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In a candid and insightful conversation on Northeast Live’s *Chat Time* with host Oineetom Ojah, legendary singer-songwriter Lou Majaw and acclaimed filmmaker Bidyut Kotoky discussed their long-standing friendship, creative collaboration, and the making of the feature-length documentary *Lou & Behold*. The 2023 interview offers a rare glimpse into Majaw’s life and philosophy, as well as Kotoky’s vision for portraying the iconic musician beyond his well-known stage persona.

Lou Majaw, often called the “Bob Dylan of India,” has been a towering figure in Northeast India’s rock and folk scene for decades. Known for his raw energy, protest songs, and unwavering annual Bob Dylan tribute concerts, Majaw’s journey from poverty-stricken streets in Kolkata to cultural icon status is nothing short of remarkable. Bidyut Kotoky, an award-winning Assamese director whose films capture the socio-cultural essence of the Northeast, has shared a friendship with Majaw spanning over 25 years. Their bond previously led to Kotoky’s earlier work *Guns and Guitars*, a musical travelogue deeply influenced by Majaw.

### The Spark for ‘Lou & Behold’

Kotoky revealed that the idea for *Lou & Behold* originated when Majaw approached him around his 75th birthday, asking the filmmaker to document the milestone. Despite knowing Majaw for years, Kotoky realized he had only seen the “mask”—the charismatic performer in denim shorts and hat who lights up with a guitar in hand. “The moment the camera is on or the guitar is in his hand, he’s a performer,” Kotoky noted. The documentary aims to explore the man behind that mask: his quiet acts of kindness, support for the underprivileged, family life, and deeper philosophical layers.

Kotoky admitted the challenge was finding something new to say about a legend who has inspired countless young musicians in the Northeast. He wanted to avoid superficial portrayals, drawing from his dissatisfaction with previous documentaries on Majaw. The result is an intimate portrait that delves into Majaw’s resilience, from sleeping on Kolkata streets to building a lasting legacy in Indian rock.

### Majaw’s Reflections on Life, Music, and Nature

Majaw, ever the philosopher, shared profound thoughts on existence. He described life as spanning physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms, with an even deeper unknown layer that completes the human experience. When asked about sources of his boundless energy, he credited the power of music. Yet, beyond the stage, his greatest passion and concern is nature. He expressed deep sadness over humanity’s disrespect for the environment, emphasizing that we have only one short lifetime on this single planet.

“People’s total disrespect to the environment… to planet Earth saddens me,” Majaw said. He called for awakening to make Earth more beautiful, reflecting his lifelong love for the region’s natural beauty and his roots in Shillong.

Kotoky highlighted lesser-known sides of his friend— the caring father and uncle who quietly helps others, contrasting the Bohemian image Majaw sometimes projects. Majaw’s humility shines through; he downplays fame while focusing on music as a force for good. The pair also touched on the evolving music scene in the Northeast, with Majaw viewing the growth positively but stressing the importance of folk roots as the foundation for all genres.

### A Journey of Rediscovery

One of the film’s most emotional aspects involved revisiting Majaw’s early struggles in Kolkata—places where he slept rough and performed for survival. Kotoky noted this was perhaps the first time Majaw looked back at his legacy in such depth. Their collaboration, rooted in casual conversations over guitar strings and shared travels, underscores a deep artistic synergy.

*Lou & Behold* promises an exhilarating ode to music’s transformative power, resilience, and dreams. As Kotoky put it, the journey of making the film proved as fascinating as the destination.

This interview not only celebrates two pillars of Northeast India’s arts but also invites audiences to discover the human story behind the legend. For those inspired by Majaw’s music or Kotoky’s storytelling, *Lou & Behold* stands as a must-watch testament to passion, friendship, and cultural heritage. Watch the full *Chat Time* episode on Northeast Live’s YouTube channel for the complete conversation.