On the occasion of Father’s Day, Sunday Guardian spoke to veterans from the music industry on what this special day means to them.
Salim Merchant, Film Composer
With over 30 stellar years in the business, Salim Merchant needs no introduction. A film composer and versatile musician, he has worked on movies, commercials, folk music, orchestral music, electronica and more.
“My father was my hero. He was my world, when it comes to music and everything else. So it’s very hard to explain what he meant to me. He is the reason for my existence and my musical upbringing. Not a single day goes by without me thinking of him.
He was a multi-instrumentalist and played the harmonium, keys, saxophone, guitar and drums. I clearly remember when I was learning the piano, my father was fascinated to see me play it with the left hand. As a harmonium player, he mainly used his right hand, but he tried to follow me and it was so amazing to see my father learning from me! I have learned everything I know from him but it was amazing to see that he was also a willing student and open to learning new things. This year I will celebrate Father’s Day in the UK with family. ”
Nikhita Gandhi, Playback Singer, Musician, Songwriter
With a background in Hindustani classical and Odissi music, Nikhita Gandhi claims music is her passion. She initially started out in the Tamil and the Telugu film industries, and has been a part of Bollywood and the mainstream Hindi music industry since 2017. The talented lady is also a dentist!
“My father is a major pillar, support system and lifeline for me. Music has brought my father and I closer. I feel I’m doing the thing that he was meant to do. He’s always been fond of music, a wonderful singer and a very musical human being. What I’m doing today is like a celebration of my father’s dreams and his love for music and his passion for the stream. So I feel like music is a very important bonding factor between me and my dad.
When I was very small, my father started learning Nazrul Geetis and other semi-classical songs from my music teacher. I would ask my teacher to teach me the same songs because I loved the melodies. But I was learning Hindustani classical and she wanted me to first learn the basics. So, a lot of my musicality, inspiration, and love for music comes from my father’s singing. The entire catalogue of Kishore Kumar that I know is in my dad’s voice because he would sing these songs on karaoke track. I’m looking forward to spending this Father’s Day with him because I’ll be in Kolkata for a show and I plan to take him for it and maybe ask him to sing a song or two to make it a little more special.”
Darshan Doshi, Drummer, Composer, Educator
Darshan Doshi has played the drums since he was just two years old, and has taught the instrument for over 45 years. He even holds a record in the Limca Book of Records as the Youngest Drummer of India, which he earned in 1997. He creates music in genres like Jazz, Rock, DrumnBass and Electronica.
“I am who I am because of my father. Everything that I have achieved in the field of music is because of my father’s support. So every achievement of mine is special for him and I feel very happy to see that he is proud of what I have achieved in the last two decades.
When I was younger, he used to travel with me for my concerts and help me with my drum setup. He always took pictures and videos of me from a young age and because of his efforts I got into the Limca Book of Records. Unfortunately this year I won’t be at home on Father’s Day as I am performing in Bengaluru that day. But I plan to dedicate my concert to him and celebrate with him once I am back home.”
Harshdeep Kaur, Playback Singer
An industry favourite, Harshdeep Kaur has been singing for over 21 years. Her versatility allows her to experiment with all genres of music, but she particularly loves creating soulful tunes that are soothing to the ears. Her last independent single was a song on heartbreak called ‘Yaar Banaaya Tennu’ which released on her own label.
“My dad and I share a common love for music. He used to play the guitar and sing when he was younger, so he was my first teacher. Even now he gives me feedback on my music and live performances.
I remember when I had just started composing my songs, he helped me write the lyrics. Even now, most of our daily conversations are about music only. We have always travelled together for my concerts, recordings and shoots and that’s the reason why I’m so close to him. This Father’s Day, I plan to celebrate by spending time with him and making his favourite meal. This will be followed by a fun jam session at his place with the whole family.”
Abhay Sharma, Saxophonist, Composer
This industry stalwart has been making music for 18 years, with a focus on Funk / Jazz Fusion as part of his group ‘The Revisit Project’. Their latest release ‘Never Too Far’ thematically talks about distance among lovers making the heart grow fonder. Musically, it is inspired by modern RnB and Gospel.
“I lost my father in 2013, so every day is a constant reminder of him. My dad was my musical mentor and guide. It was music and cricket that used to get us both excited. He is the reason I play music. In fact, music was our glue.
He would give me homework to prepare all the SD Burman and Pancham Da albums early in the morning on weekends when I was 12. Then he would properly check each note and all the musical parts dedicatedly every evening without fail. I practice this even now. He’s not around this Father’s Day, but our family will remember some of our most memorable days spent with him. That’s how we will celebrate him.”
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.