Kandivali resident Gaurav Bangia is an immensly versatile singer who renders peppy romantic songs or complex classical compositions with consummate ease writes Rajesh Subramanian
He is the perfect exemplification of abundant talent blended with good looks. In the aggressively competitive world of singing he has not only beguiled the listeners but has also manoeuvred his way into the hearts of music aficionados. Kandivali based Gaurav Bangia is an immensely gifted singer bestowed with an euphonious vocal chord that can be flexed according to the mood of the composition. “I am a hard task master “, reveals Gaurav and adds “ I listen to a song umpteen number of times and try to decipher the minutest of notes. I don’t tamper with the songs and reproduce it the way it has been composed. I put in my best effort whether it’s a recording or a live concert”. Gaurav had the audience glued to the small screen with his wonderful vocal prowess for eleven consecutive episodes of the music show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. As he divulges about his Sa Re Ga Ma Pa experience his face brightens, “ It was an awesome experience”, confides the young crooner,” It not only boosted my morale and confidence but the experience brought me closer to the audience and that interaction was electrifying ”. Hailing from Delhi Gaurav’s passion for music started at the tender age of 10 when he started singing in a group called Sakha. Sensing his inherent talent and passion his parents encouraged him. After acquiring formal training in Hindustani Classical music at the prestigious Gandharva School in New Delhi Gaurav later trained under the tutelage of Pandit Inder Narayan Sharma. In school and college he religiously participated in the music competitions and won medals and awards which further propelled his desire of becoming a successful singer. However, his big break came in 2001 when he won eleven consecutive episodes of TVS Sa Re Ga Ma and became the cynosure of tele viewers. With this new found success he performed in Melbourne, Sydney, Adeliade and enthralled the music fans. Being a perfectionist to core he still hones his vocal skills under guru Mohinderjit Singh and vocal expert Ananth Vaidyanathan. He thanks his parents for supporting and encouraging him and playing a pivotal role in whatever he has achieved. In the same breath he adds that he is determined to prove himself in the field of playback singing. Apart from his versatility another remarkable aspect about Gaurav is his amazing repertoire. He can croon present day bollywood chartbusters, evocative ghazals, rare and immortal hindi film songs of the golden era and intricate classical creations with equal elan. He has lent his voice to umpteen corporate ads, jingles, television programmes, private albums and even a Tamil film titled ‘Alavar’. Being a punjabi how did he manage that ? I quiz him. “I laid a lot of emphasis of pronouncing the words right. A lot of hard work went into it and I was determined I could do it “, quips the youngster with a smile. However, liveconcerts is one realm which according to him is a real test for any singer. “Performing live infront of a huge audience is quite challening. One is always on the tenterhooks and cannot afford to slip up. Moreover, the instant appreciation that the artiste receives infuses great confidence “. Accolades and recognition have consistently poured in from all quarters for Gaurav and the warmth and endearments showered on him by music lovers has indeed stimulated his self esteem. “I am fortunate to have got a wonderful audience wherever I performed. They motivate me to do better”, says Gaurav, who has also done exclusive shows on legendary singer Talat Mahmood and won the audiences hearts. He expounds on his fabulous association with music troupe Keep Alive, of which he is an integral part, and dwells that it has acquainted him with innumerable rare and immortal gems. Gaurav is visibly excited when he talks about his recent programme titled ‘Moods Of The Day’ which was a tribute to veteran singer Manna Dey on his 88th birthday. “I thank Manohar Iyer who gave me this splendid opportunity to render outstanding songs of Mannada. It was a herculean task and I tried by best “. Gaurav is focused and is yearning to carve niche for himself. With such diligence and passion for his craft one can say with supreme confidence that he is heading the right direction.
