Remix not needed, quality songs will survive anyway: Jeet Gannguli

Q. Do you still recount the changing face of Bengali songs in the early 2000s that came through you?

A. Yes, of course. It was very challenging actually. My family wanted me to produce Bengali songs. Since my childhood, I used to hear Bengali songs in Durga Puja pandals. But I had noticed a change in the scenario in a particular year when Hindi songs were being widely played. So I had taken on a challenge to bring a change. Then I started working for Bengali films in 2004 through Premi and carried on with many other works here. I am so fortunate that people have liked my songs. 'Dhaker Tale' is still being played during Durga Puja.

Q. Do you look at films based on their tones while giving music to them?

A. No. I never look at a film considering whether it is an art or a commercial. The work is supreme. I have worked for all kinds of films. I have always respected all works and never discriminated.

Q. How do you see the change in music over the years?

A. The change is very normal and important. The change is coming in all aspects of music but we need to think of how much positive effects have been created. I feel the positive impacts are way more. I really get surprised by the new generation’s music. However, we are lagging behind in one aspect. We are simply making remixes. I strongly disapprove of it. I don’t want to dissect iconic old songs sung by legends, no matter how much remuneration I am being offered. Moreover, I am disappointed by the fact that the names of the original composers are often left out in remixes.

Q. But don’t you think remixes are also needed for the survival of old songs?

A. No. Why will remix be needed? I don’t agree with it. Songs, which are meant to survive, will remain forever. No one has forgotten songs like 'Lag Jaa Gale' or 'Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa'. The new songs and the composers should also be given a chance.

Q. Do you think there is a lack of creativity which is causing the dependency on remixes?

A. Songs return only if they have a demand. We often hear industry moves on from one creation to the other. I would argue and say then why songs are an exception? The old songs are mostly being sung in the reality shows, we hardly hear any new creations. This suggests there is a demand for old songs.

Q. Have Bibaho Obhijaan songs are bringing back the lost type of music in Bengali?

A. I always consider the demands of a film. Just like comedy scenes, timing is very important in music. I was very sure of the kind of music I had to make for Abar Bibaho Obhijaan. The audience now can relate to my songs but I had to make the music as per the demands of the film.

Q. Which one is your favourite song from the film?

A. Every song to a composer is like a child. All the songs are created from certain situations. But I gathered a very different experience from the title track. I have learnt a lot from Anirban (Anirban Bhattacharya, actor-director), who penned the lyrics. He is a genius. Even after 20 years of my career, I still learn something new from every film.

Q. How do you view people becoming overnight sensation with a viral song?

A. One-song wonder happens. Quality singers will deliver multiple hits and won’t stop at one. Sometimes luck helps one to make one-song wonder but talent is key to survive for a longer period of time.

Q. How do you feel going back to Mumbai for the second time after being established here?

A. I won’t classify my journey as Bombay (Mumbai) or Kolkata. I have to stay rooted. A lot of people had criticised my decision to shift from Bombay to Kolkata. I like to work in Bengali. It wouldn’t have been a big issue if I hadn’t worked for Hindi films. A lot of my Bengali songs have been adapted in Hindi. This has been my achievement. Satisfaction and peaceful sleep at the end of the day matter to me. I always feel we all need a peaceful life.