Say yes to music, not noise: Gaurav

Musician Gaurav Raina (above), one half of the popular group Midival Punditz isn’t a big fan of promoting music on the Internet. “I don’t like it too much. I feel it has reduced the value of music and made it readily consumable by giving it a limited shelf-life,” he says. The Delhi-based musician recommends that listeners “navigate through noise” on the Internet to get the best music. “Having said that, I think it is a plus point that music is more accessible now and the gap between music and its listeners is reduced. It isn’t difficult anymore to streamline between the levels of talent in the sea of digital music available to us. Navigating through this is recommended,” says Gaurav, who released his single, Dream, as a solo artist, Grain. His solo projects don’t have an effect on Midivial Punditz or his partner on the project, Tapan Raj. “Tapan has been supportive of my solo career, as it is completely different from Midival Punditz and helps me relieve my artistic expressions in a completely different sphere,” he says. Powerful visuals are an important ingredient for Gaurav’s music and he feels that it’s important for the musician to have meaningful visuals with a song. “The marriage of music and visuals is an age-old theory. These pieces of art are not only collaborations, but also vehicles that help deliver a powerful kick into the listeners’ mind. I believe that music can tell a story and these stories become a part of one’s musical identity.”

I think it is a plus point that music is more accessible now and the gap between music and its listeners is reduced GAURAV RAINA, MUSICIAN

Shreya Mukherjee

On his birthday today, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty (top, right) has planned to rustle up a storm in his kitchen. And his son, actor Mahaakshay (inset) aka Mimoh, says their family is looking forward to the delicious spread the 67-year-old is planning. “Dad maintains a low profile and doesn’t enjoy parties. On his birthday, he prefers spending time at home and cooking for us. He is the best chef in the world. His biryani is to die for,” smiles Mahaakshay, adding that his father doesn’t stop at making just one dish; he cooks a full course. “From starters to main course to dessert, he prepares the entire spread. Dad can cook a lot of cuisines. He is the master chef of India.” Looking back, Mahaakshay shares that their extended family also looks forward to the meal prepared by Mithun. “Our cousins also visit our house on his birthday as no one wants to miss his food.” Ask Mahaakshay about how he plans to surprise his dad this year, and he says, “Dad says he is too young to accept gifts. He jokes that he is still in his twenties,” says Mahaakshay, breaking into a laugh. As the chat veers towards learnings from the veteran actor, his son gets emotional, and says, “He is my hero. He has taught me everything... What’s right and wrong!”