The man who plays 30 instruments

While most people cant even hold one instrument straight Raghav Sachar can play 30. After making his Bollywood debut with Kabul Express, Raghav has had quite an eventful 2008 with Sunday, One Two Three and the recently released soundtrack of Haal E Dil getting a good response. We go on a musical journey with Raghav to find out how what a rock musician is doing in the world of Hindi film music.

You started playing from the age of four. What are your earliest memories of learning music?

Earliest memory would be the first song I ever played. From an early age I had a ear for music, and I could pick up musical notes without any knowledge. Actually my father used to play harmonica and his favourite tune was Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara. I remember the time when I asked my father for his harmonica and played the tune back to him – I was only four-years-old. So when I was six I had a deal with him that each year he would gift me one musical instrument and I wouldn't ask for anything else. I have always been fascinated by instruments than vocals.

And now you have reached a stage where you play 30 instruments. Didn’t you feel like focusing on one or two than being a jack of all trades?

On the contrary I feel it gives me a chance to express myself in more ways than one. So depending on my mood I can choose my instrument. Say when I am close to nature I would play the flute. If I am in a sensual space I would go for the saxophone while if I am happy I would play the guitar. And now that I am a composer this multi-instrument fascination allows me to play around with more sounds.

What would you call it — a God’s gift or your dad's inspiration or were you just meant to do this?

I think it's a mix of all three. God's gift definitely, because it is difficult for anybody to pick up an instrument and just start playing it. Also my parents are the most supportive people in the world and they encouraged me to pursue my dream. And lastly it's focus.

You started working with a rock band… Was it Bollywood you aimed at?

Kabul Express gave me the much required platform. It was an offbeat film but the song Kabul Fiza got noticed in a big way. People got to know I am a music director and singer. I got a three-movie contract with Mr Kumar Mangat. He heard my music and that's how I got Sunday, One Two Three and now Haal E Dil. Three years back, I would have said no to Bollywood music. But today I am glad to be part of it as I have my freedom in this space.