Intro – Sanchit Khosla (Khosla)
A lover of Coldplay and Western musical landscapes, Sanchit Khosla, aka Khosla, brings the groove to the KhoslaRaghu duo. With a background rooted in global soundscapes—from Fred Again to Bollywood beats—Sanchit is all about innovation and energy. His approach to music is instinctive, spontaneous, and always a little out of the comfort zone. Whether it’s layering rhythms or pushing genre boundaries, Khosla makes sure the duo’s sound stays fresh and fearless.
Intro – Rishabh Raghuvanshi (Raghu)
Grounded in Indian classical training and inspired by maestros like Ustad Rashid Khan, Rishabh Raghuvanshi—Raghu—brings depth, emotion, and soul to the duo’s sound. His journey from boarding school harmonies to DU’s classical music circuit has shaped a musical identity that’s deeply expressive. With a philosophy that simplicity is powerful and a melody must feel right, Raghu is the emotional heart of KhoslaRaghu’s music.
When Sanchit Khosla and Rishabh Agbanshi—better known as Khosla and Raghu—first jammed together in college, they didn’t know they were about to create something truly unique. Born from boarding school nicknames and bonded by a shared passion for both Indian classical and Western sounds, KhoslaRaghu is not just a music duo—it’s a vibe. From fangirling over Coldplay to entering their first gig to the Friends theme song, their journey is as heartfelt as their harmonies.
The Interview
Pooja Kashyap: Khosla and Raghu is a unique name. What’s the story behind it?
KhoslaRaghu: We come from the same boarding school. Sanchit’s full name is Sanchit Khosla, and mine is Rishabh Agbanshi. Our friends used to call us Khosla and Raghu, so we just joined our names to make an artist name.
Pooja Kashyap: You both come from different musical backgrounds. What was the moment when you realized your styles could blend together?
KhoslaRaghu: From our very first song back in 2019, when we were in college. We were unsure how it would turn out but also excited.
Pooja Kashyap: Artists who have shaped your sound?
KhoslaRaghu: It’s hard to point to just a few because there are so many. But if we had to name some: A.R. Rahman, Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Amit Trivedi—there are many.
Pooja Kashyap: An unusual source of inspiration behind one of your songs?
KhoslaRaghu: Every song has a different source of inspiration. No single song stands out as having an unusual source; each one is inspired in a unique way.
Pooja Kashyap: A fan story that really touched you?
KhoslaRaghu: Every time we receive a message, it’s special. But the first time someone recognized us outside a music event—just at a mall—made us realize that people really listen to our music. It was surreal. Also, every time someone covers our song, posts a reel, or shares a story with our music, it’s a great feeling.
Pooja Kashyap: If you had to describe music as a feeling, what would it be?
KhoslaRaghu: A way to express. Just trying different sounds and expressing yourself.
Pooja Kashyap: One song you wish you had written?
KhoslaRaghu: So many! Our playlists have thousands of songs, and every time we hear something amazing, we wish it had come from our pen. There’s no single answer.
Pooja Kashyap: If KhoslaRaghu were to create a song inspired by a city, which city would it be and why?
KhoslaRaghu: For Sanchit, probably Dublin, since he spent a year there. For me, Durham, because that’s where I was while Sanchit was in Dublin. Both places hold a lot of memories for us.
Pooja Kashyap: Who is more likely to forget lyrics on stage?
KhoslaRaghu: Definitely Sanchit.
Pooja Kashyap: One guilty pleasure song you secretly love?
KhoslaRaghu: Lollipop for Sanchit.
Pooja Kashyap: If your duo had a theme song (besides your own), what would it be?
KhoslaRaghu: The Friends theme song. It’s special to us because the first time we ever stepped on stage together, Friends was our entry song.
Pooja Kashyap: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
KhoslaRaghu: Too many to name! But definitely Coldplay.
Pooja Kashyap: The dream gig or festival you’d love to perform at?
KhoslaRaghu: Glastonbury, Red Rocks.
Pooja Kashyap: What’s next for KhoslaRaghu?
KhoslaRaghu: Our EP is coming out with five songs—we just sent out the pre-sale link. That’s what’s next!
Raghu’s Round
Pooja Kashyap: You have a deep-rooted love for Indian classical music. Who or what first sparked that passion for art?
Raghu: Honestly, the teachers who taught me. My Indian classical training has always been on and off because I’ve never stayed in one place. But a few people introduced me to good classical music—my first teacher, my school teacher, and later in Delhi University through the ECA quota. I also made friends there who performed classical music, and that’s how my love for it grew.
Pooja Kashyap: Classical music is often seen as soulful and meditative. How do you infuse that emotion into KhoslaRaghu’s modern sound?
Raghu: It’s all about the emotion and feel—what feels right. Music in itself is soulful. If a melody feels natural and not forced, that’s what matters.
Pooja Kashyap: What was the biggest challenge in adapting classical melodies to a contemporary style?
Raghu: Simplicity. As you grow as an artist, you realize that less is more. The challenge is to keep it minimal yet effective.
Pooja Kashyap: Is there a specific Raga or classical element that you keep coming back to in your songs?
Raghu: No specific Raga. It’s always about whether the melody feels right.
Pooja Kashyap: When experimenting with music, do you start with melody or lyrics first?
Raghu: Always the melody. Lyrics follow later.
Pooja Kashyap: Which KhoslaRaghu track feels the most personal to you and why?
Raghu: Every song feels personal because it comes from our shared thought process and friendship.
Pooja Kashyap: If you could collaborate with one classical artist, past or present, who would it be?
Raghu: Ustad Rashid Khan. His voice has truly inspired me.
Pooja Kashyap: What’s your go-to ritual before going on stage or starting a recording session?
Raghu: A good warm-up.
Pooja Kashyap: What’s one thing about you that fans would be surprised to know?
Raghu: Maybe that I’m actually a really average musician. I just sing what I know.
Khosla’s Corner
Pooja Kashyap: Your love for Western music started back in high school. Which artists or bands were your biggest influences?
Khosla: A lot of artists—from Fred Again to San Holo, and of course, Coldplay. There’s Bollywood influence too, but Coldplay stands out.
Pooja Kashyap: What excites you the most about blending Western grooves with Indian classical sounds?
Khosla: Just the thought of creating something new. Music isn’t Indian or Western—it’s about making something fresh that feels good.
Pooja Kashyap: Has there ever been a moment where you felt like stepping out of your comfort zone musically?
Khosla: Every time. I never want to be in a comfort zone.
Pooja Kashyap: Do you have a favorite genre within Western music that you try to incorporate into your songs?
Khosla: No specific genre.
Pooja Kashyap: What’s your approach to creating a catchy groove—instinct, experimentation, or a bit of both?
Khosla: Both. Start with experimentation, and then instinct takes over.
Pooja Kashyap: Which KhoslaRaghu song makes you say, “Yeah, this is me!”?
Khosla: Every song. If I don’t feel a personal attachment, it’s not mine.
Pooja Kashyap: If you could open for any international artist on tour, who would it be?
Khosla: Coldplay. Cold. F***ing. Play.
Pooja Kashyap: One non-musical hobby that helps you stay creative?
Khosla: Dancing, gossiping, and sports!
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