Arko Pravo: From a gold medallist in MBBS to a superhit music composer in Bollywood

Rashima Nagpal

September 7, 2016
3 min read
Arko Pravo music Next Big Thing

Arko Pravo Mukherjee on giving up his career in medicine to pursue music and further cementing his position in Bollywood. By Rashima Nagpal

We really admire individuals who follow their passion despite roadblocks. Musician Arko Pravo Mukherjee is one such chap in Bollywood who has left behind his glorious career in the field of medicine just to pursue his true calling, music. He is the composer (even vocalists to some) behind many hit albums Jism 2 and solo hits like Saathi Rey (Kapoor & Sons), Allah Wariyaan (Yaariyan), Tere Bin Yaara Reprise (Rustom) and Dariya (Baar Baar Dekho). Excerpts from an interview:

How did you get into music?
I am practising music since I was about 10 years old. I come from a traditional Bengali family, so everybody in the family sings. We used to have these singing sessions whenever my parents’ friends would come over. But the kind of music that we used to enjoy was classical, or Rabindra Sangeet or Bengali songs. Just like any typical Bengali household you know. However, academics and sports were of prime importance in the family. I enrolled in MBBS and passed out with gold medal.

A gold medallist medicine student is now earning accolades for fabulous music.
It wasn’t as drastic a transition you see. Music had been there all along. It’s just that I took it as a step further; from my passion to making it my profession. Yes, leaving behind a bright career in medicine was a huge step but I followed my heart anyway. And I moved to Bombay in 2008. It was about time I heard my calling.

How did Mumbai receive you?
I was lucky to have met Mahesh Bhatt through a friend, and he guided me right in the beginning. And I like Mumbai. The city and its people have always been good to me. Even before I joined the industry, I have had family and friends here. So I didn’t even have to struggle for accommodation.

Who all have been your inspirations?
I try to learn from everyone who is a part of my life. And when it comes to music, as I told Rabindra Sangeet was my basic inspiration. I love music of maestros like Shankar Jaikishan and AR Rahman. I have also followed western classics. Presently, I like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran in the West besides Indian composers like Vishal-Shekhar and Pritam Da.

Are you also doing an English album?
It is set to release in October this year. I’m looking forward to the release.

How did you get your expertise in music?
I haven’t been professionally trained. But then that is how most people in this industry have come. They come with their own kind of learning and experience that they wish to manifest into their music. Also, part of it has come from the enriching Bengali culture that I’ve been brought up in.

What’s next? Is there anybody that you’d like to work with specifically?
There’s Dariya in Baar Baar Dekho. There are a couple of songs that I can’t discuss right now. I take time as I prefer to work alone unless there is requirement to get others on board.