The project was conceived as a cultural and spiritual representation of the Mahakumbha through music. The Uttar Pradesh government wanted an authentic, respectful and globally relevant musical expression that could capture the scale, energy and philosophy of the Mahakumbha. The letter had a very clear but creatively open intention. It was about preserving the true spirit of the Mahakumbha in a form that could travel around the world. My role was to translate that intention into sound and create an album that remained rooted in Indian spirituality while also speaking a universal language.

Did you anticipate a Grammy nomination for Sounds of Kumbha? What does recognition mean to you?

We didn’t create the album with awards in mind. The focus was always sincerity and purpose. The Grammy nomination was a humiliating surprise. This recognition is not for a state or an individual. It’s for the country. It represents Indian culture, Indian spirituality and the collective energy of Mahakumbha, all recognized on a global platform. Personally, I feel gratitude and responsibility to be able to serve something bigger than myself and a responsibility to continue representing the cultural voice of India with integrity.

What has been the response Yogi Adityanath And the UP government?

The Uttar Pradesh government has supported the vision behind the project from the beginning. This album emerged from the Mahakumbha and the land of Uttar Pradesh, but its impact is national and global. The nomination reflects the success of a cultural initiative that was made possible with foresight and commitment. It is a proud moment for the state and equally a proud moment for the country.

You are competing with Anoushka Shankar and Shakti in the ‘Best Global Album’ category. What do you think of the competition and your chances?

I don’t see this as competition. Artists like Anoushka Shankar and Shakti have contributed immensely to global music and have brought the Indian sound to the world with depth and dignity. Being mentioned alongside them is an honor. Each project has its own journey and intention. Sounds of Kumbha represents a very specific cultural and spiritual narrative and to be recognized in this space in itself is significant.

What was the process of creating the album like? How did all the musicians and recordings come together?

The process was intense, organic and deeply collaborative. We started recording real sounds in Prayagraj during Mahakumbha. Those field recordings became the basis of the album. As the project took shape, musicians from India and around the world naturally began to join in. He felt guided by intuition rather than planning. Recordings were made in various studios around the world, but everything was unified by a shared purpose: to create a musical offering rooted in unity.

Could you describe the album recording process: from composition to final production? How much of the music was composed by you and how did Prayagraj’s soundscape influence the compositions?

I served as lead composer and producer, shaping the overall sonic narrative of the album. Some compositions originated from my musical ideas, while others evolved in collaboration with the artists involved. Much of the recording and production was done at SoulTrax Studios in New Delhiwith additional recordings to take place internationally. Many compositions emerged directly from the field recordings themselves. The sound of rivers, chants, footsteps and moments of silence guided the music. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, the compositions were allowed to develop naturally.

Are you interested in spirituality or were you fulfilling an assignment?

Yes, spirituality has always been fundamental to my life and my music. A major influence on my spiritual journey has been Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. His teachings on inner silence, compassion, and the idea that the world is one family have deeply shaped my outlook on life and creativity. Their guidance inspired me to approach music as a form of service and consciousness, not just performance. Sounds of Kumbha is deeply influenced by that philosophy and carries the intention of unity and inner stillness.

How did your musical career begin and what type of training laid the foundations for your career?

I am a classically trained Indian vocalist from Patiala Gharana. My training with respected gurus instilled discipline, humility and emotional depth in my music. In parallel with classical training, I developed a great interest in sound engineering and production. Over the years, my journey expanded from performing to composing, recording, and large-scale musical storytelling. I founded SoulTrax Studios in New Delhi as a space dedicated to high-quality sound and creative exploration.

You have described your work as a fusion of science and musical intuition. Please explain it.

My work sits at the intersection of musical intuition and sound science, and a key part of that is my research and practical experience in binaural beats, a scientific auditory phenomenon in which two slightly different frequencies played separately in each ear create a third frequency perceived in the brain. This can influence brain wave activity and help guide listeners toward states of calm, concentration, meditation, or heightened awareness.

I have spent years studying and applying the principles of binaural beats in real musical settings. In Sounds of Kumbha, binaural techniques were subtly used to enhance depth, space and immersion. They help the listener feel present in the soundscape, almost as if they were standing in the Sangam.