Exclusive: "I truly believe that music is not bound to any language," says composer-singer Bishwajit Ghosh

Since releasing his debut Sau Fikr in 2018, composer-singer Bishwajit Ghosh's success and maturity as an artist has grown by leaps and bounds. The beautiful song struck a chord with audiences, garnering more than 2 million views on the video-sharing platform. Bishwajit's new single, the haunting and ethereal Hum Ek Hai marks another new chapter in the singer's career while continuing his evolution as the consummate artist. We got the chance to get an interview of this chart topping composer-singer to learn about how he became a singer, his creative process, how he got signed by his first offer and more in this exclusive new interview.

What drew you to the music industry?

My Mom's love for the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar ji's songs and my father's passion for movies introduced me to film music since I was little. In school, I received special attention from the music faculties as I used to lead the choir group and then later while growing up, my live audience encouraged me to find my ways into the music industry.

Who are you inspired by?

I'm broadly inspired by all the great singers and musicians across the world. There is always something to learn from every artist and every form of music.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

I've many favourites, but I admire KK and Shankar Mahadevan ji the most.

Is your family musical?

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Yes, most of them sing, but none of them pursued it professionally.

What inspired you to make the song Hum Ek Hai?

This song is very special as it's my first one as a singer-composer. The thought behind the song was mainly triggered by the religious tension seen across the country during the initial phase of COVID-19 lockdown. I am happy that the song could give a message of hope and unity to the people of India.

How did you feel when Hum Ek Hai became a super hit among audiences?

Well I'm delighted to see the response for this song, especially I was ecstatic to see the videos made by multiple educational institutions from all across the nation which helped in spreading the message among the youth. Also, special thanks to the media coverage given to this song.

How is your experience working with B-town stars like Juhi Chawla and Shakti Kapoor and others?

It has been a life-changing experience. I still remember how thrilled I was when I started receiving their respective videos which they all had shot at their homes due to lockdown and social distancing. And then post-release it was so gratifying to receive their positive comments on the final music video.

Did you get any offers in Tollywood? If so, are you comfortable singing in Telugu? Any offers in other languages?

Yes, apart from my usual Hindi projects, I recently did playback for movies made in Kannada, Telugu and Bengali languages. I'm also looking forward to prepare and record for a Gujarati song soon which I have been offered. I truly believe that music is not bound to any language, and it is solely all about the feelings and their expressions. Off-course personally, my diversified exposure of living in multiple cities helped me to gain a hang of these languages, and also my friends and mentors help me to get the diction and pronunciation right.

What job do you think you would be doing now if you didn't have your music career?

I like software programming, and I like to learn and talk about the latest trends in technology, economy and vocational skill development.

How long does it usually take you to compose a song?

I'm naturally inclined towards singing, but I also enjoy the process of composing and producing a song. Sometimes a song happens in just about 5 mins, and sometimes it's an ongoing process till it gets mastered for the release.

What is your favourite song that isn't your own?

There are many, and it keeps changing with time :) Over the last few years "Photograph by Ed Sheeran" is one of my top favourites.

One thing you want to change in this music industry?

Considering the volume of talent we have in our country, and the kind of reach Bollywood music has, I think Music Labels should create a system where at least one new artist in every audio department, be it a singer, composer, lyricist or a programmer must be given an opportunity in every new movie album.

Being a musician, what do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy singing live for my audience and receiving that instant feedback, the love, the admiration and developing the unfiltered connection with them.
What next is coming for the upcoming months?

Lot of new songs are ready to be launched as singles apart from the film songs. It's just that in the current scenario we are waiting for the video shoots to happen and then release these songs.