Tushar Simkhada, from Dhading district of Nepal and studying at Jamia Millia Islamia, had long been an inspiration for me, before I had the opportunity to meet him personally. Being an amateur singer myself, I looked up to him in all the university competitions. His soft voice over the catchers and his beautiful strumming over his tiny instrument, something like a smaller version of a guitar (I later came to know it was a ukulele), was mesmerizing. Even after winning a competition, one could find him talking in the most humble manner as possible.

What made you get into music? Any particular qualifications?

Nonchalantly he says,

Well, purely out of my interest. I am a self -taught person. YouTube videos were my mate. Back in the eighth grade, I started learning guitar from the various YouTube videos that were available. The only time I took classes, was when I once attended a summer camp wherein I learnt playing the keyboard.

There was a very lively as well as wise expression in his eyes, but most impressible was the deep love and peace they transmitted to everybody when he spoke about his musical journey.

This kind of surprised me. I wondered about the tiny instrument he held in his hand. This initiated my next question.

What about this instrument, Ukulele?

“My basic reason for learning this instrument was because I feel it is an under-appreciated instrument. It’s been three months now that I play it. And honestly, it is not as easy as people think it is. On the contrary it is far more difficult than a guitar! But I love playing it. It’s kind of soothing.” he smiles.

Here, Tushar talks more about his musical journey & performs a beautiful piece for us:

Guitar, Keyboard, Ukulele, is that all?

Thoda bahut drum bhi baja leta hoon! And just about a week before, I got a violin. I have started exploring it already.

The shine on his face was clearly visible. I was amazed at his dedication. It was really wonderful to see his passion grow with every instrument he played.

Any idols that you look up to?

“Bipul Shettri!” he answers in a fraction of second. “He is a guitarist and a singer from Darjeeling. His album, ‘Sketches of Darjeeling’, is one of my favourites. The best part about his music is that he fuses traditional Nepali music with his pop element, which is incredible!”

I further asked him if any of his family members were into music. To which he answered vehemently.

My parents are from a rural area in Nepal. They don’t really understand music. Nonetheless, they are very supportive of it. They listen to it as intently as any other great musicians would. They want me to pursue whatever I wish to, and encourage me for it.

On being asked a why does he love music, with an air of calmness he looks at me and answers,

It helps me get through life.

Tushar is one of those guys who believe in the very word music. One could mostly locate him in green lush of the university, somewhere, playing his Ukulele and amusing his friends. To add to it, he is also an avid YouTuber. And someday wishes to have a ‘Bedroom Studio’, as he calls it.

If you or your friends have a talent to showcase on our platform, hit us up here!

Written by Lipi Bag.

For the ATKT.in Editorial Team.