After the release of his biggest hit, Tera Ban Jaunga from Kabir Singh, singer, composer and musician, Akhil Sachdeva has gained monumental praise and recognition within Bollywood and the music industry. Since his breakthrough debut in Badrinath Ki Dulhania back in 2017 with the song Humsafar, he has built up the steady level of kudos from his dreamy vocals possessing the ability to making us all swoon while filling the air with a hint of romance. Climbing the charts one song at a time, Sachdeva has garnered massive response and a nationwide fan base which continues to grow every day.
In an exclusive interview with Delhiites Magazine, Akhil Sachdeva takes us through the journey of his music career and get a sneak peek into the man behind the musician.
Q – At what point in your career did you know “this is it, this is where I belong.” What was THAT moment for you?
” Oh yes, there was definitely a specific moment in my life that made me realize that this is what I want to do. I came from a background where my family faced a lot of financial restraints and it definitely was not easy. Despite of all the hardships, my family made sure to bless me with unconditional love and support. I did what I could to support my family and there came a point where I realized that I need to do something that makes me happy too. You know, something that could put a smile on face. That is when at the age 11 I got into music and realized that this is that thing that makes me happy. In a way, I actually believe that I did not choose music, music chose me.
Q – How would describe your style as a musician? Do you think your style of music helps you stand out?
” I think the best way to describe my style as a musician would be that it is extremely raw. I have always been attracted to very earthy and organic sounds. Not just sounds actually, I love everything earthy and organic. I am not a fan of urban culture as my heart is rural in nature. I’d actually say that I am an old soul stuck in a new body, I was born in the wrong era. This also reflects in my personality. I like the simple life. I am not too big on being flashy. In fact even Kumaar Paaji, who wrote Tera Ban Jaunga mentioned that he thinks that the raw, earthiness in my voice is what makes me the singer I am today. I definitely consider it to be my X factor.”
Q – How has the transition from Nasha to Bollywood been like?
“In terms of stardom not much has changed, at least I don’t see that change. Since I started out, the reactions I’ve got from people has always been great and I am so grateful for that. Nasha was a completely different journey as it was the first of its kind. The only sufi rock band to have existed and it was amazing! Back then I’d perform in clubs and the response we got from the crowd was amazing. It’s great to see that after Nasha a lot of sufi rock bands started emerging and it was great to have been the person to have started that whole scene. Luckily, I have been able to carry on that same energy through in my journey to Bollywood where the response has been even greater.”
Q – Of all the music that you have made, in both Nasha and as a solo artist in Bollywood, which song has been the closest to your heart and why?
“I think Mein Tenu Samjhawangi really defined me because that when I had just started out and gained recognition from all over. That is also when people said that there is a certain nasha in my voice, which is truly magical. That’s the song that paved my way into Bollywood too. It’s actually quite difficult to pick a favourite because all the songs I have sang have been dear to me. They are my babies whom I have given all my heart and soul to. It’s really unfair to pick just one but I think for me, Humsafar has to be the one. That song for a debut consists of everything I am as a singer, composer and writer, just everything. Humsafar definitely defined me as an artist.”
Q – You’ve mentioned that you are a self-taught artist. How has this impacted your journey within the music industry so far?
“I am a learner. Even after being in the industry for however long I have, I look forward to keep learning and enhancing what I have already learnt. I’ve learnt whatever I know today myself and I make sure to do riaz to be able to grow. Every show, every performance for me is a learning opportunity and is also my form riaz. This dedication to learn and grow has also reflected in the way I conduct myself in terms of work. It has helped me stay true to my commitments as a performer. Back in 2018, I was supposed to perform at the Delhiites Food and Lifestyle Awards, but I met with a terrible accident which left me unable to play the guitar. Since I had already given my word and everything happened so last minute, still went on stage with my arm in a sling and performed, with double the energy. This itself was a huge learning opportunity for me. It made me realize that pain has a huge role to play in learning about my music and about myself.”
Q – What kind of response have you garnered after delivering your biggest songs Humsafar and Tera Ban Jaunga?
“Oh it has been just amazing! Humsafar gave me all the awards and applause possible and the Tera Ban Jaunga was on another level altogether. What I absolutely loved is that even after Tera Ban Jaunga was released, Humsafar was still playing on the radio. I have actually experienced this myself, as I was driving and listening to the radio recently, Humsafar started playing and as I switched over to the next station, Tera Ban Jaunga was playing simultaneously. While I don’t really listen to my own songs just being able to experience and witness that put a smile on my face. It made me really happy. I think a lot of people expected me to be a one-hit-wonder after delivering Humsafar but two years later, Tera Ban Jaunga really proved to them and to me that I am here to stay and that I truly possess something special. It also gave me my first ever all India tour and that was just another experience. I performed in 9 cities all over India and the energy the crowds showed was amazing. There would be a point during every performance where I would just be on stage listening to the crowd sing my songs back to, smiling to myself. ”
Q – What would be your advice to aspiring young musicians?
” I would just like to say just stay true to yourself. Don’t run after fame because fame can be achieved by doing anything good or bad. What matters more is to be remembered for being yourself. Remember to keep creating and putting your work out there for people to see because content is king. You will experience and endure some struggle and that’s okay. As an individual, I never really set any goals. For me my journey has been my goal. Just be sincere and true to yourself.”
Q – Who has been your all-time favourite artist?
” Reshma Ji, from Pakistan.”
Q- A personality whom you have idolised within the industry.
“Mithund Sir is an institution. Not just a musician, he is a whole institution.”
Q – What is your go-to lockdown playlist?
“I listen to anything and everything that touches my soul.”
Q – Your star-struck moment in Bollywood
“When I met Alia Bhatt and got her to sing Humsafar. I’m a huge fan and it was amazing to hear her say that she is a fan of me too.”
Q – Your favourite Hindi movie that you love for the music
“Kabir Singh, definitely.”
Q – What are some of your guilty pleasures?
“Butter chicken and chocolate. I like to stay healthy and I know that I shouldn’t eat these two things, but I end up indulging them more often than I’d Like to admit.”
Q – What is the first thing you will do when lockdown ends?
” I love the hills and I will definitely take a trip to the when this gets over.”
Q – Your biggest pet peeve
” I think what annoys me the most is when people forget what others have done for them. They forget their roots.”
Q – Do you have any secret talents?
“I am a good rapper and when the time comes I will show the world.”
Q – How are you passing your time during a lockdown?
“Music, music, and more music. I have been listening to good music and making new music. I have finally got the time to create music for myself rather than just working on projects. In a way I am finding myself through my music again.”
Q – What series are you currently binging?
” I actually just finished watching Betaal yesterday and before that, I watched Pataal Lok. Quite good.”
Q – What is your motto in life?
“Stay true to yourself and be a good person. That’s all.”
