My first year was less of a struggle and more of a training period,like a boot camp in the military. One doesnt become an established professional overnight. I had to learn a lot about the world and myself in that year. In many ways,that education still carries on. When I started looking for work as a composer,I was 17 years old and in college. I knew that in order to convince my parents about my career choice,I would need to start earning money. I was already playing in rock bands,but it was obvious that rock music wasnt going to pay the bills. At the ripe age of 16,I had convinced my parents to fund a demo,where I recorded some sample jingles in a studio. I took these around to various ad agencies. The reaction I got shocked me,they refused to listen to my work and told me to focus on studies! This unanimous reaction seems understandable to me now,but back then,I was livid. I couldnt understand why they wouldnt even listen to my work. Professional equipment was very expensive in those days and I didnt even bother asking my parents for any help on that front. Through some friends,I connected with a composer in South Mumbai,who had one of the few fully-equipped digital studios in his house. I got a job there as an intern and I was offered a learn while you work deal with no money! I realised my resolve was being tested. Fortunately,I also saw the opportunity. For the next year,from 17 to 18,I was working 22-hour days between college and work. I had to do the studio-work in the daytime and to learn I would also work in the studio at night. Soon,I started attracting a few jobs and I was on my way to becoming a professional composer. K S Chakravarthy aka Chax and Agnelo Dias aka Aggie,from an agency called Chaitra,decided to give me a shot at a proper ad jingle. That was my first proper gig. Im still working with them. I composed and sang the Docomo theme tune for Chax and I recently composed the Har ek friend zaroori hota hai Airtel jingle for Aggie. It took me another five years to become an established composer and even longer to buy the required equipment. The first year of boot camp taught me the value of hard work,resilience,perseverance,commitment and sacrifice. It also taught me that if you love doing something,it isnt work anymore. Its fun! That is the secret to hard work loving what you do.
