The Evolution of a Musician’s Life

For me, music wasn’t just a hobby; it was a legacy waiting to be embraced. Growing up in Haridwar, I witnessed my parents, both passionate music educators, filling our home with melodies and rhythms. Watching my father perform at musical events lit a spark in me. It wasn’t a decision to pursue music—it was something that sprouted naturally, as if music was in my blood.

Under the guidance of my father and guru, the late Mr. Ram Charan, I began learning the basics of tabla while my mother, Mrs. Meenakshi, nurtured my vocal skills. By the time I was in third grade, I was deeply immersed in the world of music. By age 10, I was performing at devotional events, school competitions, and social gatherings, a young artist finding his voice and rhythm in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the music world to a standstill. With live events canceled, the music industry faced unprecedented challenges. For musicians like me, whose livelihood depended on live performances, survival became a daunting task.

Amid this adversity, inspiration came from two remarkable people: my teacher, Mr. Rajendra Chauhan, and a dear friend, Rishi Karnwal. They suggested performing for Corona warriors as a gesture of gratitude and motivation. Together with my friend Rohit Joshi, we presented the idea to the District Magistrate of Haridwar, Mr. C. Ravishankar. The initiative, titled ‘Corona Music Marathon,’ received his approval and support as a social cause.

We took music to the streets, hospitals, and Nagar Nigam locations, paying tribute to the frontline heroes. It was a challenging but deeply fulfilling experience that reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of music.

One of the toughest decisions of my life was choosing music as a full-time career. After graduating college in 2013, I took a corporate job to ensure financial stability. But the 8-to-5 routine drained my time and energy, leaving little room for my passion.

The turning point came when my wife, Preeti Melkani (then my girlfriend), encouraged me to take a leap of faith. Her unwavering support gave me the courage to leave the corporate world and immerse myself fully in music. This decision opened doors to advanced training with maestros like Ustad Rashid Mustafa Thirakwa and Pandit Sudhanshu Bahuguna, elevating my craft to new heights.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been blessed with milestones that have fueled my passion and validated my choice to pursue music. One of my proudest achievements was composing and singing original songs on impactful social themes, such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ for the Uttarakhand government. The opportunity to use my music for a cause close to my heart was both humbling and inspiring.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, I took great pride in performing live for Corona warriors, offering a heartfelt musical tribute to their selfless service. This experience reinforced my belief in music's ability to heal and connect people, even in the darkest moments.

Stepping into the limelight, I was featured as a musician in the Bollywood film Half Girlfriend, a moment that felt surreal and rewarding. I also had the privilege of being part of a national TV campaign for the Tata Tiago, further solidifying my presence in the industry.

Collaborating with celebrated Bollywood artists and industry leaders has been a dream come true. These moments have not only shaped my career but also deepened my commitment to creating music that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.

The journey doesn’t stop here. My vision is to release more original compositions as an independent artist and take Indian classical music to global audiences. I aim to explore unique fusions with other genres and inspire the next generation to embrace the beauty of Indian classical music.

Music has been my life’s greatest teacher, and I am committed to continually learning, growing, and sharing its magic with the world.