CHENNAI: When Mohini was three, her father Sujoy Dey, a bassist, introduced her to the guitar. Though she didn’t know it at the time, that’s when her love affair with the instrument began. She has been playing on various stages and along with legends since she was 11. The bass guitarist who turned many heads with her performance on MTV Unplugged and Coke studio, among many other shows, will be in the city for a five-day camp. Excerpts from the interview follow…
You have played along with legends like AR Rahman, Zakir Hussain, and Hariharan among others. Who else have you worked with?
I have worked with a lot of Indian and international artists like Steve Vai, Jordan Rudes, Guthrie Govan, Mike Stern, Gergo Borlai, Narada Michael Walden, Anton Davidyants and Federico Malayan. It was my dream to work with Victor Wooten (the American bass player, composer, author, producer, educator, and recipient of five Grammy Awards). I have grown up watching him play and it was an honour that I got to work with him. It was during a North American Tour in 2015 with ARR when Victor called me to his bass camp and I even got the chance to do a small workshop at his camp with 40 bassists.
Having been in the limelight from a young age, have you missed having a normal life? How do you manage your personal and social life?
I never had too many friends, so I never really missed having a normal childhood. I was always working. Even while in school, my schedule was tight with academics and music lessons...I managed both. Had I not worked this way, I don’t think I would have been what I am today (smiles).
Apart from music, what are your other interests and hobbies? If not a musician where would you have seen yourself?
I love to paint and also stitch. In fact, I design and stitch most of my costumes. If I was not a musician,I think I would have been a fashion designer; I love fashion and I love clothes.
Out of all the great musicians you have worked with, whom do you feel the most comfortable with?
When you are working with such established artists, you have to be comfortable! Everybody is different in their own way. I believe that I am actually quite easy to work with; or rather I have to be that way. But if I had to pick out one name, I would have to say Ranjit Barot (the Indian film score composer, music director, music arranger, drummer and singer, and the longtime associate of AR Rahman). I have been training with him since I was 12.
Tell us about your future plans. What are the projects in hand For now, a lot of mixing is in the process.
I will be touring with Marco Minimen in September and with AR Rahman on an India tour — Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, et al. Someday I also wish to start my own music school with international faculties and guest artists coming in every week to give workshops and masterclasses. The entire syllabus will not only be based music but also life, behaviour, dealing with people, etc.
How was it working with AR Rahman?
ARR is like family and we share a beautiful relationship. I really admire him; he is so humble, calm and composed all the time. It is such bliss to just watch him work. And I feel that people should really learn from him.
Have you been around the city before? How do you like it?
Yes, I have been to Chennai around 10 times. Most of ARR’s rehearsals and some recordings happen in Chennai. It is a beautiful place to be in. I love the food here and also people...they are all so kind (smiles).
Mohini Dey will be a part of the five-day music camp organised by Swarnabhoomi Music Academy from August 14. For details, call 7358000770