Over shared bites of Chinese fare and memories of their band days, singer Shaan and guitarist-composer Gourov Dasgupta talk how they met over a wrong scale and why film music isn't golden any more
Shaan and Gourov Dasgupta were at their candid best as they bonded over meat-ban and Superbia days at Yauatcha in Bandra Kurla Complex. Pics/Pradeep Dhivar
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While people outside Yauatcha — an authentic Chinese fine dine at Bandra Kurla Complex — drool over a Lamborghini parked at the gate, Shaan and Gourov Dasgupta quietly walk in. "I wonder who the owner is," asks Gourov, raising his aviators. "They could be having lunch inside," says Shaan, looking dapper in a white tee and denims. His trademark silky long mane is still thick and intact. Gourov, who arrived in the industry later, considers Shaan his "dada", the Bengali term for elder brother. The duo also had a band called Superbia, with Roshin Balu — the other arm of Gourov's music directorial ventures. Shaan still sings for films but live concerts keep him busy. They quickly discuss what to order. "Pork Belly is brilliant here," suggests Shaan. Gourov agrees and adds, "Some prawns too. The last time I was here, I had lamb as well. I don't mind that either."
Shaan
Wriddhaayan: How did both of you meet?
Shaan: In 2007. It was quite a disaster. My throat was sore, and I had to record a song for the film, Alibaug, which was eventually shelved.
Gourov: Those days, I felt every song should have a falsetto. He threw his headphones in anger saying he doesn't want to sing. The song was called Phir Mile Na Mile; it had an insane key.
(Pork and Prawn Shui Mai, Spinach Roll with Prawn and Water Chestnut, Chicken and Coriander Dumpling arrive) Wriddhaayan: How did you bury the hatchet?
Gourov: When I was playing with Himesh Reshammiya, I met him again and we bonded. He has had a positive influence on me. I am still struggling to balance the rock star ego with the industry ego.
Gouvor Dasgupta
Wriddhaayan: But Superbia stopped playing gigs…
Shaan: I thought I would let Gourov chart his growth. As an army veteran, you don't want them to go to war again. I think he is doing much better musically.
Gourov: The band is a separate entity. In fact, after lunch, we can go home and make a new song. It can come back any day. I still remember the first song we played on stage. It was Don. In the seven-minute song, I had a four-minute guitar solo.
Shaan: I took a shower, munched a snack and returned to the stage. He was still tapping his guitar (laughs).
(Pork Belly with Yellow Bean Sauce and Sliced Lamb in Kam Heyong Sauce is served)
Shaan: This is interesting (pointing to the bread served with pork). You need to soak it up with the sauce.
Gourov: We would often rehearse at my place or his and having meat was a must.
Shaan: Even if there was fish, he would pull out a menu and order red meat.
Wriddhaayan: Your thoughts on the beef ban…
Shaan: We don't want to hurt sentiments but please let people eat what they want to. We can no longer voice out opinion. Let the law of the land take over. Don't take law into your hands and turn cow vigilante.
(An EDM track playing in the background changes the mood) Wriddhaayan: Why don't you sing for films like before?
Shaan: There are new sets of music directors and singers. I am not questioning that, but now, the guy with the worst pitch and voice stands a chance to become the next big thing.
Gourov: If you can't sing, you rap. It is that easy. Even if you are a DJ or an electronic artiste, the heavy gadgets you carry should compliment your talent.
Shaan: The emotion doesn't seem real. The lazy drawl, the slur, half-pronunciation of words and over-the-top breathing were elements we were told to avoid. Today's singing feels like it's been done while on substance!
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