There is so much art in science and science in art: Shantanu Moitra

Recently The World-Wide Fund for Nature - India (WWF-India) celebrated the convergence of Earth Hour 2025 with World Water Day with a vibrant festival that brought together music, art, and architecture to create a wave of change with the theme #BeWaterWise.

- TDG NETWORK

As part of this festival, celebrated musician Shantanu Moitra shared stories from his 2,700-km journey along the Ganga River and performed alongside Nyishi singer-songwriter Taba Chake, highlighting the connection between music, communities, and environmental awareness.

Namrata Kohli caught up with Shantanu Moitra, who is also the WWF-India's Hope & Harmony Ambassador, on the sidelines of this event 'WWF-India's Earth Hour Festival 2025' in New Delhi.

1. Climate and Music a few decades ago, one wouldn't imagine a musician talking of climate. Can you tell us more about the 'sangam' or confluence of climate meeting composition?

Actually, this confluence was always there. In school, one of the biggest mistakes we make is we create separate sections- arts and science. I don't think it's correct. There is so much art in science and science in art.

Also, I feel that music is a gift. You have to work on it and hone your skill with experience but primarily it's a gift. But then what are we doing with this gift? Are we only making lots of money, traveling in big cars, owning lavish houses, and going around the world? Yes, we can have personal gain and benefits with this gift. But what difference can we make to this world? And I think that realization was very strong, very early on, in my life. Whenever I am doing Bollywood, it gets me name and fame like nothing else. I realize that the branding I get from Bollywood helps me talk to people about serious issues. That's a formula I cracked. I think that my role is primarily as an ambassador to raise certain issues to people through my songs, through my stories and help leave a better world. My father always used to tell me - "When you're crossing the road, see if any elderly needs help. Crossing the road is moving ahead and progressing but holding the hand of someone who can't cross by himself- that is roots."