11 May,2010 11:18 AM IST | | Urmimala Banerjee
Remember the Nagin tune in Chor Bazari (Love Aaj Kal) and the soulful background music in Aaoge Jab Tum (Jab We Met)? Well, flautist Naveen Kumar is the genius behind these tracks and zillions of other Bollywood hits. Naveen has recently launched his new album Caf ufffd Fluid, and is about to set off for a world tour with AR Rehman. He speaks to CS:
New album
Though I have taken training in Carnatic music, I am a self-taught flute player. This is my second album. The numbers have an element of rock, pop and hip hop to them. I have collaborated with artists like Louiz Banks, Rajesh Vaidya, Reeg Dev and a number of international musicians for this album.
My sound
I come from a family of classical musicians. As a kid playing the flute came naturally to me. Over the years, I read Professor Sammamurthy's books and learnt a lot from them. In fact, I have made my own flute, which is a little different from the traditional ones. It has strings inside it. Besides, I play the bamboo and a PVC-based flute too. I have also sung for films down South as well as composed music.
Rehman rules
I have been with Rehman since Roja, his first film. Like me, he too is a self-taught musician and understands my mindset and spirit. He uses a lot of natural sounds in his music and that has inspired me. Though I moved to Mumbai five years back, I am in constant touch with him. I really value whatever comment or suggestion he has for me. In fact, he played a great role in inspiring me to come out with this album. Other than Rehman, my inspirations are Chik Corea, Denis Chamber and Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia.u00a0
Music, all the way
I eat, drink and breathe music. It energises my heart and soul. I feel that music should be promoted better in schools. The industry is booming, and a number of youngsters can make a lucrative career in it. Given a chance, I would like to pass on some of my knowledge to budding musicians.u00a0u00a0
