I started learning the keyboard and my career took off with Mr India. I played for many music directors like Anu Malik and Nadeem-Shravan.

I have never jumped standards. You cannot skip the playschool and land to the first standard. You have to undergo tests at every stage and understand how music is to be played in totality. So it's a process. You first learn the keyboard followed by various other instruments; you start arranging and then become a composer.

I started working with Pyarelalji (of Laxmikant-Pyarelal fame), who is my father's elder brother. I remember I was preparing for my Standard 10 board exams when he told me that he wanted me to play something for him on the keyboard. Soon after I finished my paper, I rushed to the studio. That's how it began.

So your grandfather is instrumental in shaping your career.

My grandfather and Pyarelalji are responsible for making me the man I am today. I owe all my grooming, my understanding of music and practical and theoretical knowledge to them. It has unquestionably helped me further my career.

My grandfather always pampered me, dotted on me and brought out the best in me. He used to give me Rs 50 a day when I was still schooling, which was a lot then. He once asked me if I wanted to make Rs 500 a day. He inspired me to work harder and that was a crucial phase in my life. Since then music has been my passion and I see it as ongoing process of learning, growing and testing myself at every point. I have always wanted to compose.

Also read: Going back in time with Laxmikant's Pyarelal

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