Tajdar with his charango. A few of his popular songs are Prelude to Poland, Though I Know and Yadon Ki Pari. Pic/Ramanuj Das

Cinema is an inspiration to countless artistes. The medium — armed with lights, sounds and a narrative — throws open contrasting emotions. Guitarist and composer Tajdar Junaid picked up fragments of his feelings through Iranian films. It is difficult to decode his Rock band origins; his shy disposition and full- sleeved check shirts on stage with a charango (a string instrument) hung over the neck tell a different story. The 36-year-old is on a high these days. His new release Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) has been getting rave reviews. Adil Hussain, one of the actors in the film, received a special mention at the National Awards last week.