Given a choice, the MD of Nazara Technologies Limited would love to jam with Bill Clinton who he considers a great performer.
It’s Saxophone Day (an unofficial holiday commemorating the birth of the woodwind's inventor, Adolphe Sax) and all over the world, saxophonists and jazz enthusiasts are gathering to celebrate that smooth, smooth sound. Like Nitish Mittersain, MD, Nazara Technologies Limited, who hopes to be jamming with friends tonight at a new jazz café in Bandra – the BlueBop Café.
Mittersain has been hooked onto the sax since he first picked up the instrument at the age of 16. “It was something I always wanted to do as a kid and finally when I gave it a shot, I was hooked.”
Despite his late start, Mittersain quickly made his way into jazz circles, joining ‘Jazz Junkeys’, a jazz band that used to perform every second Thursday at Jazz by the Bay in Mumbai. He also played Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” on Shekhar Suman’s 'Movers & Shakers' back in 2000.
Despite his late start, Nitish Mittersain quickly made his way into jazz circles. MD by Day, Saxophonist by Night But for Mittersain, it’s not just a hobby or passion. Playing the sax helps him at work too.
“Jazz for me is all about improvisation and approaching a song through multiple patterns and ways. I am able to apply the same tactic at work, improvising on challenges faced on a day to day basis,” he said.
Playing the sax thrice a week with weekly classes every Monday also allows the Nazara Tech MD to unwind after a long day, leaving him refreshed for family time. One of his favourite memories remains the time he played ‘Under the Sea’ from The Little Mermaid for his daughter’s first birthday. “She is an ardent fan and loves to dance while I play.”
Dream Collaborations Asked about people he’d love to jam with, Mittersain said he wouldn’t mind jamming with former US President Bill Clinton who he considers a great performer. However, if he could go back in time, he would love the opportunity to play ‘Autumn Leaves’ with American jazz saxophonist Stan Getz (also known as “The Sound”).
Songs That Inspire And Pump Up Rashesh Shah & Heena Sidhu
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Finding The Perfect Pitch
5 Sep, 2018
There are songs, and then there are anthems that fire you up. Business and sports personalities share the tunes that strike a chord with them.
(Text: Glynda Alves, Maleeva Rebello, Shannon Tellis)
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Brett Gosper, CEO, World Rugby
5 Sep, 2018
“The song I love to listen to is ‘Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty. It was used in the 1996 movie 'Jerry Maguire'. I love the scene where he’s just won a big deal and is changing the radio station to find the perfect song. I often think of that moment when I am looking for a song. So, Jerry Maguire pumps me up. It’s a bit of advertising, a bit of sports and a great film to marry all of the stuff I’ve been involved in.”
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Wrestler Sushil Kumar
5 Sep, 2018
“'The Chak De! India' title song always inspires me. The movie came out around the time I won the 2008 bronze medal at the Olympics. I remember it was the same song I listened to before my bouts at the London 2012 Games. Even today, this song has a special meaning for me.”
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Pistol shooter Heena Sidhu
5 Sep, 2018
“I listen to a lot of songs but one of my favourites has to be ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry. It really pumps me up. And yes, I sing along a little bit.”
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Rashesh Shah, CEO, Edelweiss Group
5 Sep, 2018
“When I used to train, I used to listen to the songs from 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. They are inspirational. To pump myself up, I also like to listen to some of the classics like ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor.”
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