"AR Rahman Has Guided Me In My Musical World For The Past 12 Years”-Hriday Ghattani,New Age Pop Star

Growing up in Mumbai, Hriday Gattani immersed himself in the rich tapestry of live performances and embraced the intricacies of Indian classical music. Under the mentorship of the esteemed A.R. Rahman, Gattani not only refined his musical skills but also embarked on a journey of active collaboration, touring alongside the maestro. His artistry seamlessly weaves together the realms of native and western melodies.

In 2023, Hriday Gattani introduces a fresh sonic spectrum with his hit singles "Darmiyaan," "Bawre," and "Saaya." Beyond his instrumental contributions, Gattani has earned recognition as a playback singer, leaving an imprint on iconic films such as Mani Ratnam’s "Kaatru Veliyidai" (2017) and Gurinder Chadha’s "Blinded By The Light" (2019).

In a freewheeling chat with Loudest.in,he talks about his musical journey so far.

Here are edited excerpts:

Q1.Tell us about your musical journey so far?

The musical journey has been truly remarkable, experiencing continuous growth each year. Personally, it has been a beautiful evolution, marked by the achievement of self-set milestones. I've been fortunate to draw inspiration from every opportunity, and my journey has been shaped by incredible mentors. One significant figure is AR Rahman, who has guided me in my musical world for the past 12 years. Since the moment I decided to pursue a career in music, he has been a constant presence, the first to recognize my potential and provide me with opportunities.

Having AR Rahman as a mentor has been invaluable; he has consistently supported and guided me. Learning from him has been a profound experience, as his musical creations inspire everyone. My first interaction with him occurred when I was just 14 years old. I was invited to sing in a chorus alongside other kids for a song dedicated to Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam, our president at the time. The song was crafted from a poetry piece written by Mr. Kalam himself, celebrating Children's Day. This experience was a significant milestone in my musical journey.

Q2.What motivated Hriday to explore the fusion of Indian classical music with western melodies in your work?

During my childhood, my musical preferences were predominantly Western, influenced by my dad's penchant for English music and classic rock, featuring iconic bands like The Beatles. The home playlist was mostly filled with such discography, leaving little room for exposure to Indian music. However, when I stumbled upon the vast landscape of Indian music, encompassing classical and various genres, it was a revelation.

While Hindi Bollywood songs had been part of my auditory experience, I hadn't truly connected with them. The moment I started delving into Indian music and learning about its diverse genres, my perspective underwent a seismic shift. The distinctiveness of Indian classical music fascinated me, prompting a desire to explore and comprehend it on a deeper level. This newfound interest became a journey of self-exploration, a personal challenge that I eagerly embraced.

Driven by the question, "Why haven't I learned this before?" I decided to push myself to grasp the intricacies of Ragas, delve into the realm of Indian instruments, and experiment with fusion. It became a transformative process, not only musically but also artistically. Recognizing the wealth of musical and artistic treasures in India, I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between different forms and offer a unique fusion that showcases our cultural richness.

Q3.Could he elaborate on the challenges and rewards he faced when blending these two distinct musical worlds?

Numerous challenges arose during my journey into the realm of something truly sacred – Indian classical music, particularly the intricate world of Ragas. Many shy away from delving into this sacred art unless they commit to a proper and thorough learning process. Thankfully, my guru played a pivotal role in my initiation. My formal exploration of Indian classical music commenced six years ago, and during those early days, my guru visited my studio regularly to impart his knowledge. The studio itself was a conducive environment, so much so that what began as a regular session often transformed into impromptu songwriting classes.

Under his guidance, I delved into experimenting with different elements. I distinctly recall instances where a simple session evolved into a collaborative exploration of blending Ragas with jazz chords. In those moments, I would present various ideas, testing boundaries right in front of him. His mentorship involved not only encouragement but also crucial guidance on the dos and don'ts of this intricate fusion.

Navigating through the convergence of classical and contemporary elements presented its own set of challenges, yet with persistence and guidance, I managed to overcome them. The timeless nature of Indian classical music provides a lasting connection for those who resonate with my compositions. Its deep-rooted essence allows listeners to immerse themselves for extended durations, creating a unique and enduring musical experience.

Q4.Do you believe in nostalgia marketing like how brands are using old songs in their campaigns tell us your views on it?

Nostalgic moments weave seamlessly into the fabric of our lives, constituting an integral part of the human experience. Each step of our journey, whether joyous or challenging, becomes a cherished memory. These moments, which we openly hold dear, remain evergreen. The cyclical return of beautiful experiences from the past is inevitable, creating a continuous loop of meaningful reflections. The evaluation of whether these recollections are right or wrong is inherently subjective, as personal perspectives shape the significance we attach to them.

Q4.What specific life experiences or emotions inspired the creation of 'Darmiyaan’?tell us about your new song more

Darmiyaan" is a concept that originated in my mind several years ago. The song's inception dates back to 2018, but even before that, I had laid the groundwork for the fundamental idea. The inspiration for this song, like many others I create, stems from the ideologies and elements that surround me. In the context of the song, "Darmiyaan" signifies the inner space where one appreciates the beauty in their surroundings and transforms that appreciation into creative expression.

Q5.In films like 'Dil Bechara,' 'Blinded By The Light,' and 'Kaatru Veliyidai,' how does your approach adapting this voice to suit diverse cinematic projects?Can you share memorable anecdotes or challenges faced during  playback singing experiences?

When it comes to film music, numerous minds contribute to the creative process, including music directors and others. In the case of the films you mentioned, AR Rahman served as the music director. He typically allows artistic freedom, providing a melody for the song "Mai Tumahar" and leaving room for personal interpretation, while guidance is offered as needed. The lyrics were given by Amitabh sir, and a briefing about the situation followed.

In my role as a music supervisor on the sets, I was granted a free hand to infuse the song with my interpretation. Singing the song proved to be a poignant moment, as the atmosphere was quite serious. Consequently, the style had to be soft, and I opted for a more mellow rendition to capture the emotional nuances of the scene.