PRODUCER SHOULD NOT CHASE THE STARS

Says Durga Prasad Majumdar

Durgaprasad Majumdar is famous name in film finance circle. The Banaras born Musician trace his roots to many musical families of U.P. He was the first to have his own digital Recording Studio and became producer with his banner Aadi Shakti Entertainment. In music world he is known as ‘King of Pakhawaj’. A short interview with him.

Tell us something about yourself ?

I was born in Benares. I am oldest among 5 brothers and sisters. From 1971 we are living in Mumbai. My father Dr. Bhanu is a famous painter and flautist. I studied music from Padmavibushan Pt. Kishan Maharaj. My younger brother Ronu is a famous flautist.

You worked on tabla?

I worked for R. D. Burman who hired me from Alag Alag to 1942 A Love Story. I played the tabla for Laxmikant Pyarelal, Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri, Anand Milind and T Series for devotional album. I gave music in the name of Durga Natraj for film Gautam Govinda and Chaalbaaz. In Bhojpuri films for Dulha Babu, Hamar Biyah Tohre Se Hoi, Bhaiya Rakhi Senura, Abad and Narsahar. I prepared rhythm of first Imax fim of India Matrix India.

What prompted you to start a Digital Studio?

The thought struck my mind when I and my brother were in US to compose for an album. We noticed the effect was digital. There and then I decided to introduce digital in Mumbai and started Trio Digital Studio in 1995. Ronu, my brother Suresh are partners in the venture. Recording of digital sound for films Pardes, Taal etc. was done here.

What does it mean to win so many awards?

I am proud to be famous internationally. I still attend a music class in Chicago since 1988 every year. I am the vice principal of Sadhana Music School there. I won American Award of Excellence, 'King of Pakhawaj' title from a music journal, Mahakal Award and Malabar Award, Pandharpur Award.

Why did you take up financing?

I had curiosity in Bhojpuri films from the beginning. Many recordings took place from my studio, so I was aware of the difficulty of Bhojpuri producers. I started to finance from film Bihoti Chuneri but was not going places. Then it occurred to me to start Aadi Shakti Entertainments to produce films. Nirahua Chalal Sasural was the first I presented. After it I presented “Laagal Raha Aye Rajaji” I felt I could do something for Bhojpuri cinegoers.

Which films is Aadi Shakti Entertainment involved in?

Ho Gaini Deewana Tohra Pyar Mein, Deewana, Shaherwali Jaan Mareli, Wah Khiladi Wah, BA Pass Bahuriya and Pratigya.

As a financier what is your advice to producers?

Producers should not chase stars only. They should go for good scripts, direction and good films. My request is they should not be after set ups only because they can produce stars. They should be product minded.

Content Source: Prashant – Nishant, Patna and Mumbai. Phones : 09934208664 / 09967996624

Received on 28th Dec 2008