MUMBAI: Anuraag Dhoundeyal has, to his credit, numerous performances and collaborations, both national and international. He has been partnering with musicians specialized in varied genres and creating original music with influences ranging from Indian Classical to Jazz, Folk, World Music, and Sufi. He started training in Hindustani vocals at the tender age of 11, and since then, has won countless awards and trophies. He has won his first national competition at the age of six.

The artist explains the concept of Collective, “The Collective is essentially me collaborating with many other talented artistes, Indian and Western Classical. I am collaborating with Shirish Malhotra. He has been doing music for many years and has done a lot of amazing music. He is currently touring with the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain for Royal Symphony Orchestra. We also have Karan Chitra Deshmukh, a percussionist, who has worked with musicians like Karsh Kale. So, I, Karan, Shirish are the core of the group.”

Through Sounds of the Sufis, Anuraag lets his singing go beyond words as he adds a distinct characteristic to each Sufi performance with his soulful rendition of their poetry. “My base is Indian Classical Music and I have formal training in the same. Hence, my music has lot of influences from it and in general very Indian,” he reveals.

With over 200 festivals, corporate and private events under its belt, the collective is currently touring across markets. The Anuraag Collective weaves together original songs and traditional compositions through Anuraag’s signature, interactive style. He effortlessly creates warmth, and vulnerability, forging a lasting connection with his audiences. When quizzed about the current scenario of music, Anuraag says, “I am not among the disgruntled musicians who have a very rigid thought about today’s music. I think there are some very amazing musicians currently. I think there are genuinely good musicians and some geniuses like Rahman, Amit Trivedi and these names have given quality in Bollywood. At the same time, there is a uni-dimensional sound, which is outdated now. Also, the honesty is very low. Like last we saw an honest coming together of artistes was Shakti with Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, U Sriniwas among a few. What can be amazing than the coming together of greats?”

At R-City Art Festival Aman keys, Karan on percussion, Nathan on Bass and I on vocal and guitar. The entire concept has appealed to Anuraag, “It is a very unique concept to bring a Kala Ghoda like festival to the suburbs. The vibe was fun too.”