Somdatta’s journey as an interdisciplinary artist is a testament to the power of diverse cultural influences and the seamless blending of music, dance, and social activism. In an exclusive interview with the Blue Bird Film Festival, Somdatta delves into the myriad ways her eclectic background has shaped her artistic vision, her most memorable performances, and the inspirations behind her innovative projects. Through her words, we gain a profound understanding of her creative process and the philosophies that drive her work.
Eclectic Roots and Early Influences
Somdatta’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in her upbringing. She credits her late father, Sri Jatishankar Chakraborty, as a significant life force in her artistic journey. “My artistic vision stems from my eclectic upbringing where my father infused a diverse range of musical styles, rhythms, and melodies into my childhood,” she reflects. Her father, well-versed in both Western and Indian music, introduced her to a wide array of musical genres, from Indian classical to American and British pop. This rich musical environment was complemented by her training in Bharatanatyam at the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, where she was immersed in ancient chants and rhythmic structures.
“My childhood was replete with teachings of Bharatanatyam, Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya, and dance dramas and theatre written by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore,” Somdatta recalls. This diverse artistic exposure laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach, where music, dance, and theatre seamlessly converge. She emphasizes that her artistic journey has been a continuous quest to create works that are both spiritually unifying and reflective of real stories of oppression and marginalization.
Formative Experiences at Darpana Academy
Darpana Academy played a pivotal role in shaping Somdatta’s artistic identity. “Darpana Academy instilled in me discipline and the art of learning,” she notes. The academy provided her with foundational techniques in Bharatanatyam and exposed her to a wide range of visiting performing artists from around the world. Performing at the Natarani Theatre, embedded within Darpana Academy, allowed her to interact with diverse artists and refine her craft.
“I remember performing with my band, most of whom are revered artists today, at the Natarani Theatre and with some amazing percussionists and theatre artists from Nigeria,” she shares. These early experiences enriched her artistic identity, providing her with a global perspective that continues to influence her work.
Memorable Performances on Prestigious Stages
Somdatta’s performances have taken her to prestigious venues around the world. She highlights three performances that stand out as particularly memorable: ICCR (Kolkata and Berlin), Princeton University, and an annual women empowerment convention in Toronto. “In Kolkata, performing with amazing musicians and receiving heartfelt feedback from legends such as the late Smt. Sumitra Sen and Bengali elocutionist late Shri Pradip Ghosh was a great blessing for me,” she recalls. Similarly, her performance of ‘Sangam’ at Princeton University was a confluence of traditions, reflecting spiritual philosophies and catering to a diverse audience eager to experience the cosmic work of Tagore’s music and lyrics.
Her performance in Toronto of ‘We Rise’ was particularly impactful. “The audience mentioned that they were touched by the performance and wanted to dance, thereby dissolving traumatic feelings based on experiences in their lives,” she shares. For Somdatta, an emotionally moved audience is a powerful motivator for future performances.
Innovative Projects and Cultural Intersections
Somdatta’s innovative projects, such as “Daivi” and “Sangam,” blend different musical traditions, reflecting her commitment to exploring cultural intersections. “My collaborators and I have always envisioned a unique soundscape to sing along with Gurudev’s expansive melodies and poetry,” she explains. The process of curating these works involves a deep emotional and spiritual connection to the music, striving for a balance between dark and light, and addressing social causes.
“Whether it is celebrating the power of women and instigating human soul strength or hoping for a world free of oppression and marginalization, the human soul replete with experiences of conflict during dark and light is centric to this curated work,” she elaborates. Her hunger to learn and collaborate with artists from around the world fuels these projects, creating a unique blend of cultural influences that transcend geographical boundaries.
Exploring Multicultural Repertoires with “Mazi”
“Mazi,” which means “together” in Greek, marks a departure from Somdatta’s core work on Tagore. This project explores songs in diverse languages, inspired by her graduate studies in world music. “Sevdah music from the Balkan peninsula touched me the most,” she reveals. The process involved meticulous work on pronunciation and emoting through unfamiliar languages, guided by scholars and collaborators.
