Bhattacharya shares his journey with music
WBy Chaitali B. Roy
hen you consider the lives of many famous musicians, you notice that working on a regular job while pursuing music on the side is something that many artistes have done. Many successful musicians kept on working at their day jobs, even after making it big in the music business. They continued with their chosen profession to earn a decent living that in turn helped fund their creative endeavours. Subhashish Bhattacharya is one such individual who despite a successful career in Kuwait’s corporate world has been seeking the same success in the world of music. He has managed to pull it off by juggling a successful corporate life with playing music on the side. What makes his journey exciting and inspiring is his refusal to give up on his creative side, and nurturing the same through consistent efforts over the years. Arab Times speaks to Subhashish Bhattaharya about his journey with music.
When and how did you begin your journey with music?
Music runs in my family as both my parents were professionally qualified musicians. My father, Late Pt Ajit Bhattacharya retired as a Professor of Vocal Music from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi whereas my mother did her Masters in Music. My musical journey started a couple of years after coming to Kuwait.
Why didn’t you take up
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My father never encouraged me due to the enormous struggle he had to go through while pursuing classical music and settle professionally in the field of music. My parents pushed me more towards academics, which is the reason I did not receive any formal training in music. I wish I could spend more time to explore and experiment.
What brought music into your life?
My father’s death left me bereft and restless. He had worked so hard to make a profession out of music, and through it to sustain his family. How could I just let go off music? My father died of cancer, and after his death, I pledged to pursue music and help patients suffering from cancer through my efforts which is the reason the proceeds from my album titled ‘Ek Koshish’ released in 2012 was donated to Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital in Kolkata.
Did you find a lack of creative opportunities in Kuwait?
The kind of art I am pursuing needs proper infrastructure and skill set to perform and record. There is a lack of talented musicians in Kuwait when it comes to composing music and recording in the studio. This is the reason I travel frequently to Mumbai to access all facilities under one roof. My musical work is supported by my wife, who is also a musician.
You are in a senior position in a company. Do you find it challenging to balance between the two worlds?
Honestly, living in Kuwait is a blessing as the country has given me enough opportunity to strike a balance between work and life. This is mainly due to the environment of corporate discipline, which allows breathing time after office hours.
You have done some musical collaboration in India. What was the experience like?
Until last year or so, I pursued music more as a hobby but after leading artistes like Abhijeet, Shaan, Iman and now the living legend Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhoslejee commented on my musical compositions along with Shyamraj, the famous Bollywood lyricist, I started taking it up more seriously and tried to accelerate my efforts with whatever time I get after my working hours. I am well connected with the music industry and the prime channels now, and this is helping me learn and explore the subject more.
You have also produced a film – what led you to do so, and what was the experience like?
Honestly, it was a bitter experience yet a learning one. The idea was to make a movie on a social cause which is why I picked up the controversial subject of ‘adultery’ which wasn’t very well accepted by the people perhaps due to the fact that people don’t like to talk openly on the subject. Moreover, I learnt that movie making is not my cup of tea as I don’t have any expertise on the subject.
Where do you see your journey with music going?
Honestly, with the legends and veterans now commenting on my music, I am supercharged to create more good music in times to come. (RTRS)