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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Music composer Shantanu Moitra reveals the story behind the iconic song Chaar Kadam from PK.
NEW DELHI: In an exclusive conversation with The New Indian’s Executive Editor Rohan Dua, renowned music composer Shantanu Moitra revealed the story behind the iconic song Chaar Kadam from PK. Moitra discussed his collaboration with Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput and how the simplicity of the song contributed to its timeless appeal.
“Raju is a huge fan of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Rishi Kapoor. We wanted a song where two people are just walking. The chemistry had to speak for itself,” said Moitra.
“We watched a lot of songs, and I said to Raju, one of the greatest picturizations of a love song is from Silsila, where Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha are simply walking. It’s subtle but powerful,” he added.
Moitra explained how the composition centered around two people walking together in silence. “The idea was that they connect without words.”
He credited director Rajkumar Hirani’s vision for the success of Chaar Kadam. “Raju’s genius was to keep it simple. He said, no matter how modern or contemporary we make it, ultimately, a girl wants to hear this just the simple act of walking together.”
The song’s magic also lies in the natural chemistry between Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput. “I never look at the actor; I look at the character. The story always takes precedence,” Moitra added. “As a composer, I am merely a facilitator for the director’s vision.”
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Reflecting on his approach to film music, Moitra shared, “When I choose scripts, I am drawn to stories with an honest central theme. It’s a trait I look for, and I connect with characters who are in search of meaning, just like in PK.”
Moitra also discussed the risk of choosing unknown talent, like Shraddha Shankar for Bol Na. “It was a big risk to choose her for vocals, but it paid off. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s commitment to realism was key,” he shared.
Looking back on his journey, Moitra reflected, “Music composition is a gift, and it requires staying true to your inner voice. Every time I’ve done something just for money, it backfired. But when I focus on the content, something amazing happens.”
