Children of Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan Mukherjee, Salim Merchant and Sachin Sanghvi on following in their parents’ footsteps as young musicians
Shubh Mukherjee, Shivam Mahadevan, Ayesha Merchant, and Shubh Mukherjee
Ayesha Merchant, daughter of Salim Merchant
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Your journey to becoming a musician:
I’ve been privileged to find support and guidance around me, given that both my parents are musicians. My father was among my biggest inspirations. Watching him compose and produce music, even when he is on the go, has inspired me to keep working on my craft even when it hasn’t been easy to stay motivated. Every now and then, while I’m practicing on the piano, or singing, my father will teach me new chords, or help me [train] my vocals. The best part about learning from him is that there is never a dull moment.
Why did you decide to become a musician?
I have a wide variety of interests, including dancing, painting and competitive swimming. But, as I grew older, I discovered that singing enabled me to express myself in a way that nothing else could.
Genres that gain your attention:
Via dad, I was exposed to Bollywood. My mother is a jazz singer, so I was introduced to jazz as well. But, I started to take keen interest in musical theatre. I’ve liked the process of learning and performing songs from the plethora of musicals I have watched, including the Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, and Wicked. I also like rhythm, blues, and classical music. Musical theatre enables me to sing songs for different characters, and tell stories through their personal experiences. Being a student of theatre, I find it fascinating.
Shubh Mukherjee, son of Shaan Mukherjee
Your journey to becoming a musician:
I was given the freedom to choose what I wanted to become, but being constantly exposed to music surely influenced my decision. I am a trained classical singer. While I initially didn’t enjoy the riyaaz sessions, I eventually developed a fondness. Dad often gives me impromptu lessons on dubbing and [creating] better harmonies, be it for live performances or recordings. I’m fortunate to have access to the wisdom and techniques he’s learnt in his career.
Why did you decide to become a musician?
I wasn’t a born singer. There was a time when it was evident that my brother was the more talented singer. Today, he is a skilled music producer, already making his mark in the industry. On the other hand, I fell in love with singing, later. I also love to play the guitar.
Genres that gain your attention:
Dad and I are different. When I am singing, you’ll find a guitar hung around my shoulders. But, dad is a pure vocalist. Yet, like him, I would also want to pursue independent and Bollywood music. I’d like to add western influences, and a hint of R&B, to my sounds. My goal is to make music that makes people smile. I want to make dance tracks, and playful songs. I hope my music will be associated with the sound of happiness.
Prominent work
I’ve worked with Disney for Duck Tails. I also partnered with [a music label] for a mash-up of 12 songs. I [made] a mash-up of Aankhon mein teri, and Night changes.
Tanishkaa Sachin Sanghvi, daughter of Sachin Sanghvi
Your journey to becoming a musician:
My family members are avid listeners of music, with a keen interest in bhakti music, ’90s songs, and hip-hop. My first musical experience was at the age of seven, when I sang Laadki, which featured on Coke Studio. As I grew up, I started performing with my dad . The vibe on stage encouraged me to learn [music]. Working with dad taught me that every detail of a song is important, and that can only be perfected by observing [him]. He pushes me to explore new possibilities.
Genres that gained your attention:
I’m learning Hindustani classical music, and Trinity rock and pop. International pop has influenced me a lot. I also like indie pop and international hip-hop. I find [them] informal and conversational. Dad likes Indian classical music, but I’ve been drawn to western genres. My dad has appreciated listening to world music and encourages me to follow my heart. He says the genre is secondary; [what matters is that] the music touches the artiste’s soul.
Prominent works:
Apart from Laadki, I’ve sung in Hindi and Gujarati films like ABCD 2, Hindi Medium, Angrezi Medium, and Best of Luck Laalu. I want to be a singer, songwriter, and composer.
Shivam Mahadevan, son of Shankar Mahadevan
Your journey to becoming a musician:
I had many passions, including dancing, and teaching. Growing up, I dreamt of becoming a teacher, or being involved in the field of education. But, when I was four, my family was stumped by the flawlessness with which I sang Itni shakti humein dena. They discovered that I had the rare musical ability of [exacting] the melody I had heard. I had a knack of understanding whether or not I was singing correctly, and if I was maintaining the pitch. There was never any pressure to venture into the same field. But, I had raw talent that I chose to hone.
On the experience of learning from your father:
My father understood my strengths, and limitations, and analysed areas that needed improvement. Simply sitting beside him as he [jammed] was an invaluable lesson. Lessons involved playing the harmonium, and repeating what he did. Given how busy he is, every minute of these sessions was instrumental in my journey. The knowledge I’ve gained from him is extraordinary.
Genres that gained your attention:
Growing up, I was attracted to old Bollywood songs by Lata Mangeshkar ji, and Asha Bhosle ji. I would replicate the melody down to every single harkat. Then, I gravitated towards ghazals, and became a huge fan of Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib. I appreciated the nuances. These experiences fuelled my desire to pursue this genre.
Prominent work:
I made my Bollywood debut with Dhoom 3, while YRF’s Bande hai hum uske was my first studio experience. I’ve rendered songs for Marathi, and Tamil films and web shows. And I’ve sung other numbers including Vadi-e-Kashmir, by Gulzar saab.
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