A bit of Jaadoogari from Anand Bhaskar Collective

Music composer/singer Anand Bhaskar has come a long way from his band Anand Bhaskar Collective. He has proved himself to be a far more talented singer than just a guitarist or vocalist. The band specializes in blending Carnatic music with rock. Bhaskar’s classically-trained voice blends well in syncing violin notes and electric guitar riffs. The band that has played all over India and overseas at major festivals describes their sound as alternative rock and fusion.

Till date the band has released two albums Samsara (2014) and Excuse Me (2017). A crowd puller at major gigs, the band is loved for their menu of independent rock and Hindi-rock songs like Jaadoogari, Chewtiya, Main Hoon Zameen, Tera Bina, and many more.

Anand Bhaskar candidly talks about chucking his job and his magical transition into music, the band’s albums and their latest work for the web series Masoom.

Let’s go back in time; how music happened to you.
I was three or four years old when I was in the nursery or KG and our music teacher asked us who could sing. I shamelessly raised my hand and she said, “Okay, come sing.” I was just having fun as I sang and then when I was done, I heard a huge applause behind; when I turned around I saw all the teachers in the school clapping.

What made you quit your job and enter into music full-time?
I have always wanted to become a professional musician. And when people asked me what I wanted to become, I would always say I want to be a musician. I think somewhere along the line you know, the whole idea of going to college and then getting a secure job and one fine day everything just got lost. And I think in 2014, when I was heading the strategy and planning division for an advertising agency, I realized that working for 18 hours a day and occasionally 7 days a week and no appreciation for the kind of hard work I was putting in… I don’t know what I’m doing with my life. Eventually, I called my wife Nidhi Sethia and said, “Listen, I don’t think I am fit for a job. I don’t think I should continue here.” My wife told me, “You always wanted to do music full-time, give it a shot.” She gave me the support and so I pursued my dreams. So that’s how I got into music. Once I started getting singing assignments for ads and other projects, things started getting better and money started flowing in.

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