From the soulful tunes of ‘Itti si hasi Itti si Khushi’, ‘Main Kya Karun’, ‘Channa Mereya’ to the spirited beats of ‘Fark nahi padhta (Amazon series- Farzi), Nikhil Paul George, a music producer and singer from Nagpur, has woven his melodies into the hearts of Bollywood music lovers worldwide. Renowned for his versatility and innovative flair, Nikhil has made a mark in the industry with his captivating voice and creative genius. Recently, In an exclusive interview with the TLN team on the occasion of World Music Day, Nikhil shared profound insights into his musical journey, reflecting on his roots and the evolution of the industry.
Nikhil’s journey into the world of music began right here in Nagpur. “Music has always been my way of connecting with something deeper than words,” he explains. “My journey into music started as a child in Nagpur, with a fascination for blending diverse sounds – from South American rhythms to Indian melodies and gospel music. It was a natural progression from playing guitar to arranging, producing, and eventually singing. I realized I could offer a unique voice, both literally and creatively, within the Bollywood landscape.”
Reflecting on the significance of World Music Day, Nikhil emphasizes the universal power of music to bridge divides. “World Music Day is a beautiful reminder of the power of music to connect us all,” he shares. “It’s a day to celebrate the richness of diverse musical traditions and the shared joy of listening and creating. For me, it’s an opportunity to express gratitude for the gift of music in my life.”
Over the years, Nikhil has seen how music production has evolved, moving from traditional studios to the digital age. “The music industry is always changing,” he acknowledges. “Thanks to technology, more people can make music now, which is cool. We’re seeing new styles and genres blending together, which is exciting. But with everything online, there’s just so much music out there now. And for artists, it’s tough to make sure they keep control of their work and get paid fairly.” he added.
Despite these challenges, Nikhil’s creative process remains a labour of love, balancing melody, harmony, rhythm, and words. As a producer, he meticulously crafts sonic landscapes, while as a singer, he infuses his soulful vocals, exploring each song’s full potential.
Nikhil’s journey in the music industry has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. From his first playback singing opportunity for the film ‘Barfi!’ to working on the Oscar-winning ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ each project has been a milestone in his career, shaping him into the artist he is today. Being nominated for a Filmfare award was surreal, and more recently, composing and singing ‘Farq Nahi Padta’ for the Amazon Prime series ‘Farzi’ was a creative high point.
Nikhil Paul George talked about the tough times in the music biz, especially for independent artists. He shared how he struggled to believe in himself, saying, “My greatest struggle has been learning to trust my instincts, both musically and personally. I’ve faced exploitation and undervaluation early in my career, leading to introspection. Setting boundaries and advocating for oneself are essential.” These challenges have strengthened me, emphasizing quality over quantity.”
Drawing inspiration from diverse musical influences, Nikhil’s style reflects his multicultural background and love for experimentation. Adaptability is crucial in today’s music industry, where embracing new technologies and trends fosters long-term success.
As Nikhil looks ahead to the future, he remains focused on expanding his creative horizons and delving deeper into his passion for music. He remains open to collaborations that resonate with his artistic and philosophical sensibilities.
On this World Music Day, Nikhil Paul George extends a heartfelt message to his fans, urging them to immerse themselves in the transformative power of music. Let music be a source of joy, inspiration, and connection, uniting us in our shared love for the universal language of melody and rhythm.