Spotlight on Samantak Sinha

Having studied music production in London, Samantak Sinha quickly went on to earn the reputation of one of the most promising upcoming musicians in West Bengal. He is currently in Bangladesh for his upcoming projects. The Daily Star catches up with Samantak for a small chat about his ambitions, music and his trip to Bangladesh.

Welcome to Bangladesh! How is the experience so far?

It has been fantastic! This is my first time here and I've always wanted to come, specifically to try out the food! (Laughs)

Tell us about your current projects in Bangladesh.

I am doing eight songs with Enamul Karim Nirjhar bhai, and I very much look forward to this project. I've also worked with Farhin Khan Joyita for a few compositions. Besides, I am collaborating with the amazing Sahana Bajpaie again for new projects.

What inspired you to become a musician?

To be honest, I was drawn towards the profession from a very young age. A cousin of mine, who had studied in Shantiniketan, first exposed me to musicians like John Denver and Bob Dylan, and I have never been the same ever since! I started singing, playing the guitar and thought about making my own music. Back then, artistes like Mohiner Ghoraguli and Anjan Dutt were making amazing strides towards modernising Bengali music and I was greatly inspired by them as well.

Who are your favourite Bangladeshi musicians?

Of course! We, folks from Kolkata, absolutely love James, Ayub Bachchu, Warfaze and the amazing rock musicians that hail from here. I personally grew up listening to James, and he is my favourite musician from Bangladesh.

Where do you plan to see yourself in the future?

Look, all I want to do is produce original music. I understand that our film industry is booming, but that has somewhat led to a generic nature of the songs that are being produced there. I would very much like to make music that I would proudly be able to claim as mine, and which does not sound like anyone else.