Prateek Kuhad on pursuing music: ‘Initially, I thought it would remain a private passion’

Q. ⁠You will be touring India after gigs in Germany, the UK, and Nepal. How similar or varied will your sets be, based on the audience?

Prateek Kuhad: This time around, my sets in Europe and the UK are solo acoustic performances — just like my shows in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand earlier this year. For the “Silhouettes” tour in Nepal and India, I’ll be performing with a band.

Q. ⁠You’ve been a part of the music industry for a long time. How would you describe your journey?

Prateek Kuhad: It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited about what’s to come.

Q.⁠ ⁠Did you always know that music is what you want to pursue?

Prateek Kuhad: Initially, I did not. I thought it would remain a private passion. But over time I realised I wanted to fully give it a shot, and I never looked back since.

Q. You are a singer and composer. Which do you enjoy more (or least) and why?

Prateek Kuhad: There is no ‘least’ really. I enjoy all aspects of doing what I do. I really love singing. I love making the songs more, but I enjoy performing the songs as well.

Q.⁠ How do you ensure to remain at the top of your music game, stay relevant, and stand out from your contemporaries?

Prateek Kuhad: I have never tried to stand out in any context, really. My attempt is to focus on getting better at the things I like to do. Everything else is just a distraction.

Q. Have you ever felt threatened (within yourself) or overwhelmed by someone’s talent/music?

Prateek Kuhad: Many times over my life. We are all humans and will have all kinds of fleeting thoughts and feelings. But staying focused on yourself and true to your spirit is the only path to liberation.

Q. ⁠You may have had your share of challenges but have also tasted success. How do you cope with the pressure of being famous?

Prateek Kuhad: You get used to it eventually.

Q. How do you deal with criticism that comes your way? And how do you balance the expectations of your listeners with your creative calling?

Prateek Kuhad: I try not to let it affect me too much, that’s really all you can do. It’s a practice. I don’t really care about what is expected of me by my listeners. Or by anyone, really. What is harder is dealing with what I expect of myself.

Prateek Kuhad will be performing in cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Jaipur among others. (Photo: PR handout)

Q. What is the most challenging thing about being a musician in India?

Prateek Kuhad: The ecosystem is still young and evolving. So, seldom you get the support and expertise that you can get in other parts of the world with a more mature music ecosystem.

Q.⁠ ⁠Prateek, you have an immense female fan following. Do you acknowledge the same?

Prateek Kuhad: Of course!

Q. ⁠Are you a hopeless romantic, too?

Prateek Kuhad: I am indeed, unfortunately, a hopeless romantic.

Q.⁠ ⁠How much of your songs reflect your inner feelings/your life?

Prateek Kuhad: Quite a bit, actually. I definitely sprinkle my songs with bits of fiction, but I would say the foundations come from a deep place within my psyche.

Q. Why are concerts important to you?

Prateek Kuhad: It’s the way I connect with my fans. It is very important for me. I am nothing without the people who listen to and love my songs.