Renowned violinist, music arranger, and composer Amar Haldipur has expressed concern over the state of contemporary music, stating that many of today’s songs lack emotional depth and soul. Speaking at the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), where he is set to receive the S.D. Burman International Award for his lifetime contribution to music, Haldipur noted that commercialisation has overshadowed artistry in the modern music industry.
“Current music does not stay in memory. There is no soul in it—only business. One often cannot even tell who is singing or composing,” Haldipur said. “Money has become the priority, and artistry seems lost. Earlier, creating a song was a collective effort with integrity. Music was performed live, and that is why songs endured for decades.”
Haldipur reflected on how music was once closely tied to a film’s narrative. Composers would conceptualise songs by studying the lyrics and the theme of the movie, ensuring instruments and arrangements conveyed the intended emotions. He cited the film Ghulam as an example, where the music was crafted to complement the story. Highlighting legendary composers such as Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman, and Shankar-Jaikishan, Haldipur emphasised that musical style is shaped by the company and environment in which one learns and creates.
The event also honoured senior actor Biswajit Chatterjee with the ‘PIFF Distinguished Award’ for his contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his journey, Chatterjee shared the personal struggles he faced in pursuing acting, a path considered unconventional in his family. “My father was an Army doctor, and everyone expected me to follow that career. But I loved acting. Watching plays at my mother’s Mahila Mandal inspired me, and the applause I received motivated me to pursue the stage,” he recalled.
Despite familial pressure, Chatterjee remained committed to cinema, eventually working in the Bengali film industry while also participating in Hindi films. He recounted that director Guru Dutt had approached him for Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, though the project did not materialise. His breakthrough came with Bees Saal Baad, which became his first Hindi film. Alongside acting, Chatterjee emphasised his enduring passion for music, highlighting its role in his creative journey.
The festival, led by director Dr. Jabbar Patel, celebrated both Haldipur’s and Chatterjee’s contributions, underscoring the interplay of music, cinema, and cultural heritage in shaping India’s artistic legacy.
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