Home / Arts and Entertainment / Filmmaker's Daily Ritual: Anand Bakshi's Songs Guide His Work
Filmmaker's Daily Ritual: Anand Bakshi's Songs Guide His Work
30 Mar
Summary
- Director Aditya Datt listens to over 5,000 songs by his grandfather daily.
- A special playlist named 'Anand Bakshi Jukebox' is used as a mood board.
- Grandfather Anand Bakshi tested Datt's passion for filmmaking years ago.

Filmmaker Aditya Datt maintains a profound connection with his late grandfather, lyricist Anand Bakshi, through a daily ritual. Before commencing his workday, Datt listens to a curated playlist of over 5,000 songs penned by Bakshi, which he calls his "Anand Bakshi Jukebox." This collection, accessed via an old iPod, functions as a vital mood board.
Datt strategically selects songs to match the emotional tenor of the day's scenes. Romantic sequences might call for melodic pieces, while emotional scenes prompt different selections. This consistent practice underscores how deeply Anand Bakshi's artistry continues to influence Datt's creative process. March 30 marked Anand Bakshi's death anniversary.
Recalling his early days, Datt shared a formative memory of his grandfather's mentorship. Anand Bakshi once tested Datt's passion for filmmaking by asking him to re-narrate a script he had heard, assessing his attention and storytelling abilities. This moment has remained a guiding principle for Datt.