I don't possess pressure genes: Shantanu

Shantanu Moitra, who has come up with a calendar of his pictures of the Sunderbans, talks to TOI about his commitment for causes, both musical and otherwise.
Why did you decide to film the Sunderbans?
While talking about Vote for Sunderbans, I thought the best promotion would be to dedicate this year’s calendar to the Sunderbans.
In the capacity of a celebrity, what do you think you can do to improve the situation of Sunderbans?
First comes awareness.Sunderbans, to me, was just the famed tiger. I am sure the majority thinks the same. I realized there is so much more. My endeavour is to make people aware that there is more to Sunderbans than just tigers. I find an acute need to protect the mangroves, which are not glamorous to look at. Probably, they are as important, if not more, than the Royal Bengal Tiger. The lack of drinking water is also a concern.
Is there any secret to understanding when a celeb is endorsing a cause because he/she is truly concerned and when he/she is doing it only for publicity?
There is no way to know that. What hurts more is ignorance and complete apathy. I have seen that in the North East. If a celebrity can help put the place or the issue in the prime brain peripheral of a person, I’d see that as a step forward. Just publicity would be tragic. But I see no harm if along with publicity that a celebrity gets, the issue is also highlighted.
You are back to judging a reality show in Bengal. Many Mumbai-based celebrity judges/hosts don’t talk highly about the payment and the infrastructure that’s available when they shoot for reality shows in Kolkata. What’s your views?
Yes, there is less money. If you love music and see the talent among those who sing in Marathi and Bengali, it just cleanses your soul. Mine does at least. In terms of professionalism, I have experienced not-so-pleasant moments in Mumbai too. I’ve had to wait for hours before the shooting starts. Cars have not turned up to fetch me. A judge taking too much time for make-up and even delayed payments — I have faced it all in Mumbai.
Okay. Why then do you think Kolkata has to live with this unprofessional branding with celebs making it seem as if all the bad things happen here only?
When someone points out Kolkata as unprofessional , the city needs to point out unprofessionalism in Mumbai. Good and bad exist everywhere.
A lot has changed in the film music scenario since you set the ball rolling with “Antaheen” . How much of a pressure do you have on yourself now while composing for Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s next?
I don’t possess pressure genes. I couldn’t have done many things if I faced pressure. But, yes, I am concerned that I should create something which is not a repetition of “Antaheen” . I have finished composing four songs for Aniruddha’s next. Two still remain. I haven’t decided on who will sing the numbers as yet.
What about competition with Debajyoti Mishra and Indraadip Das Gupta, who have scored some good music in recent times?
“Autograph” is an outstanding album. The day I heard it, I conveyed my views to Debu. Of course, there’s competition. I have a lot to learn from them. I think, they are great and I am just beginning to understand Bengal, where these guys are pros. They’ve been there, done that.
Finally, is there anything that you want to draw attention to in terms of what’s happening in the music industry now?
We are going through a phase where everything in music means films. Let’s all work hard to get out of this uni-dimensional projection of music and promote other genres too. Film work apart, I have just started working on an album with Gulzar.
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