Five women, parallel narratives and stories on each that ‘crisscross’ the path of the other. Birsa Dasgupta’s film Crisscross has it all. And giving the film its emotional heft is the music composed by Jam8, a music platform mentored by Bollywood composer Pritam. An email chat with the Calcutta boy...
What made you form the platform Jam8?
I was very excited about a platform where like-minded people could come together and exchange thoughts on music with each other. So Jam8 works as a platform for exchange of ideas for youngsters. It also works as a platform for A&R (artists and repertoire) and incubation where young creative minds are groomed to make commercial music.
Why did you not compose the music for Crisscross yourself?
The offer came to Jam8. I was extremely excited about it. I know I have never done a Bengali film but I wish to do it. I plan to start something next year. This year I am blocked with Hindi films.
How did you mentor the composers of Jam8?
I generally like to maintain the originality of a person and I don’t try to force my ideas on anybody. Even with singers who come to dub with me, I let them fly in their own space and I just guide when necessary. So that’s what I do with the composers of Jam8 too. I allow them to take their own call and act as a guide only when they are stuck.
Jam8’s job is to provide facility to the composers. When I started I had a hard time getting studios and getting good musician or singers. I will see to it that the Jam8 boys have lavish studio facilities available to them and if they want to work with any particular musician or singer, they get access. I’ll see to it that they don’t face any kind of production struggle.
How did the Crisscross songs take shape? What was the process like?
Birsa came from Calcutta to the Jam8 studios and he met the composers and briefed them. They made a stock and sent it to him. Birsa shortlisted the songs he wanted and then the process started. He really worked hard on the music; he flew back and forth for it.
Why the name Jam8?
It’s Just About Music. The platform is only about music — be it a one-stop production and management solution for musicians or a one-stop music solutions for clients.
How is it like working with Arijit Singh?
Arijit is not only a brilliant singer but also has a brilliant music mind. His key to success is his perfect thinking mind. He has been working with me and he is extremely close to me. Since he has already been an assistant earlier, the studio is a familiar place to him and whenever he comes to work we don’t feel like that there is dubbing going on. It’s a very homely thing. Also, Arijit is somebody I immensely trust.
How would you describe the music of Crisscross?
It is very varied and it has got different flavours. The songs are very urban and have a lot of heart.
When you are not making music, what is a normal day in your life like?
I do live shows. Or I watch movies and just pure laze around. Like a true Bong, adda keeps me very busy all the time.
What do you miss the most about Calcutta?
It’s better than any other city in the world. There are lots of memories attached with every nook and corner. I miss the food.
