Brooklyn Shanti, Mou and Nucleya pose for t2. Picture by Pabitra Das

Calcutta-born singer and songwriter Mou Sultana was in town after eight long years to collaborate and shoot with artistes Brooklyn Shanti and Nucleya for the second season of The Dewarists on STAR World. Between shots, t2 caught up with the Nil Nirjane actress for an exclusive chat...

You’re based in Dublin now. How does it feel to be back in Calcutta?

Amazing! So many things have changed. The things I hated, the things that used to annoy me about the city, those things I am simply loving now. Be it the non-stop honking or the traffic... I am just enjoying everything.

What is the best thing you love about Calcutta?

The food! Calcutta has the best food in the world. I also love my mother tongue so much that I still write in Bangla.

Describe your form of music...

I do not want to give a name or label to my form of music. Previously, I used to do alternative music, which I named funk. What I write now is very dark, but my packaging is very dance-oriented, with heavy beats and heavy lyrics. It’s a new-ish form of music that I am doing.

What has collaborating with Brooklyn and Nucleya been like?

Absolutely amazing, because three of us went outside our zones and we learnt a lot about music. As a person, I grew up so much while making the music... we learnt about each other and I, about myself. It was almost about self-realisation. You will realise this once you hear the track. The way all three of us managed to weave it like beautiful threads is just mind-blowing. I have previously collaborated with Randolph Correia, who is with Shaa’ir + Func and Bangla band Cactus.

One thing you would like people to know about you...

I do not believe in the institution of marriage.... Previously, people were not open about their relationships, they used to think twice before calling each other boyfriend or girlfriend. But now the scenario has changed, they are vocal about their relationship even if it’s a live-in one. Despite that, to have a baby one needs to get married. This is the biggest form of hypocrisy, according to me.

What’s next?

I have been singing Indian classical music since I was four. Now, if I am offered to produce the same kind of music I wouldn’t do it because I have already done it for my parents. Then again, if I get an interesting project that will let me think differently, I will definitely do it. I intend to keep writing and make as much music as I can.

Pramita Ghosh
Who would you like to see in The Dewarists? Tell t2@abp.in