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18 in focus

Hitting the

Right Note

“Rather than being
concerned about what
Ronit Vohra strikes a chord with his passion for music others think about

your talent…Be more
and his journey to success that’s anything but flat. connected to your art.

Always respect your art.”
BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

Although a clear musical enthusiast, Ronit Vohra’s journey as a singer and musician What genre of music do you usually perform, and is it different from the genre
was not straightforward. Born in Dehradun, he attended the Summer Valley School of music that you prefer personally?
Dehradun before completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the K.R I perform pure Bollywood music which includes soulful, Sufi, pop, peppy numbers, etc.
Mangalam School of Architecture and Planning (SAP) in Delhi. However, he heeded a One needs to be aware of all the genres that the audience likes so I try to be as versatile
different clarion call and chose to create art through music instead, growing his base in as possible, and that way I think my music can appeal to every age group. Personally,
Mumbai and beyond. though, I love singing soulful numbers.
A performer at heart, Ronit has played in weddings in Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, and What do you feel is the most unique draw about performing in Bangkok?
Pattaya, but is soon bringing his soulful strains to the Bangkok crowd, hoping to inspire This is going to be my first official performance in Bangkok and I am really excited. I
others to also follow their passions and live life in a major key. feel that people in Bangkok have a very warm sense of welcome. Since there are a lot
of Bollywood lovers in the city, I am sure that they’ll like my music. I believe that music
What started your interest in music? connects people in an altogether different way, and that the vibe in Bangkok is going to
I was six when I started learning the guitar, and I went for classes for about two months, be lit!
self-teaching myself the rest. My dad’s sister is a trained classical singer and my interest
in music developed more when I started sitting with her during her riyaaz sessions. My Can you tell us about challenges you’ve faced in your journey?
passion would never have taken off without my family – which comprises my mom, dad I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to survive in the industry, and this was a particular
and my younger brother – who have always been pillars of support. challenge for me because I was all by myself in the city, and I had quit my job for my
music. It was a huge decision, but I always believed in myself and just did what I had to
Since starting out, you’ve performed internationally and been quite
successful in your field. What has your musical journey been like? do. It has been and continues to be a struggle, but I love it! Mumbai has given me a lot
From Dehradun to Delhi to Mumbai, and I’ll forever be grateful for it.
it has been an amazing learning What do you enjoy most about your career?
experience. I came to Mumbai in 2015 Travelling, meeting new people, and exploring new cultures. The most important thing
to work as an architect but I always is that music was always my passion and I am lucky enough to follow it. It is the most
wanted to do something in music, amazing feeling when one gets to do what they have always loved. Music completes me!
and this city is the music hub of the
country. That year, I got the chance to Over the years, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
perform at this beautiful café named I feel privileged that I have come a long way and I am excited that the journey has just
Sirocco and that’s how it all began. begun. One of my biggest accomplishments is that I got to perform for Salman Khan
and what’s more amazing is that I have been doing that on a regular basis. Spreading love
I started off as a solo singer, and I was through music is something that I am really proud of.
the first artist in Mumbai to start the
trend of unplugged Bollywood music Do you have any advice for anyone in the same industry or wishing to start
in clubs and cafés. Managing both my out?
job and my shows was quite a task! Follow your passion, do your thing, and do not let the zeal die inside of you. Never
compare yourself with anyone. Rather than being concerned about what others think
A year into my singing career, I quit about your talent or how they will react, be more connected to your art, and always
my architecture job. I did not know respect it.
whether I’d make a career in music so
the choice of leaving my job was the Where do you see yourself in the future, both personally and professionally?
most difficult one I had ever made, Once a musician, always a musician! That will always be one constant in my life. I wish
but I kept going and later it all fell into to create more original music and make my family proud, and I see myself travelling the
place. I never thought that just my world, putting smiles on people’s faces.
voice and my guitar would take me To hear Rohit live in Bangkok, check out Masala Unplugged on the 14th of March 2020,
places! at Spectrum Lounge & Bar at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. Book your tickets at
megatix.in.th/events/masala-unplugged or check him out on Instagram @ronitvohra

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