1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
I was born into a family of entrepreneurs. Despite no musical background in my family, I had an innate sense of pitch and rhythm from a young age. Recognized for my talent by my school teacher, I began participating in inter-school competitions, where I often emerged victorious.
However, my career aspirations initially leaned towards entrepreneurship, aiming to join my family's business, "7th Heaven," a pan-India bakery and café chain with over 300 outlets. It wasn't until I turned 18 that I realized music was my true calling. Opting for formal training in Hindustani Classical Sangeet under Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale, I embarked on a journey to pursue my passion for music.
2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?
I took up singing seriously at 18, initially aiming for a career in Bollywood playback singing. Posting covers on YouTube as a portfolio, I soon realized the potential of social media for content creators. Despite initial struggles with minimal views and subscribers, I persisted, confident in my talent. Through consistent effort and experimentation, I eventually garnered a substantial online following of over 200,000 individuals and millions of views.
3. Who is your favorite artist and why?
My favorite artist is undoubtedly Lata Mangeshkar. Her unparalleled talent spans various genres, showcasing impeccable technique, vocal range, and emotional depth. Beyond her musical prowess, I admire her humility and grace, making her an enduring inspiration for artists like me.
4. Can you shed light on opportunities available for singers?
Singers today have diverse income streams, including live shows, private events, and opportunities in the music industry, such as playback singing for Bollywood and regional cinema. Social media presence opens avenues for brand collaborations and influencer partnerships. Additionally, platforms like YouTube and digital streaming services offer revenue opportunities through original music.
5. Is formal training necessary, or can talent alone suffice?
While talent is essential, formal training accelerates skill development and unlocks one's full potential. A systematic approach helps develop diverse skills required for musical proficiency. While some succeed without formal training, I recommend it for aspiring musicians.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Passion, persistence, and authenticity are key. Embrace experimentation, push boundaries, and stay true to yourself. Ignore unwarranted criticism and excessive praise, focusing instead on continuous growth and improvement.
7. What's your favorite book and why?
"The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene is a favorite for its insights into human behavior and practical wisdom. Drawing from historical examples, it offers valuable lessons on navigating power dynamics, making it a timeless resource for personal and professional development.
Bio:
Karan Chugh is a Professional Singer, trained in Hindustani Classical Sangeet. He has to his credit, over a Crore Views and an online following of over 200,000+ individuals across social media. He is known for his renditions of popular bollywood songs and has the unique ability to sing in multiple languages, be it Hindi, English, Bengali, Punjabi, Sindhi, Tamil or Arabic! As an Influencer, he has been the face of many leading brands such as Amazon, Marks & Spencer, Citi Bank, Youtube, Dove, Myntra, Gillette, Colors TV, Pantaloons, Beverly Hills Polo Club & Unacademy, among various others.
Karan has performed at various college festivals for IIT Roorkee, IIT Bombay, S.P Jain, VJTI University, SIES, N.K College and NMIMS University, among various others, for thousands of students across India.
Karan hosts two successful podcasts under the Youtube Channel, "Blazers and Boxers", that regularly feature top Bollywood Celebrities, Sportspersons & leading Entrepreneurs.
His entrepreneurial side involves co-founding India's Largest Bakery Chain with Live Kitchen, "7th Heaven", which has 300+ Outlets across India and UAE.
Interviewed by - Siddhi Pancholi
Edited by- Arunangshu Chatterjee
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