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In a candid interview, Ruchira picks the brain of a young singer, Somdatta Banerjee. Here is how she shared swatches of her life – an exclusive for Different Truths.
Once upon a time, a little girl spent her after-school hours reading and studying (besides learning vocal music from her) rather than going out to play with other kids her age. Fast forward to the present. She has blossomed into a lovely lady, a professional crooner, who has carved a niche for herself in the Bengali music industry. Hers is a familiar face (and a delightful voice) visible in music programmes aired on popular channels, Zee 24 Ghonta, Doordarshan, Akaash Aath, and Ruposhi, among many others.
Somdatta Banerji has reasons to be glad. A couple of months back, she gave brilliant performances in Delhi and Gurugram by paying homage to the recently departed musical trio of Lata Mangeshkar-Sandhya Mukherji-Bappi Lahiri. The renditions in her silky, sweet voice won wide acclaim. Lately, she appeared in a breakfast show (with a co-artist) to pay a lyrical tribute to Tollywood icon Uttam Kumar on his death anniversary. Holding a conversation with Somdatta was a cakewalk, for she appeared cooperative and affable.
Ruchira: How was your childhood? Were you an active kid or a homebound one?
Well, I guess I was more of an introverted child who loved to stay home and devote herself entirely to academics and singing.
Ruchira: Describe your musical journey so far. Your first break in the industry, programmes on television channels, et. al.
As you may be aware (like most Bengali children still do), I was initially trained in vocal music by my mother, Swapna Banerjee, who was an accomplished singer. Later, I received training from other tutors like Jharna Bhattacharya, followed by Achin Mukherji and still later by Sutapa Bhattacharya. When I was in the 5th grade, I began my training under Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty and his wife, Chandana Chakraborty. The duo groomed me for twelve long years. Thanks to Chandan Roy Chowdhury, the noted music director, I got my first break in the serial titled Shakmobhorir Deep which was telecast on Channel 8 (now Akaash Aath). I also sang a few songs for the mega serial Sadhak Bamakhaypa, which was telecast on Zee Bangla. I lent my voice to the film Swayamsiddha (not the Ranjit Mallik starrer). My thanks are also due to Bapida (singer Kumar Bapi), who helped me a great deal to build my career.
Ruchira: Who are the singers whom you admire and draw inspiration from?
There are so many. It isn’t easy to name them off the cuff. But yes, I greatly regard the legends like (late) Lata Ji and Jagjit Singh Ji, besides living ones such as Asha Bhonsle, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Ustad Rashid Khan, among others.
Ruchira: You had other career options. Why did you choose music finally?
Somdatta: After finishing school, I graduated from the prestigious Lady Brabourne College and obtained a master’s degree in International Relations (Pol. Science) from Jadavpur University. I also studied Mass Com & Journalism at the University of Calcutta. After that, I even managed to get a job. Then suddenly, the realisation dawned on me that my true calling was music. Therefore, I changed my job and took up music as a full-time profession.I want to keep singing till the last day of my life.
Ruchira: Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty is a living legend. Tell us more about him.
Somdatta: It is a difficult task to speak in detail about one’s mentor. I can only say that it has been a lifetime experience for me to have known and been familiar with him.
Ruchira: Awards and accolades, memorable performances, and audience feedback have been won.
Somdatta: During my career, I have bagged a few awards, viz., the Rajya Sangeet Parishad award and Nehru Children’s award. It was a proud and memorable moment when at age 14, I was bestowed the (all-Bengal) Bartika Samman. I also had the opportunity to perform at Yuva Utsav, a government initiative which hunts for and promotes fresh young talent. I have given performances in the US and neighbouring Bangladesh. I have realised through experience that foreign audiences are far more generous, cordial and welcoming than the ones back home. My work was well acclaimed abroad.
Ruchira: How long have you been in the music industry?
Somdatta: I have been singing for around a decade now.
Ruchira: Did you get support from your parents, spouse, or in-laws regarding your music career?
Somdatta: I have always received the full support of my parents and my husband. But I am still struggling, fighting my own battles.
Ruchira: Which genres of music do you dabble in?
Somdatta: My prime area of interest to date is Rabi Thakurer Gaan (Rabindra Sangeet) and Adhunik (modern).
Ruchira: Who, in your opinion, are the upcoming singers of today?
Somdatta: Madhubanti Bagchi, Gaurab Sarkar and many others.
Ruchira: What is music, especially Tagore songs, to you?
Somdatta: Music is the sole medium through which I can express my emotions. It helps me to connect with the Almighty. As for Tagore’s songs, these fill me witha deep sense of peace.
Ruchira: Do you intend to train your son to don your musical mantle?
Somdatta: I am trying my utmost to introduce my little son Ahir (incidentally, the name of a raga) into the colourful, fragrant world of music and to inculcate a love for music in him. But you know, I can’t force anything on him. What he chooses to do depends entirely on him. However, I earnestly hope he does opt for music ultimately.
Photos sourced by the interviewer.
