JOIN US'I did something right somewhere'
He grew up with music around him but he never thought that it will become a big part of his life. When he realised that music was his calling, he even left his profession to pursue his dreams.
Today, Arko Pravo Mukherjee is a singer, songwriter and composer who also became the first Indian to feature on the Billboard charts recently for the song ‘Reeva’. He was launched by Mahesh Bhatt in ‘Jism 2’ and given a break by Karan Johar in ‘Kapoor and Sons’. One of his latest hits include the romantic track ‘Tere Sang Yaara’ from ‘Rustom’. In a tete-e-tete with Anila Kurian, he sheds light on the new recognition and how music has evolved.
Did you ever expect ‘Reeva’ to make it to the Billboard charts?
Never! I wanted to try new things because many people have told me that my voice isn’t limited to any place. That encouraged me to try something new, and one day, I wake up to find it on the charts. I guess I did something right somewhere.
Was the shift from a medical background to music a difficult one?
It was after my completion of MBBS and internship that I realised music was my calling. I feel bad that those many years were wasted but I had to do what I had to do. But yes, it was difficult convincing everyone.
What was the most challenging part of your musical career?
To make a mark in the industry. Thankfully, I have worked with some interesting people and they have helped me learn new things each time.
Your other interests...
Travelling, sports, food and watching films.
Your favourite food.
Anything and everything. I am glad I have friends who are chefs and I don’t ever want to lose my love handles (laughs).
Any favourite movies?
Hard to pick as I love watching movies. But I guess recent one that I found interesting was ‘The Lion’.
Everyone acted so well and the story was well told.
A song you are tired of hearing.
It’s actually a good song but it’s time to let go of it. It is none other than the ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran.
A song you wish you had worked on?
I never thought of it like that. I am happy with my work and I already have too much on my plate.
Best advice you have ever received.
Be nice, kind, sensitive and consider other people’s feelings too.
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
I have a single in Hindi which will be released soon. I also have film projects like ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ and some which are untitled.
What keeps you motivated?
Learning new things. I never get bored because of that. It’s an elaborate affair to keep experimenting and now that I am balancing Bollywood and Hollywood music, I am definitely on a learning curve.