I miss dad and his teaching methods: Avitesh Shrivastava

Saurabh Tankha

The elder son of popular music composer late Adesh Shrivastava and actress Vijayta Pandit, Avitesh is the latest star kid to debut in the entertainment industry. The 21-year-old recently released his maiden music video, Main Hua Tera. Directed by Remo D’Souza, the video has been made in collaboration with two-time Grammy Award winner Giorgio Tuinfort and was released by Amitabh Bachchan in Mumbai on November 19.

www.lifeandmore.in had a chat with the young musician…

Please take us through your life till now…
As a child, I was always surrounded by music. My dad, Aadesh Shrivastava, mom Vijayta, Anivesh and I loved to spend our time either singing or talking about music or learning from each other. My biggest inspiration is my dad from the time when I started training at the age of 13, and it was his honest feedback and guidance that helped me nurture this talent. I miss his teaching methods whenever I sit before my keyboard. I will always remember how he gave my music a direction and a perspective. Nobody will be able to offer me the same again. After finishing my schooling, I went on to learn music at the Hollywood Music Academy in LA. It helped me enhance my skills and work on my talent. I have also taken short acting courses and workshops in India as well as internationally from the New York Film Academy.

You come from a Bollywood family as both your parents have been a part of the industry. Was joining it or being a part of it your choice?
I always wanted to be a part of the Bollywood family. Even my extended family, including my mamas, are closely involved with music. I feel extremely blessed and lucky to be born in and raised by this family of artistes.

Why did you choose music over acting?
Since I was a kid, I have been fascinated with sounds and sound production. My musical career started when I was about 11. I used to love being in the studio with my dad, learning about music production and trying my hand at composing and singing my own tracks. I remember performing for the first time in my life with Sean Wyclef at Hard Rock Cafe and realising how passionate I was about music. After I performed with Akon in front of 30,000 people, I was even more convinced of my dream of becoming an artiste. I have also been associated with movies like Piku as an assistant director, I would like to explore the possibility of taking up acting sometime in the future. Right now, my focus is completely on my singing career.

How was the experience of your debut album?
My first project, debut album is my latest music video called Main Hua Tera which is an international pop song presented by Ideal Entertainment & SM Entertainment Inc (Canada). The track is co-written by Kunaal Vermaa and the music producers are Giorgio Tuinfort & Marcus Van Wattum. The video has been directed by Remo D’Souza. This is a huge project for me and memorable experience. I believe it will further cement my position as an established international artiste.

Your father  has been a part of background scores and music for a number of superhit Bollywood movies. How do you see yourself creating a space for yourself in the industry where there is no dearth of talent?
Certainly! My father was and will remain a pioneer in the music industry. Thanks to his undying legacy, I have received the most precious and encouraging blessings from several maestros of music. He was one of the first Indians to create multiple international compositions, a feat not many had achieved back then. Through my music, I am committed to take his goodwill and legacy forward. Every day in the studio was special as I felt so proud and mesmerised listening to him sing and compose such soulful tracks. He taught me so much and I wish he would be here to see his hard work bearing fruit today.

What will Avitesh do to be different from his contemporaries?
Creating different music and introducing new sounds. And changing the trend. Also, I want to break the monotony of the current music genre.

What skills have you inherited from your father?
My relationship with dad was different at home and in the studio. At home, he was my father who pampered and guided me with all my problems whereas at work, he was my mentor who I’ve learnt everything from about singing, music production and learning musical instruments. I want to bring about positive changes by having crossovers of international artistes in India. I want to take my dad’s legacy forward and since my interest is in western music, it will help me introduce different genres of music in India.

What role has your mother played in your life?
My mother, Vijayta Pandit, is the main pillar of the family. I have learnt music and acting from my mother.

From whom did you learn Indian classical music?
I learnt music from my mother as well as my father. My mother belongs to biggest and oldest musical gharana of Mevati.

Do you compartmentalise your life and the various talents you have or else, how do you do them all?
I have kept my self very clear and focused with a vision. I know there are lots of responsibilities and beliefs of so many great people for which I keep my self-balanced.

Did your parents ever tell you to choose one particular field and gain mastery over it?
No, my parents never forced me to choose one particular field. They just asked me to do whatever I liked. And that is why I believe in doing and giving the best.

If not a musician, what would have you chosen as a career?
I cannot imagine doing anything else but music and acting.

Who has been the most inspirational person in your life and why/  how?
Certainly, my father. Thanks to his undying legacy, I have received the most precious and encouraging blessings from several maestros of music. He was one of the first Indians to create multiple international compositions, a feat not many had achieved back then. Through my music, I am committed to take his goodwill and legacy forward.

Anything you would want to share with the readers that we missed out on…
For those people who aspire to have a career in music industry, I suggest music needs to be done with passion and love, and each song needs to be nurtured till it blooms with youth and energy. So give your entire dedication in music and don’t let your passion die.

Success is…
Creating my own music and winning the hearts of the audience.

A day in the life of Avitesh Shrivastava
Music and masti.