Musician Ameya Dabli was a successful banker, when he decided to switch tracks and follow his passion full time. That was 12 years ago. Since then, he has performed at over 4,000 concerts across 30 countries.
His music covers multiple genres — from film to rock, devotional and pop. He was recently in Bengaluru for his first public performance in the city, accompanied by a 25-member band. It was a stop on his 11-city tour to promote his latest album that explores his spiritual side. Titled ‘Krishnaa — Music, Bliss & Beyond’, it features devotional music with a modern twist.
The Mumbai-based singer got into music at the age of five. His mother, Anuradha Dabli, a classical music exponent, initiated him into the craft.
His musical influences are as diverse as the genres he covers. They include the likes of Bhimsen Joshi, Jagjit Singh, Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar to Bryan Adams and Coldplay. “I love what Coldplay are doing through their concerts. They are redefining the live entertainment space,” he noted.
In 2016, he set up his organisation, Ekam Satt Foundation, along with his wife Purvi. While his repertoire spans an extensive list of genres, his work has a spiritual undertone.
“I have had a great journey so far as a musician. To be able to perform across genres is not easy. Each is distinct. It takes a lot of time, practice and patience to hone one’s craft and I’m at it every single day,” Dabli told DHonSaturday.
Over the years, he has performed with names like A R Rahman, Subhash Ghai, Shaan, siblings Salim-Sulaiman and the late Zakir Hussain. “It’s great to have the opportunity to spread positivity through my craft,” he shared.
Dabli’s work extends beyond concerts to music therapy workshops and wellness sessions.
Some of his most meaningful work, he says, are the performances he has done for the country’s armed forces. For three years in a row, Dabli and his team performed at the Kargil War Memorial.
“The music therapy concerts and workshops for the armed forces and Central Reserve Police Force have been very satisfying as an artiste. Also, I have had the chance to visit and perform in areas where civilians are not allowed,” explained the 42-year-old, adding, “One always aims to do bigger and better things in their career and that is what I am working towards.”