An eventful journey 

Multi-talented musician-songwriter Dr Arko Pravo Mukherjee has been in the news for adding yet another envious creative chapter to his impressive resume. He paraded his singing talent with "Saathi Rey" from 'Kapoor & Sons', which has increased his stock by several notches, and now two hit numbers in ‘Rustom’

Excerpts:
Tell us about your journey?
It has been pretty strangely twisted, yet rewarding all along. Although, I graduated in medicine, I realised that my interest was in music. Though, it surprised the people around me, I knew that my calling was in music, which I decided to make my career option. Looking back, I do not regret quitting medicine. Thankfully, I did not leave my medical academics midway through. Perhaps, that is because I believe in completing any task that I undertake.

What was the most challenging part of your journey?
It was ridden with tribulations and hurdles which, in retrospect, seem rather necessary when you venture into the less-trodden professional path. From 2008 when I came to Bombay from Calcutta till 2011 when I signed 'Jism 2' my debut film, it was a difficult phase.

Which attracts you more, rock or sufi; and why?
In this age, music is being doled out in large volumes. We produce and consume a lot of music. So it is very easy to be lost. It is very important for any artist to stay true to his music and style. I always make it a point keep reminding myself about the artiste in me. Apart from sufi and fast-paced numbers, I have also done "Paani Wala Dance" with Sunny Leone. In my college days I sang a lot of country, rock, folk and sufi, I also love Rabindra Sangeet a lot.

You debuted with “Jism 2” but you got recognition with “Sathi Re” (Kapoor and sons). What took so long for the audience to accept your style?
Yes I am grateful to the Bhatt camp. Mahesh Saab is so good with his music. He not only sings very well but knows everything from Tagore and western classical to Hindustani music. Also, the music for 'Jism 2' did very well and those songs are still popular. Coming to 'Kapoor and Sons', it was a beautiful movie and the music album was also beautiful as it was a coming together of various styles.

"Saathi Re" song comes at a crucial point in the movie and all the emotions were summed up in that one song. I am very thankful to Karan (Johar) for the opportunity he gave me. Also I don't believe much in numbers. But nevertheless, recognition is important to any artiste and I am no different.

Who are your favourite Indian artistes?
It would be unfair on my part to pick favourites. Every artist has a USP. I believe in empowering and supporting good talent. I have been very lucky to work with an amazing number of versatile singers. I am grateful to each one of them.

Tell us something about your experience with Mahesh and Pooja Bhatt and ‘Jism 2’?
The Bhatts are an amazing clique. They are just the best. The best part about them is that they are so well versed with the people they work with. It just makes working with them so much easier and so much fun. I met Mahesh Bhatt first. A few meetings with Pooja and I was on-board 'Jism 2'.

Which song has been the most challenging for singing and composing?
I would say both. However, not many producers come to me with requests for singing. In this case, Karan Johar is an exception. Also, Azeem Dayani. For the song "Dariya", they both loved the song so much since it was in its scratch stage that they just didn't want any changes to it. I have written, sung and composed" Dariya" and if you do a background check you might find that a three-in-one role is a rarity in music industry. I would say it has to be "Dariya" because the expectations were high . They were so much in love with the song. There was a lot of pressure. However, the song came out beautifully.

How was your experience with ‘Kapoor and Sons’ and Karan Johar?
'Kapoor and Sons' was a nice movie with a wonderful sound-track. It was an amalgamation of various styles on one album, there was Badshah , me and Amaal. "Saathi Re" found space in the hearts of lot of people. It was an amazing feeling.

Tell us about your song in ‘Rustom’, ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ and ‘Tum Bin’?
'Rustom' gave me the biggest hit of my career four years since 'Jism 2'. "Tere Sang Yaara" is very special.

What is lined up next?
My English debut is coming from Los Angeles in mainstream music next month. Also there are a lot of surprises in the pipeline. I have five releases in the next six months in addition to two films with Karan Johar.