The French connect

Have you composed music for an Indian film before?

Yes, I did compose for some independent projects like Delhi In A Day, Bombay Summer and Peepli Live that was produced by Aamir Khan.

How different is it to work in the Indian scenario?

In Hindi films, there is lot of variety in story telling. India is a huge country with different people, diverse cultures — modern, traditional, so many religions, languages, castes. I see a great future for Indian cinema as compared to Europe. The energy here is different and so are the scripts.

What were the challenges that you faced and what aspects did you keep in mind while composing the music for Finding Fanny?

When I saw the first edit of the movie, it reminded me of some old Italian or Spanish movies. Each characters is crazy, full of energy and funny. Thus I mixed the influences of Portugese, Italian and French music from the ’50s and ’70s. If you hear the kind of music that I compose, you shall find these strains in them. The music fits well considering the retro style of the locations, costume and the flavour of the film. There is a lot of use of acoustics and Portuguese guitars and accordion. I also played the double bass, clarinet, cello, percussion etc. I made sure to incorporate the human element in the songs.
For the Fanny Re song, I asked my good friend Mukhtiyar Ali (folk singer from Rajasthan ) to sing the song. I have known him for five years and we have worked together, producing an album in Paris titled Jeena Jeena. I felt this song needs to have a Rajasthani voice, while the melody and arrangements are Italian and Portugese, giving it a very natural sound!

You have also sung the song, how did that come about?

Homi wanted a happy song at the end of the movie. I composed this song in a taxi in Paris. I sent the melody to my friend, the English author, Alan Mercer. Two days later, I recorded the song myself with Alan as an English coach. I thought Homi would ask me to change the singer, but he liked my voice and my accent. Thus it became a part of the movie.

How many songs have you composed for the film?

I have composed four songs for the movie and have also done 45 minutes of background score.

You had also composed music for Peepli Live how did that come about?

In 2009, I recorded an album for Ameth Male (African singer) in Mumbai. My manager organised a lot of jamming sessions for private party, attended by several directors and producers who liked what they heard and gave me work. The director, Anusha Rizvi, heard me and decided to work with me for the background score of Peepli Live. I met Aamir Khan in France and he explained the projectto me. I was impressed by Aamir’s professionalism. He would come daily to the studio and discuss music with Anusha and me.

Which are the instruments that you play and what is your favourite?

My main instrument is the acoustic guitar which I began playing when I was six. I composed many pieces using the classical guitar. My second instrument is the Morin Khuur, the Mongolian’s cello. I have played around 40 instruments from all over the world. I sing too. I like using technics like Xoomei (Mongolian overtones).

What kind of music do you prefer to compose?

I love French classical music (Ravel, Debussy), Indian classical and folk music, Mongolian music, jazz, flamenco…so many things.

Any plans to compose music for a typical masala Bollywood movie?

I would like to, but in collaboration with a Bollywood composer.

Do you also perform live? How has your experience on the stage been?

I have been doing stage shows since the time I was 16 years old. In fact, we are planning a tour in India in February with the Sufi singer, Mukhtiyar Ali and the accordion player Bastien Charlery.