It is always a proud moment for Bengalureans when one of our own shines. And when that one happens to be composer, programmer and music producer Nikhil Kumar Dayanada becoming the first from Bengaluru to make a name for himself at the prestigious Los Angeles Film School, Hollywood, it is indeed a reason to cheer.
The 36-year-old recently obtained a top honours (Summa Cum Laude) degree in music production from the institute as well as earned a membership for the Honor Society of the Entertainment Arts, Hollywood for his extraordinary achievement in the degree. “It’s a pretty good thing to begin with,” shares Nikhil. “This is my dream come true. It was a great experience because it is a totally different environment compared to the courses I’ve done in India. I wanted to achieve something that was out of my comfort zone. Even though I am a trained musician, this was a completely different playground. It is a big morale boost,” he adds jubilantly.
The selection process was quite tough, he recalls. “The entire panel, be it the faculty or the admin, are all part of the Hollywood music industry. A lot of them have won Grammys too.”
On representing the city, Nikhil says he is proud to be called a Bengaluru boy.
“I was born and brought up here. I’ve been in the industry and this achievement has taken me to a whole new level. A lot of people go to the West because of its lure.
“For me, however, it is about promoting India and Bangalore. Tomorrow, they will talk about me from this city. That is the reputation that makes this commendable.”
Looking back, Nikhil points out that it was in 1995 when he picked up the microphone for the first time and went on stage. “I was mocked by the crowd. That pushed me to decide that I should one day get back on stage and show people I can do it. I turned the negativity into a positive force. Radio also happened to me and since then there’s been no looking back.”
Apart from dabbling in the digital platform, the multifaceted artiste also plays percussions, drums, guitar and flute. His work has won him accolades, especially in his debut album Mystique, the magic of Music in 2003, his pop/funk rock single ‘Angel Eyes… Mil tho kabhi’ in March 2014 and his more recent tribute to his idol A. R. Rahman ‘Sajna’.
On his journey so far, Nikhil says that it’s been a roller-coaster ride.
“I believe anything that goes up has to go down. In any creative field, you have to see the downs as well. It is part of the experience. The more you go down, the more the urge to come up. That has been my story. Even though I didn’t promote myself much, I am happy and satisfied with what I’m doing.”
To upcoming musicians he says, “Work hard and do your home work. It is better to be safe than sorry. Ensure your basics are good and never put yourself down; no matter what the critics tell you. You be your judge and constantly strive to improve.
“You set your own benchmark. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You are born unique and you die unique. Don’t give up.”
