Anjan Dutt with Neel and Amyt Dutta. Picture by Aranya Sen

The man who wooed Bela Bose on the phone is poised for a comeback after seven years. Singer-songwriter-filmmaker Anjan Dutt — riding the success of The Bong Connection and Bow Barracks Forever — is now ready with his new album Aami Aar Godot. This time, he has son Neel for company.

“I felt it was pointless to record more albums unless I had something different to offer in terms of sound and lyrics. An offer for Neel and me to work together on an album sounded interesting,” says Dutt.

Aami Aar Godot — meaning Dutt and Neel (Godot is his petname) — is a work of contemporary meanings and sounds. Both father and son will sing their individual compositions; the songs will reflect their differing views on life.

“My songs are unabashedly about what I am today. I’m concerned about tiredness, death and life afterwards. It may sound philosophical but it’s neither spiritual nor a lament. I can’t take the same interest in a Bela Bose as I did previously. It isn’t sensuality in a woman that attracts me today but other qualities like compassion that have a greater appeal,” explains Dutt.

Dutt will, however, resurrect Ranjana, a character he had created through a rock--roll number, in his forthcoming album. “It’s a contemporary take on the old song. Now when I sing Ranjana aami aar ashbo na it’s not because of the parar dadas but because she is no longer the same Ranjana. She’s just a faceless name glued to the computer, bonding with strangers on the Internet,” says Dutt, contradicting his son’s composition Jaanla.

“Jaanla for me is the computer window which I feel is a window to a person’s soul. In a way it is a love song,” says Neel.

In another one of his songs Dutt pays tribute to cinema that he defines as “life, flesh and person” and brings to light a surprise character he reveals at the end.

While Neel’s compositions are a mix of Indian and western strains with sounds of the bongo, distortion guitar and Indian classical fusion, Dutt offers a light and mellowed “bluesy” sound. “My songs are more Simon Garfunkel or Lobo-like with a live acoustic feel,” says Neel. His father adds: “Mine are warm and old-fashioned like Dylan or Cohen.”

The title track composed by Dutt features father and son. They have also sung together a contemporary version of a popular Rabindrasangeet. The duo has teamed up with the old line-up of Gyan Singh on bass and Amyt Dutta on guitar.

The album is slated for an end-September release under the Saregama label.

(Which is your favourite Anjan song? Tell t2@abpmail.com)