Latest news with #ShantanuMoitra
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vidya Balan reveals story behind the first ‘Parineeta' that she heard
Mumbai: Actress Vidya Balan, whose debut film 'Parineeta' is gearing up for a re-release, has shared the title of the first song that she heard from the album. The actress shared that she was shooting a music video with the late filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar when he asked her to listen to a song that he and his team had recorded. This was the first song from the film which the actress heard. Talking about the same, she said, 'There is something about Piyu Bole that just has my heart. I think it's so easily hummable, it has that old-world charm, it's so romantic, and the way it was shot added to making the song somewhat timeless. It's still relatable, even for people today'. She further mentioned, 'In fact, a lot of young kids have told me they like that song, and I feel that is very telling that there's truly something timeless about it. The first song I heard that was recorded for Parineeta was 'Raat Hamari Toh'. I was shooting with Dada for a music video in Kolkata, and he told me, 'Just go down to the car, there's a CD with a song we've just recorded'. I went down, played it, and I burst out crying in the car. It's such a beautiful, haunting, and powerful song. It's so easy to cry listening to it. I love the music of Parineeta every single song'. Composed by Shantanu Moitra with lyrics by Swanand Kirkire , Parineeta's music has stood the test of time. Shantanu Moitra shared, ''Parineeta' is a piece of my heart. The music was born from a place of pure truth, melodies given room to breathe, carrying words that spoke directly to the soul. I was in awe of how Chitra ji, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan infused every note with such depth and sincerity, and how Rekhaji's performance lent 'Kaisi Paheli Zindgani' its timeless grace. Working with Swanand was pure magic; his lyrics didn't just complement the music, they lifted it to another plane'. He added, 'And at the centre of it all was Pradeep Sarkar, who wove music, story, and visuals into a seamless work of art. I am grateful to Vinod, whose belief and vision made this journey possible and inspired every creative choice along the way. Hearing this soundtrack now, remastered and alive on the big screen, feels like meeting an old friend in a new light, the soul is the same, but the colours are brighter'. Lyricist Swanand Kirkire said, ''Parineeta' was a dream, where poetry and melody danced in perfect harmony. Every song was born out of deep lived emotion, from the tender confession of Piyu Bole to the unrestrained joy of Kasto Mazza to the playful enigma of Kaisi Paheli Zindgani. Shantanu's music gave my words flight, and the voices of Shreya, Sonu, and Sunidhi breathed soul into them'. 'And then came Vidya, Saif, and Rekha ji, bringing those songs alive on screen and turning them into instant classics. A special thanks to Vinod for empowering us with both the freedom to write poetically and the confidence to do so. Two decades later, hearing these songs remastered in all their glory feels like opening an old letter that still gives me goosebumps', he added. This special re-release not only celebrates two decades of Parineeta's enduring legacy but also commemorates 20 years of Vidya Balan's remarkable journey in Indian cinema and 50 glorious years of Vinod Chopra Films. Vinod Chopra Films is the first production house in India to restore its entire film library in 8K resolution, with soundtracks remastered in 5.1 surround sound, a meticulous process that took over four years to complete. The film has been restored by Prasad Film Labs. The film is set to re-release in cinemas on August 29, 2025.
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Shantanu Moitra on directorial debut with project featuring Kaushiki Chakraborty: I enjoyed it, open to directing more
Having been a musician all his life, composer Shantanu Moitra has added another feather to his hat by turning filmmaker. He has directed and produced an upcoming docu series on YouTube, which features a six-part, sit-down conversation with singer Kaushiki Chakraborty. Sharing why he decided to turn director, Shantanu says, 'I wanted to become an entrepreneur and a storyteller. I wanted to break this whole pattern of someone calling to offer me a work opportunity. That made my brain start ticking and I thought I want to try something else.' Shantanu Moitra Titled Pankh, his first outing is music driven, as it's a live-autobiography and album on Kaushiki's life. 'Over the years, there have been lots of stories that I wanted to share with the world. And what better vocalist to voice that feeling of mine – that I need to share these stories – than Kaushiki Chakraborty. I believe if you're really passionate about something, then you are the best person to execute it. That is the reason why I took this leap of faith and turned a director,' says Shantanu. As someone navigating music and filmmaking now, Shantanu accepts that there's a lot of commonality and differences between the two crafts. 'Before I compose a song, I have a gifted power to hear the song in my head, which includes the songs I've composed for Parineeta (2005) or 3 Idiots (2009). That's something that I experienced as a director too. I could see it and had a clear vision before I started directing it. That's the commonality. The greatest difference was the turnaround time in the two crafts. As a composer, the turnaround time from the moment I hear my song in my head to execution is less, as I record it immediately after calling the right people for fit. However, in case of a film, there are many departments and people that I am dependent on. And the gestation period from when I have thought of an idea to when I finally see it manifest is huge,' Shantanu ends. Kaushiki Chakraborty and Shantanu Moitra in Pankh Talking about working with Kaushiki, he adds, 'Coincidentally, she is also in that state of mind where she also wants to tell stories and not just sing a song. So, both these things converged and honestly, it's a crazy idea to present a song like we did (in Pankh, with the aspect of storytelling). There are six stories making six episodes and from them come six songs. So this is a pretty crazy idea, especially from a music perspective.'
