Gourov Das Gupta is a musician from Kolkata and has already made it big in Bollywood with his amazing musical compositions in films like Kaabil, Aa Dekhen Zara, The Big Bull, Chehre and many more. The Kolkata Mail correspondent caught up with the talented musician in an exclusive chat about his new releases and his future plans. Excerpts…

How did you begin your journey as a musician?

Gourov Das Gupta- I started at the age of 16. I came from a Bengali family and I was the black sheep of the family because everyone was in my family was highly educated. I ran away from home at 16. I wanted to play the guitar and be in a rock band. I was part of Cyanide AngeIs. I was a member of a progressive metal band. We used to sustain ourselves with the prize money.

By the age of 18, I had won the best guitar player award at most fests. At the age of 21, I was judging all these fests. After Cyanide Angels, I became part of Shiva, another well-known brand from Kolkata.

My mother has been my biggest support in my musical career. Initially, she was sceptical. But after seeing my passion, she has been my biggest pillar of support.

Who did you train under?

Gourov Das Gupta- I am a self-taught musician. I never took guitar lessons from any teacher. The teachers wanted to teach in the conventional methods. But I was into heavy metal music and so I stayed away from them. We did not have the internet back then. So I relied on cassettes for learning the guitar. I used to listen to the songs and then practised them on the guitar.

You have a single that is a huge hit. And three films released for which you have composed the music. Does this increase the pressure on you?

Gourov Das Gupta- My single has done really well. The pressure has been there because I am back to being a single composer. When you do good work, the audiences expect more from you. The whole universe has been kind to me. This is what I have been wanting to do. And I am glad I got the chance to do it. Three films with good music releasing on the same day have been quite an experience.

How does it feel to have three of your works releasing on the same day?

Gourov Das Gupta- It is a big deal as a solo composer after five years. After the pandemic, to see your work getting released is a very positive thing. I am excited as I am very proud of all the compositions. I need the audience’s love and blessings.

How did you bag these three film projects?

Gourov Das Gupta- After being in the Bollywood industry for a decade, talent and hard work is a small part. You need timing and destiny also to get the projects. Big Bull happened because Ajay Devgn loved my work.

Big B loved my composition for Chehre. Hello Charlie was my first work for Excel and Farhan and the others liked my work. We all need to be patient and positive. Everyone gets a chance to shine and showcase their talents.

You have composed music for Big B and Abhishek. How is the feeling as a composer?

Gourov Das Gupta- Oh!! It was an absolute pleasure and I am honoured and humbled as both of them loved my works. Mr Bachchan loved the song for Chehre and said to Emraan Hashmi that this was the best song he had heard in the last decade. Abhishek Bachchan understands music more than any musician that I have met.

Who are your musical inspirations?

Gourov Das Gupta- Life has been my biggest inspiration. The number of struggles I have seen and the dark days has contributed to my music. My mother and daughter have been my strengths. I am a metalhead and my favourite metal band is Megadeth. I also listen to other metal bands too. Apart from this, I listen to nursery rhymes for my daughter. So these are the two kinds of music that are played at my home.

What is next in line for you?

Gourov Das Gupta- I have a couple of releases coming up. I don’t want to tell about them and jinx them. They will be coming out this year and I will keep everybody posted about it.

When can we see you composing music for Bengali films?

Gourov Das Gupta– I would love to be a part of a Bengali film if the producer wants me to compose for the film and pay my price. I want to be a part of a good Bengali film and compose a different kind of music.

With the lockdown and the pandemic, how much has that affected you as a composer?

Gourov Das Gupta- I got the opportunity to work with new music producers and composed 42 songs. I was working on myself and God has been kind to me. It has been a testing time for most musicians. But as a musician when we decide to become musicians we actually know that we are embarking on a very difficult journey. However, I wish that the music fraternity was taken care of more during this pandemic.

We hope that Gourov will continue to compose amazing music and shine despite all hurdles in the coming times!!