‘Rastafari is a way of life’

Recently, singer Bishwadeb Bhaumik along with actress Gul Panag released his music single titled Rastafari, which dwells upon a traveller's love for being on the go.

The music video picked up really well and immediately everyone was seen humming it. Shot in picturesque locales around the country, the video captures Gul's journey as a free-spirited traveller, weaved in by Bhaumik's voice in the background.

We have a chat with the singing sensation- Bishwadeb Bhaumik, more popularly known as Deb, and speak to him about his background, about choosing Gul and future projects:

What does your latest single Rastafari imply?

The beliefs of the Rastafarian are often misunderstood. To many, anyone who has dreads, smokes ganja, and plays Reggae music is a Rasta. There is much more than that. Rastafari is a way of life, a social movement, as well as a mindset. The Rasta life style is one of peace, or at least it seeks to be one of peace. To me a traveller is a Rastafari. The song is an ode to a traveller’s spirit within all of us seeking to find the real meaning of life.

Why did you choose Gul Panag to be a part of this video?

She was the only person who came to my mind when I thought of a collaboration for this song. She is a true Rastafari. She is free- spirited, full of life and believes in just going with the flow.

How was it working with her?

It was high octane! I was working with her on a travel CD two years ago. I really felt Gul could sing and kept pushing for it. One day Gul finally walked into my studio and recorded the song. Gul has a beautiful texture of voice. She nailed the song in three hours.

Tell us few memories from your music band Mirage.

I grew up listening to Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier and Billy Joel’s 52nd Street. I learnt Eastern classical from childhood and also learnt a few Rabindra sangeet as well. During my school days, I had a band called Mirage. It was during this phase I discovered western philosophy. The band started doing shows all over Kolkata and got a bit popular in the school and college circuits. I would skip school and, later, college to do shows or to rehearse. In the meantime, I realized that I was winning almost every singing competition in the city at the college level.

One international pop star who you would like to collaborate with and why?

Skrillex. We both like to create rule benders.