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Happydent 'Chamking Gum: Chamka Muskaan, Jagmag Jahaan' brings a fresh cinematic twist to its iconic storytelling
Happydent, one of India's most beloved chewing gum brands from the house of Perfetti Van Melle India, has launched a striking new ad film that takes a playful yet purposeful turn. The New Campaign 'Chamking Gum: Chamka Muskaan, Jagmag Jahaan', rekindles the brand's legendary storytelling with a fresh, cinematic lens—celebrating the magic of a radiant smile and its power to inspire imagination, drawing viewers into a visually rich narrative world. Conceptualized by McCann Worldgroup India, the campaign is led by renowned creative leader Prasoon Joshi, who has written the lyrics for the background song and lent his unique voice to it, set to the music of Bollywood's renowned music maestro, Shantanu Moitra. The campaign is thoughtfully crafted to resonate with a new generation of consumers who value authenticity, playfulness, and purpose. At the heart of the film is a storyline revolving around a group of performers who, with the help of visual-red paint and bright smiles, highlight the improper conduct of needlessly littering their surroundings. It is an imaginative yet insightful reminder that small acts of brightness can spark larger societal change. Rooted in cultural insights and everyday behavior, the film blends relatability, warmth, and a subtle message to highlight how simple gestures can inspire collective responsibility. With rich, high-impact visuals, the campaign pays homage to Happydent's iconic legacy—including memorable classics like the Palace and Photographer ads while evolving its storytelling for today's world. Commenting on the launch, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director, Perfetti Van Melle India, shared 'At Perfetti Van Melle India, our goal has always been to build brands that resonate culturally and emotionally while delivering business impact. Happydent perfectly embodies this vision. 'Chamka Muskaan, Jagmag Jahaan' reflects our strategic intent to stay relevant with modern consumers while staying true to the brand's core. Our enduring partnership with McCann Worldgroup continues to deliver creative excellence that is both distinctive and meaningful.' Gunjan Khetan, Marketing Director, Perfetti Van Melle India, added 'Happydent has always believed in the power of imaginative storytelling—narratives that don't just entertain, but connect. This campaign celebrates the sparkling smile as a symbol of imagination, expression and meaning. 'Chamka Muskaan, Jagmag Jahaan' isn't just a tagline—it's the spirit of the brand and the times we live in. As we engage with Gen Z and modern audiences, we're proud to create stories that reflect purpose and emotional resonance with visual brilliance.' Prasoon Joshi - Chief Creative Officer & CEO McCann Worldgroup India said: 'Writing for Happydent has always been close to my heart. But this project would not have been possible without the unwavering trust and collaborative spirit of the Perfetti team. Special acknowledgment goes to Nikhil and his belief in bold ideas. Along with Gunjan who gave us the creative freedom we needed to soar. They have kept the legacy of visionaries like Sameer Suneja who redefined Perfetti's advertising. The day I met Vinil for this project I knew he would be the right person to give life to this idea and script. He has an exceptional eye for craft and storytelling, and it shines through in every frame. A shout out to my wonderful team at McCann Utsav, Gaurav, Jeet, Abhishek and my old partner in melody, Shantanu'. The new Happydent commercial is a film that isn't just another commercial—it's a reminder of what advertising can be when it dares to dream, laugh, and feel.
