How music found me

There’s always a story behind how everything begins — and I think I know mine. Let me tell you.

It all started with my grandmother. She’s the one who brought the sense of sur and taal into our family. She was always so enthusiastic about singing — and even today, she carries that same spark. She couldn’t read or write, but she learnt every song simply by listening to it repeatedly. She would sing at every occasion she could — from family functions to pooja aartis — everywhere.

That love for music was passed down to my father, and then to me. Everyone in my family is a decent singer with some knowledge of music, so what I am doing doesn’t seem very special to them. But for me, it means everything.

I was born (twin) in my village and studied there till 2nd class, living with my mother and grandmother. During that time, my grandmother taught me to sing. She was my first guru. She also taught my elder sisters and brother, but they weren’t as interested. I, on the other hand, used to perform in Ramleela pandals, singing a song or two I picked up from TV, and even during my school’s 15th August celebrations — where I once got a medal. I think I knew back then what I wanted to be. All thanks to my grandmother.

Today, as I learn and work towards becoming a professional musician, I carry one dream — to perform in front of my grandmother. To sing some Bhojpuri and Hindi geet for her when I’ve made it, and let her see how far I’ve come. I want the whole family to witness it too, but especially her — because she was my first guru. I am deeply grateful for that, and I want to achieve my vision in her name.

I know, deep down, she would have wanted to become a singer too if she had everything I have today. She is a singer in her own right — singing for her own happiness. And that, I believe, is the very core of the art and the artist.