What's a DJ doing in an epic?
UK based DJ Talvin Singh looked quite surprised with the media buzz surrounding his new venture Mahabharata. Suspecting that no one would recognize him, it took Talvin some time to make sense of the media spotlight - something one has to get used while working on such a keenly anticipated project. Talvin seemed quite curious about urbanisation in India and chatted freely with everyone about the country's evolving cuisine and fashion. Tired of his packed schedule, Talvin told us he wanted to catch up on some sleep. But not before he answered our questions.
What was the brief given to you on the music of the Mahabharata?
The brief was as vast as the Mahabharata itself. To answer your question more directly, I was given a really free hand, which is a great thing for any musician.
What's the sound one can expect?
When you talk about sound or try to describe music it depends on the narrative. So when I am working on the Mahabharata it will be the sound of the Mahabharata. I was quite surprised because I don't do jingles and theme tracks. I come from a different background – something more deep rooted in Indian classical, like the tabla. I think Indian classical is a great vehicle to recreate that particular era.
Can you elaborate more on the instruments you plan to use?
There will be a lot of metal and percussion. Apart from that I have used wind instruments like the shankh and the drums, which were basically large fishbowl covered with skin. I read up on pre-historic percussion instruments about a decade ago. So it's great to work on a project that allows to you recollect something you have researched on. I have also worked on the resolution of the sound to give it a more 'widescreen' feel.
What was the biggest challenge while composing music for this project?
I think challenges are omnipresent. Every moment in life is like a challenge. The challenge to be true to your heart and work with honesty minus any compromises. I am quite interested in working with the instruments of that time. And also understand the katha and bhavna of the Mahbharata.
