Amit Heri

Interview : Speaking volumes with music - Amit Heri

Amit Heri a Bangalore-based composer was an Indian jazz guitarist, playing in concerts and releasing albums like 'Idea' before Oscar nominated 'Morning Raga' happened to him. He had already popularized the fact that Jazz music is akin to Carnatic music and thus one doesn't find it surprising that he has composed the music of 'Morning Raga' with Carnatic base and with as much profundity as strumming the guitar. But it certainly comes as a surprise that out of nowhere he came in and has now marched for the Oscars. He has been nominated in the best music category for 'Morning Raga' at the Academy Award. Taking pride on his achievements, we chat with him.

Excerpts from the Interview:

How does it feel to be nominated at the Oscars?

I'm shocked and shaking after I read the news. The work was good and I expected that it would receive rave reviews. It feels very nice when you work gets appreciated. But an Oscar never stroke me. I'm just feeling terrific!

What kind of music have you conceived for the film?

My music is thoroughly Indianized. It is the common kind of music that I generally compose with a mix of Indian and other forms. I had put my heart in the composition. There is no Hollywood treatment to it or any western feel. I've composed the entire background score and also a few songs. Your self-compositions always sound good. And modestly I liked what I created.

Were the inputs your own or director Mahesh Dattani played any role?

When you are composing music for a film, it is very obvious that people share their ideas and want you to co-ordinate the music accordingly. It at times makes you feel dizzy when you get confused which way to go. But I was very lucky in that regard to work with a director like Mahesh. He is not the regular kind of person.

Is it an achievement for you?

Surely. It feels nice to take India to the international platform. When you're a part of the project there is happiness as well as pride. The recognition on me and my music means a lot for me. Many people who have seen the film and heard the music have come up to me to compliment saying that they've loved the music.

What are the special efforts you put in while composing the music of the film?

The film has its moments and I made it a point to work on it as per the co-ordination. So I gave a different treatment to the music. I always had in the back of my mind to compose the scores harmonizing with the script and the story. Truly composing for the film came very naturally to me and I never needed to put any special efforts. Shabana Azmi's performance enhanced my work further.

Now is the competition at the Oscars making you nervous?

The music has been chosen in the mainstream section and there will be more awesome composers competing in there. But I've the confidence with my music that's is absolutely different from the rest. And it is stylish enough to make an impact. It's unique and this is our credit!