Ranjit Barot
Biography
Ranjit Barot, born in 1959 in Mumbai, India, is a distinguished musician celebrated for his multifaceted contributions to the Indian music industry. His expertise spans film score composition, music direction, arrangement, drumming, and singing. A longstanding collaborator of Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman, Barot has significantly influenced both Indian and international music scenes.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family deeply rooted in Indian music and dance, Barot's mother, Sitara Devi, was a renowned Kathak dancer from Varanasi, and his father hailed from Gujarat. This rich cultural heritage profoundly shaped his musical inclinations.
Career Highlights
Collaborations with A. R. Rahman: Barot has been instrumental in A. R. Rahman's live concerts, serving as the musical director and drummer. His contributions have been pivotal in bringing Rahman's compositions to life on stage.
Jazz and Fusion Music: In the 1980s, Barot performed at the Jazz Yatra in Europe with the Jazz Yatra Sextet, alongside luminaries like Louis Banks. He also collaborated with Pandit Ravi Shankar's ensemble, Jazzmine, featuring artists such as John Handy and George Adams.
Film Industry Contributions: Barot's work in the Indian film industry includes composing and arranging music for numerous films. Notably, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Background Score for the film Aks (2001).
International Collaborations: His international collaborations include performances with jazz legends like John McLaughlin and Trilok Gurtu. He has also worked with artists such as Jonas Helborg, Aydin Esen, and Tim Garland.
Music Production and Direction: Barot has been the music producer for MTV Unplugged's Seasons 1 and 2 and has served as the music director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.
