Ashish Chhabra, a renowned singer and composer, discovered his passion for music at 17 and went on to win the prestigious ‘Voice of Delhi’ title twice. With a career spanning over two decades, he has worked with industry giants like T-Series and HMV Sa Re Ga Ma, creating music across diverse genres. From composing soulful melodies to high-energy club tracks, his journey reflects dedication, evolution, and an unwavering love for music. In an exclusive conversation with Pooja Kashyap of GrooveNexus, he shared insights into his career, creative process, and the ever-evolving music industry.
Pooja Kashyap: Your musical journey began at 17—a time when most are still discovering their passion. Was there a particular moment, song, or experience that solidified your decision to pursue music as a lifelong career?
Ashish Chhabra: I was fortunate to realize my passion for music at 17, and my decision to pursue it professionally came naturally. While in Delhi, I found myself consistently winning college and other competitions I participated in, which reinforced my confidence in this path. Over time, the conviction to remain in this industry became undeniable.
Pooja Kashyap: Being crowned ‘‘Voice of Delhi’’; for two consecutive years is an extraordinary feat. If you could go back and give your younger self—standing on that stage—one piece of advice, what would it be?
Ashish Chhabra: Voice of Delhi was part of a national-level competition organized by Sangam Kala Group, where some of the biggest singing stars in the country have competed. Winning the Delhi chapter twice in a row was a powerful validation, being recognized among the best affirmed that I truly belonged in this space.
As for advice, I wouldn’t change a thing. This journey, with all its highs and lows, has been incredibly fulfilling. Every experience has shaped me, and I wouldn’t want to alter any part of it.
Pooja Kashyap: From performing in Delhi to working with music giants like T-Series and HMV Sa Re Ga Ma, what has been the most unexpected turn in your career that you never saw coming?
Ashish Chhabra: After all these years of working with some of the biggest names in the industry, I’ve come to realize that nothing truly happens overnight. Every achievement is the result of a process—one that rePooja Kashyapuires dedication and persistence. The biggest revelation for me has been understanding that the journey itself holds more value than the final outcome. Now that my music is being featured in major films, I cherish not just the success but the entire creative process behind it. That, for me, has been the most fulfilling part.
Pooja Kashyap: You’ve spent over two decades creating music across genres. Is there a musical experiment or unconventional composition that challenged you the most but also became one of your proudest works?
Ashish Chhabra: The true beauty of being an artist lies in becoming a vessel for creativity. Every composition flows through you as part of a larger, divine process. No challenge ever feels greater than the joy of creation itself. With many of my works set to release this year, each song is an opportunity to connect with my audience. Knowing that I have given my absolute best to every piece, I feel both proud and deeply grateful to the universe for this journey.
Pooja Kashyap: Film compositions demand an emotional connection to the storyline. When working on Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, what was your process in translating emotions into melodies?
Ashish Chhabra: I believe that emotional connection is essential not just for film songs but for all music. When composing for a film, the key is to ensure that the music aligns with the film’s overall canvas—its mood, tone, and storytelling.
For Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, I remember Kunal Kohli was in the middle of the shoot when he felt the need for a Tappe-style song. He was clear that the lyrics should feel candid and conversational, so once the vision was set, creating the song came naturally.
On the other hand, Hoor was a completely different challenge—we had to craft a high-energy club track that fit seamlessly into the film. After going through the script, we decided to start with the hook line. Late one night, my lyricist called me with the lines: “Mainu Hoor Kehnde ne, London ich India da Kohinoor kehnde ne.” The moment I heard it, everything just clicked—the melody fell into place instantly, and the rest of the song started flowing effortlessly.
Pooja Kashyap: Every musician has a ‘eureka’ moment—a melody that comes from nowhere and takes their breath away. Do you recall a time when inspiration struck unexpectedly and led to something magical?
Ashish Chhabra: It has happened to me many times—melodies coming to me in deep sleep. I’ve heard other composers talk about this too, and while I don’t know the science behind it, it truly feels magical. My family has gotten used to me waking up in the middle of the night to record a tune.
One such moment led to Tenu Kehna. I composed it while sleeping, and even after six years, it still feels as fresh to me as the day it came to life. I also believe that melodies aren’t created—they come to you. As a composer, I see myself as a medium for something that already exists somewhere. If you’re lucky, the universe gifts you with music.
Pooja Kashyap: The Indian music industry is evolving rapidly, from digital streaming to AI-generated music. How do you see your music adapting to these changing times while maintaining its soul?
Ashish Chhabra: Whether in music or any other field, if you are disciplined and immersed in the creative process every day, evolution happens naturally. I don’t focus on adapting to change, instead, my priority is simply to create good music.
As for AI, I believe it will contribute to the industry’s growth and evolution in many ways. At the same time, human creativity will be valued even more because, at its core, music is about the soul and that will always remain a deeply human experience.
Pooja Kashyap: Looking back, was there a defining struggle or setback in your career that ultimately shaped you into the artist you are today?
Ashish Chhabra: When I reflect on the past, I might recognize certain moments as tough, but at the time, I never saw them as struggles, I was too deeply involved in the process. I believe setbacks are essential in shaping both life and career. If you succeed at everything, you’re not truly experiencing what it means to be human. In fact, in life, you lose more often than you win. But it’s those losses that make the victories meaningful.
Pooja Kashyap: Your music resonates across generations. If you had to craft a song that defines today’s generation, what themes or emotions would it capture?
Ashish Chhabra: I believe emotions remain constant across generations—it’s the packaging that evolves. By packaging, I mean the production, tonality, and lyrics, which need to resonate with the current audience. Whether it’s sadness, happiness, or celebration, the essence of melody remains timeless.
In fact, on February 21st, my next film as a singer and composer, Kaushal Jis Vs Kaushal, is releasing. One of the songs in the film has a distinctly 70s vibe, with music and tonality that transport you to that era. It’s a testament to how music can honor the past while still connecting with the present.
Pooja Kashyap: If your life’s journey were to be turned into a soundtrack, what would be its title, and what would its opening lyrics say?
Ashish Chhabra: “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli Haye, Kabhi Yeh Hasaye, Kabhi Yeh Rulaye.”
This timeless classic perfectly captures the unpredictable journey of life—its highs, its lows, and everything in between. Even today, it remains just as relevant across generations.
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About GrooveNexus
At GrooveNexus, we believe in nurturing and empowering emerging artists, allowing them to gain visibility and recognition in the music industry. Our platform is a launchpad for talented musicians to showcase their unique styles, genres, and artistic visions.
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