You have an exotic touch to your profile having hailed from
Canada. Did that give you an extra fillip during your foray in
Bollywood as a strong command on world music scene is
considered an added bonus today?
I firmly believe, versatility is a real valuable trait for any
singer. And that quality develops from a keen indulgence
in eclectic genres of music. Growing up in Canada, I was
exposed to both western and Indian music equally. So I
have spontaneously developed an ability to build up my
skills in two distinct spheres of music — first by training
in western classical singing, second by self-practice with
Indian songs of various kinds. Thus having the aptitude
to blend western vocal techniques with the nuances of
Indiangayaki was something that has helped me begin the
process of shaping a unique sound of my own over a period
of time.
How has been your musical grooming in Canada? Would you
miss your desi sangeet on a foreign land till you decided to pack
bags and shift base?
Performing at events in Canada was quite a different
experience for me than it has ever been here in India.
But overall, it propped me up well to prepare for the
various types of events I dabbled in while visiting back
home. In Canada, most events tend to be for an audience
of amalgamated Indian cultures, so the energies and
expectations span over a wide range.
Seems like language is never a barrier for you and you have sung
in several regional lingos. How do you manage this?
I use phonetics to learn the lyrics of languages am unfamiliar
with. This is a very scientific approach for me. I rewrite the
words based on how they sound to me, and over time, I have
developed a sort of a legend of my own that I can apply to
each and every vernacular I chanced upon to croon in.
It’s really important to me to get the diction right. So I
take aid of those immediately around me who natively
speak the language of the song to help me correct my
pronunciation while I’m picking up the tongue.
You could have easily chosen a career in corporate business
or health science as your academic background highlights the
same. Instead you chose music. Was it all about your passion’s
call?
Deep down inside, singing was always my happy-
haven, but I wanted to have a strong academic
backing before attempting to pursue a career in
music. Getting a good education as a solid backup
was something my parents had instilled in me.
So once I completed my studies, I was confident of
giving the vocalist’s discipline a fair chance as a full-
time preoccupation, knowing well that I have a stable
foundation to fall back on, lest my career flunks to take off
properly. So here I stand now feeling absolutely content
and thankful to having followed my gut in chasing my
passion for music. I’m also grateful that I had the much-
needed support-system to succeed on this score.
Who has been your greatest guide, support and source of
inspiration in music?
I owe it to many people who have along the way shared
their experiences with me, provided that desirable relevant
guidance and have also continued to support me on this
ever-changing journey. I’d like to first and foremost refer to
my parents for incessantly motivating and encouraging me
through thick and thin. Musically, I am inspired by those who
push boundaries and exude the self-sufficiency required to
manifest their dreams into reality.
Your respected father — Deepak Gandhi — too is a musician by
hobby and was the first person to unearth your talent. How did he
encourage and introduce you to music?
My dad has been leading a music band in Toronto since I was
a kid. When he first realized that I had a knack for singing, he
cheered me on to learn and practise the craft. I was very shy
as a child and he made all the efforts to trigger that spark in
me and help me discover my true calling which lies in music.
Thanks to his push and belief in me and the opportunities that
he provided along my path by allowing me to perform with his
band, that today I am where I am. I stand at a certain height
now to keep challenging myself by adopting new techniques
and grasping the essential ropes of the musical vocation.
Was Bollywood naturally your next step towards progression in
terms of music? Didn’t you think of trying your luck on international
platforms?
Well, I have always had this aim to take my penchant to
an international level, since I grew up in a place where
Bollywood wasn’t the be-all and end-all when it came to
entertainment. I remember waiting to be 16 so that I could
be old enough to audition for certain English musicals and
also participate at the Canadian singing competitions. That
being said, it was solely the Indian music that lent me an
identity while in Canada. Because I had the most prospects
to showcase my talent and culture when I sang Hindi and
Punjabi songs, and so that became the primary focus as far as
professional singing went.
How important was your training in both western and Hindustani
classical music given the fact that it’s a rare combo to spot in an
artiste’s CV?
Though I manage to deliver the techniques required in semi-
classical songs that I perform, my training in Hindustani
classical music has been limited thus far. This is something I
would really like to work upon. I’m grateful that I have learnt
a bit of both styles though, and I hope I can learn a lot more
soon. I think the more styles you know, the more fun you can
have taking on new characters in the studio as a playback
singer.
You tasted fame by posting your music videos of super hit covers on
the YouTube that went viral. How significant do you think is grabbing
this digital space in today’s times to make yourself heard across the
board?
The rise of YouTube and social media as digital platforms
for artistes to exhibit their work has increased substantially
since I had first begun uploading videos back in 2011. I think
it’s a perfect window for artistes to adjudge their pluses and
minuses alike. Yet at the same time it brings them a golden
opportunity to be heard and seen by audiences, significant
musical personalities, music producing companies and record
labels across the world.
Tell us about your first break in Bollywood and how it all happened.
A friend of mine was working at Vishal-Shekhar’s studio as
an engineer and had taken me to visit his workstation.
The
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