“I feel blessed to have help and direction from a lot of people around me regarding Mazi,” she states. The response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive, especially for songs like “We Rise” and “Moj Dilbere,” a Bosnian song. The journey of exploring new musical terrains has been both challenging and rewarding, enriched by the support and inspiration from her husband and collaborators.
Addressing Social Issues through “We Rise”
“We Rise” is a powerful project addressing the issue of domestic violence. Inspired by her work in dance/movement therapy and mental health counseling, Somdatta sought to express the trauma of domestic violence survivors through art. “Art, whether it is dance, music, or painting, has its unique expression and can help constructively approach negative memories,” she explains. The song features both Bangla and Sanskrit lyrics, crafted with the help of Sarod maestro Prattyush Banerjee and Sanskrit lyricist Neha Krishana Kumar. Somdatta has also expressed her gratitude towards Rebecca Brodowski who has co-choreographed ‘We Rise’, her co-choreographer Darci Erickson and Gabriel Davila who was the cinematographer for ‘We Rise’.
The project also involved the participation of Darci Erickson, who found rejuvenation in dancing after 30 years. “Her journey needed to be expressed through art,” Somdatta emphasizes. The collaborative effort resulted in a powerful piece that resonates deeply with audiences, highlighting the transformative power of art.
Enriching Creative Processes through Collaboration
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Somdatta’s creative process. She seeks out artists who are open to new ideas and willing to explore untread territories. “Most of these artists with whom I have collaborated are extremely successful in their worlds and are willing to work with me and trust my artistic process,” she notes. Grammy-winning flutist Ron Korb, voice educator Dr. Trineice Robinson, and jazz and blues pianists Eli Yamin and Anil Veeraraj are among the many artists who have enriched her projects.
Their willingness to confide in her artistic vision and contribute selflessly to the collaborative process has been instrumental in bringing her innovative works to life. “Despite being stalwarts, they confide in my artistic vision for which I am utterly grateful,” she says.
Recognition and Awards in the Artistic Journey
Winning accolades such as the Global Music Awards is gratifying, but Somdatta views them as a part of a larger journey. “Awards certainly give you recognition and some temporary happiness, but it is best not to be glued to this consequence,” she reflects. Her focus remains on exploring new realms and applying creativity for a unified world. “The idea is to constantly keep moving, abolishing older presumptions and challenging one’s limits,” she asserts.
The Role of Film Festivals for Independent Filmmakers
Somdatta emphasizes the vital role film festivals play for independent filmmakers. “A film’s journey begins with a filmmaker’s own experiences and story, and film festivals have this huge opportunity and scope to highlight these stories and experiences unreachable to the general curious audience,” she explains. Festivals provide a platform for niche films, offering financial aid, distribution, and networking opportunities.
“Today, classic films continue to be watched and embraced by newer generations because of film festivals,” she notes. By creating audiences and sustaining word of mouth, festivals ensure that the work of visionary artists reaches beyond commercial viability.
In this detailed interview, Somdatta’s responses have offered a window into her multifaceted artistic journey. Her unwavering commitment to blending cultural influences, addressing social issues, and fostering collaborative creativity continues to shape her work, making her a powerful force in the world of interdisciplinary art.
In the ever-evolving landscape of interdisciplinary art, Somdatta stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural fusion. Her journey, richly detailed in this interview, reveals the profound impact of a diverse upbringing, the transformative power of collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful artistic expression. As she continues to explore new realms and address pressing social issues through her work, Somdatta’s story inspires both emerging and established artists alike.
The Blue Bird Film Festival’s dedication to showcasing such in-depth interviews plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between artists and audiences. These conversations illuminate the personal and artistic journeys behind the masterpieces, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art. By providing a platform for voices like Somdatta, the festival not only celebrates the richness of global artistic traditions but also fosters a community of empathy, inspiration, and innovation. As we conclude this interview, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of art in connecting and uplifting humanity.