Melody Matters

Actress Amyra Dastur has a very simply criterion for liking music — it should be meaningful. From the poetry of Bob Dylan to the songs of Billy Joel, she loves music that makes her introspect. In a chat with us, Amyra gives us the lowdown on all things melodious:

The song on repeat on my iPod: Sorry by Justin Beiber and Deewani Mastani from Bajirao Mastani

If I had to put together a ‘soundtrack’ for my life, the five songs on it would be: The Anthem Part 2 by Blink 182, How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox20, Dhoom (from the first Dhoom), Shake It Off by Taylor Swift and Lose Yourself by Eminem. I guess these five songs best describe my life because I’ve gone ‘by the book’. I’ve been rebellious, but I’ve also cherished everything I have been given.

What I listen to when: I’m happy and upbeat — Thunderstruck by ACDC I’m really low — The Climb by Miley Cyrus I’m working out — Any upbeat Bollywood dance song

Music I loved as a kid/teen but am now embarrassed by: None! Luckily, I was into punk like Good Charlotte, Green Day, Breaking Benjamin, etc. But I was kind of obsessed with Barbie Girl back in the day! Not because I liked the song but because it was constantly playing in my had, so I’d be singing it.

My favourite time/way to listen to music during the day is: When I travel. I love listening to music when I’m in the car on long drives.

If I could have one band in the world/a musician perform a private concert for me, it would have to be: The Beatles or The Rolling Stones

And the one live act I would love to see at least once in my life: At this moment, Imagine Dragons. I saw a concert of theirs on YouTube and was absolutely blown away. Their songs are beautiful and their concert was so original and uplifting that I promised myself I would go and see them perform live within the next two years.