I'm going to Antarctica as a cook

When he is not composing, Shantanu Moitra’s lens follows his heart. The composer tells TOI that he’s realised that he could write, do photography, gardening or even take up cooking for a living!
Being a composer, how did you take time out to do photography so seriously?
I could take time out so easily because I have been a composer. Since I have quit a corporate job, I appreciate my freedom all the more today.It’s up to me to decide when I want to work and how much of work I wish to do. It’s my decision not to accept films and go off to Nagaland to shoot. Temperamentally, I have always been like that.
When was it that you chose photography over composing for a movie?
Neither am I God nor am I that selfless to leave a good film. I would certainly not leave 3 Idiots and Antaheen and do photography instead. Staying in Mumbai means enduring the pressures of the city and my profession. Fortunately, I’ve kept myself free from serious EMIs. My wife, Sarada, has also been a great support. She knows that I’m a compulsive traveller. My son, Shubham, is also very environmentally conscious. Once I return from a vacation, I have a slide show of the pictures I’ve taken. If all goes well, I will be off to Antarctica in September. I could have spent a lot of money and taken a chopper ride. But I didn’t want that. In fact, I’ll be going there as a cook on a Russian ice-breaker!
While most photographers want to shoot with stars, why have you consciously avoided the celebs for whom you compose?
Having worked in Bollywood, I feel that there is more to life than movies. For 3 Idiots, I was the location consultant for the shoot in Pangong Lake!
Your profession does lend itself to highs and lows. During a dull phase, have you ever considered photography as an alternative career?
During a dull phase, I can be in the system and crib about why my songs are not working or I’m not getting the right kind of movies. But the other option is to move away and channelise the energy elsewhere. Here Gulzar has been my inspiration. There was a time when he wasn’t writing for films at all. That’s when he immersed himself into literary activities. I’ve never seen him depressed and he has bounced back to give a Chhaiya Chhaiya. For me, it’s important to understand whether I have the skill to do something else for a living too. Over the years, I’ve realised that I could write, do photography, gardening or cook for a living.
What kind of a satisfaction does photography give that you don’t get while composing?
I can’t be detached while composing. I’ve to understand Rancho if I’ve to compose a Behti Hawa. With photography, I can detach from my subject.
How is life post the huge success of 3 Idiots?
Nothing has changed. But I know I’m a lucky guy. This year, I’ve been part of two soundtracks that have created history. Antaheen came at a time when things were not happening in Bengal in terms of melody. It opened new avenues. When people talk about doing a film that marries entertainment with serious commentary, my name will come up in the context of 3 Idiots. Yet, I’ve never had the mindset to immediately cash in on success. For me, less is more. When Ab Ke Sawan was a hit, I went trekking. In another 20 odd days, I’ll be off to Mizoram.
By what percentage has your remuneration shot up post the box-office success?
I’ll no longer suffer from the Bengali middle-class hangover that prompts me to question: “Am I asking for too much money?”
Can Bengal afford a Shantanu Moitra now?
(Laughs) Only if I do it free of cost! A producer has to pay Rs 7 lac to Rs 8 lac to get a complete song.
So, only good relations can get you to compose for Bengal?
Yes and also on occasions where I know I will benefit. I am not here for charity. I know I benefited from Antaheen and I realise that there are certain feelings that can’t be quantified by money.
Have you considered coming up with a private album?
I have a strong desire to do an album with Swanand Kirkire. It’s liberating to score for a private album. Bollywood gives me the brand, private albums give me freedom.