my songs.
Why such less work when you have delivered big musical hits like Parineeta and 3 idiots?
I never pick up a project thinking that I only have to do the music and that's where my role ends. If a movie script and its characters don't interest me, it's a straight no from my side. I am always hungry for good scripts and that's why you don't hear my music often. I don't want my songs to be a fad, but a reminiscence, which people should enjoy forever.
You are the ambassador for Sunderban Jungles and an avid photographer. Does flirting with nature inspire you in composing your melodies?
Yes, definitely. Nature is a great source of inspiration to me. I believe almost every person is inspired by nature in some way or the other. And I love capturing the mysterious moments of life in my camera. Whenever I get stuck while composing a song, I look at these pictures and get refreshed instantaneously.
Any plans of visiting jungles around Nagpur?
Having heard so much about the jungles near Nagpur, I want to visit them soon. I hope when I come to Nagpur, I get the time to visit one of the jungles.
Explain your new love for the stars, planets and galaxies...
It is strange to know that almost 70 percent of the people spend their lives without ever bothering to see what's there up in the sky. The universe is so fascinating and it is interesting to study these mesmerising things around us. Whenever I get time, I take my telescope and look at the stars and feel absolutely divine.
Does casting couch exist in the music industry too?
I am sure casting couch exists in every walk of life, and our music industry is no exception to it. But, if an artist has the talent and the willpower to not fall for such things, these things wouldn't survive. So, I want to tell all the aspiring artists to not look for a shortcut to success. At the end of the day, if you have the talent, you will get noticed, no matter who you are.
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