Songs from the heart

When you debut with a song that breaks the monotony and hits the top spot, it certainly pushes your career ahead. Many would argue that it also gives rise to really high expectations. However, for singer-composer Akhil Sachdeva, there is no such pressure of expectations, not even after his dream start with the melodious hit ‘Humsafar’ from Badrinath Ki Dulhania picturised on Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. And, Akhil has sung, composed and written lyrics for it.

“Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure, it doesn’t affect me. Yes, it is created by the people around, but my job is to create good music and I will continue to do so. ‘Humsafar’ has definitely made me more responsible and careful towards composing and singing. I just follow my heart in whatever I do and will continue to do that,” says Akhil.

How it all began

Akhil Sachdeva started his journey as the lead vocalist of the Delhi-based music band, Nasha, about seven years ago. While ‘Humsafar’ has earned him several accolades and awards, he’s not the one to rest on his laurels and is out with his new single ‘Gal Sun Jai Ja’ produced by T-Series, composed and sung by him, and penned by Manoj Muntashir. It’s a single that features him too. “The single ‘Gal Sun Jai Ja’ is very important and special because I am acting for the first time,” he says. “I think it definitely helps when an artiste is recognised. Everybody needs to know the face behind the voice so that audiences also get to identify the real artistes,” says Akhil.

‘Gal Sun Jai Ja’ is a melody close to Akhil’s heart. He had, after all, worked over three years ago on it. In fact, the song was to be a part of a film that the T-Series’s head honcho Bhushan Kumar was helming. “Somehow, I think towards the final cut, Bhushanji was not convinced, and we decided to pull the song out from the film. He wanted to project it as a single – show the artiste.” Akhil believes that post ‘Humsafar’, ‘Gal Sun Jai Ja’ is the perfect song for him. “It is different and even though I had penned it three-and-a-half years ago, we worked on the lyrics and the feel of it to give it freshness.”

Akhil finds himself at home on all platforms of music. “Honestly, I feel there is no particular category that musicians can be put into. Every artiste would want to do playbacks, stage shows and singles to their own music. I feel lucky to have been given this chance. I am blessed to have the capability to write, compose, sing and perform, all together. All I want to do is make music, and I am doing it. Whether as part of a band or through playback or in singles is immaterial. They are just different stages that I am only too happy to explore,” he says. Adding on a bit about his band Nasha, Akhil says, “While there is no particular category for musicians, wherever there is music, Nasha will surely be there!”

Inspired by those around

Akhil is happy to find his chances in Bollywood though. “According to me, Bollywood music is growing. They are experimenting with new sounds, and lots of new musicians and composers have come to the fore. Young talented singers are coming up and proving themselves.” Akhil has some sound advice to give to aspiring singers and composers hoping to make a name on the Bollywood music scene. “The only thing that matters is your own content. If your music is genuine and springs from your heart, then it will make its own way. It might take some time, but this industry has a place for everyone.” Talking about his favourite composers and singers, Akhil says he is highly inspired by people who create music from the soul. “I adopt from everyone consciously or subconsciously. I take the good things from musicians and incorporate that into my music. Among composers, I am a fan of Amit Trivedi, Pritam and Amaal Mallik, and everyone else who creates soulful music. Among singers, I like Papon and Arijit Singh.”

While he is creating music from the heart, you can catch Akhil soon in yet another single produced by T-Series that is being shot in Mauritius, and will be released next month.