Shillong musician Zoravar Singh Bakhshi talks about collaborating with the Shillong Chamber Choir, his inspirations, the mixed lineage he comes from and more

Not many people like to or have the freedom to pursue their childhood interests once college is over and they start fending for themselves. But that is not the case with

Shillong

lad Zoravar Singh Bakhshi. The Economics graduate is a trained classical singer who a keen interest in rock, pop and Sufi. Bakhshi, whose original

music

is now available across various music-streaming platforms, realised early on in life that he was musically inclined. "My musical journey started very young in life as I was brought up in Shillong and many members of my mother's family were musicians. My great grandmother from my mother's side played the clarinet and the harp taught by the Irish nuns at a local convent. My granduncle was in a popular band called 'The Vanguards' in the '60s; he was the lead singer and lead guitarist," he told The Times of India.

The young musician's family lineage-comes from a diverse background-played a key role in shaping his musical sensibilities. "Coming from a mixed lineage of both Sikh and

Khasi

blood, I was introduced to legends such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, The Beatles, Queen, and

Abba

. I have continued with my interest in music and have even collaborated with the

Shillong Chamber Choir

for a project called 'Shillong Voice'. Recently, I have started my music production and sound design on my own and have listed all my compositions on all major music-streaming platforms."

But, Zoravar likes to experiment with genres as well. He told us, "Having trained as a classical Indian vocalist up to class 12, and having an interest in rock, pop, and Sufi music, I feel music is a creative evolutionary process that transcends the limits of race, caste, and creed.

So what are his hopes for the future, we asked, and The Vanguard (his stage name) signs off saying,"I will continue to produce my self-composed music and hope that I can teach the younger generation whatever little I know about music and hope that they will pursue it as a serious hobby, if not a profession, throughout life."