Describe yourself in 3 words.
-Honest, Hardworking, No-nonsense
Did your musical journey have a deliberate direction, or did it gradually evolve as you grew in a family where you had musician influences?
-Growing up in a family that had musical influences was the reason why I took interest into not just listening to a lot of music, but also becoming a musician. The only deliberate direction I had in mind back then was that I always thought I was going to be a drummer. I regularly used to visit my brother’s practice space just to get one opportunity to try and play the awesome drum kit that they had there. But a couple years later, as I happened to know a few guitar chords too, one of my childhood friends (with whom I wanted to form a band) convinced me to switch to guitars as he wanted to be the drummer himself.
Apart from being a guitarist you also contribute to the production process of Nemesis. How is it different for you to be a part of a dream band like Nemesis from inception to performing on stage?
-It quite simply felt amazing, surreal at times, to have been given the opportunity to play for one of the biggest bands in the country that also happened to be my dream band. The practice sessions and the shows were nerve-racking in the beginning for obvious reasons, but I managed to overcome it with time. Other than that, I never really felt too much like a fish out of water because the guys in the band were always super cool and nice and friendly and made me feel at home.
You play an active role within other curated bands apart from Nemesis .Being a self taught guitarist yourself, how much has it helped you to find your own sound, open new doors and discover yourself in the process?
-It helped me a great deal not just as guitar player but also as a musician. The bands that I play for are poles apart from each other stylistically, and I believe working with them simultaneously for the past 12 years has made me more versatile, be open and accepting of changes and differences, made me discover things as a musician that I would have never known I had in myself had I not worked with them for all these years. I feel blessed for it.
Do you believe in the possibility of "reading an audience" while performing on stage– and how do you sense it and then put it into practise?
-I personally do not think much about it, if we are there in front of an audience, it’s because they wanted us there, and we want to be there for them without much forethought. Both parties are almost always on the same wavelength. Hence, never really felt the need for that.
As Joy Bangla 2020 was the first time you used wireless gear on stage. We heard you enjoyed the freedom that came with it so much that you embraced the thrill of taking the risk. Would you choose freedom or reliability on stage?
- I would say freedom with reliability. The wireless set I used at Joy Bangla concert was of premium quality, so chances of it causing problems or breaking down were thin. Thanks to our manager for helping me out with it. Absolutely loved every bit of the freedom it gave me.
What do you enjoy the most about a live performance apart from being on stage? Jamming sessions, anticipation or the after party?
-Honestly, I enjoy all of them equally. Really difficult to single one out. Live performances are a significant part of being a musician, got to love everything that comes with it.
As per your previous interviews, you stated that you used to compose what would be played during the band’s practice pad at home or either at a band mates house. But during GONOJOWAR, you managed to find a composition on the spot that radiated the song. What is your new self-discovery during working on this album?
-Absolutely. I was never really used to coming up with stuff during jamming sessions, be it a melody line, a chord progression or a guitar solo. I always worked at home and took it to the practice pad afterwards. But when I joined Nemesis, I saw how the guys did both ways so spontaneously, and I was so fascinated by it that I thought to myself – I must learn to do that too and make my contributions on the go. Definitely one of the biggest self-discoveries.