Life is the best teacher and one never stops learning as long as there is breath. A passionate go- getter who intends to achieve their dreams, needs to keep the learning curve constantly moving upward. Honing their skills and be abreast with latest developments is imperative. Rajiv Bhat, a professional musician, now a music composer/producer and a popular name in the Gujarati music industry is a true example of an individual who is determined and open to leaning and making every attempt at chiselling his craft. He urges every individual to pursue their dreams but keep the mind open to learn on the way, even if that means few things have to be undone or unlearned.
Early years
Rajiv Bhatt, born on 11th November 1977 in Rajkot, Gujarat. His father, Jitendra Bhatt, a banker while his mother, Jayshree Bhatt, is a government servant. Both his parents were classically trained musicians – mother is multi-voice singer and father is Sitarist, Keyboard player and managing person for a music group. They are associated with music since the ’70s and started their journey with the banner “Rajshree and Party”. As he was born into a musical family, Rajiv has tried his hand with musical instruments viz drums, guitar, and keyboard. Started with musical toys in childhood.
His parents started music as a side profession but evolved to become professionals from 1985 onwards. They had the privilege of meeting legendary personalities of the music field like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Asha Bhosle, R. D. Burman, and many others. They lived in a joint family, and believed in living within its governance. They stayed in Rajkot and explored their talent by traveling to different cities without moving to Mumbai.
His younger brother Hemant bhatt started along side me as a musician in family Band. He finished Tabla VISHARAD during his initial years of Studies and went on to learn Rhythm instrument and also learnt and professionally played Guitar.
He got opportunity to play with as a Percussionist with renowned playback singers like Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Jaspinder Narula.. a few to name..
He completed his education as an engineer and went on to study Masters degree at Imperial College London.
He kept his Music alive during his studies and has been professionally playing and organising Music events since past 15 years in London.
Recently He played as a Percussionist with Indian idol 11 and 12 singers at Wembley Arena in London and other places in UK.
He has been very instrumental in introducing me to Music making on Computer during my early stage of Music programming and music production..
Budding musician begins his journey
Rajiv started learning music in Rajkot at the age of 9. His father had insisted he learn the traditional instrument Tabla instead of playing with the drum. So, he would learn it after school hours. As he knew to play Tabla, he developed a profound knowledge of rhythm which helped him play any instrument. Subsequently, he started playing the keyboard and would be part of his parent’s band playing new songs during the years 1990 to 1995.
Rajiv was always inclined to music and wanted to shift to Mumbai to follow his passion and learn more about music. Hence, after he completed the 12th standard, he moved and joined a college in the Kandivali for his graduation. He stayed in the same area to utilizing his time for learning music.
He made popular Dandiya cassette recording in Rajkot with his mother and brother. He has always been interested in learning and trying new things. To take his music education to the next level, he got certified with distinction in Grade 5 in theory from Trinity College of Music, London, and successfully accomplished Certificate courses with Berkeley Online, Boston USA.
He is supported enormously by his parents. After his marriage in 2002, his wife Avani Bhatt has been a tremendous and constant supporter in his personal & professional life journey. His daughter was born in 2006 and his son was born in 2010. His wife is a sound engineer by profession, a classically trainer singer, sound engineer, who started working recently with FM Gold Mumbai. She has been extremely helpful and instrumental in introducing him to potential networkable persons in the field of Gujarati Play industry. Sanjay Goradia introduced him to Vipul Mehta who later was instrumental for his gateway to penetrate into TV and later into Gujarati films.
Scaling up
In 1996 Rajiv was fortunate and got a chance to work with Derrick Alexander from Sunny melodies to play for the playback singers as part of his band. He executed a karaoke project of 6000-7000 songs, this gave him the opportunity to learn about music programming and automation. C Vanveer gave him first chance to play for his hows and recording in Mumbai. His musical skills opened doors to this vast industry where he had the privilege to work with renowned Indian Playback Singers like Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Kavita Krishna Murthy, Sunidhi Chauhan, Kailash Kher, and Music Composer A.R Rahman. There were many people who helped him shape up his career. Hansraj Chavda, a renowned musician for Rajesh Roshan, helped him to get the finishing touch of the music. This groomed him in music programming. Work smoothly flowed in. He was recognised for his hard work and talent and personalities gave
him opportunities and his effort to give back never fell short. Eventually, there was an opening with Derrick, and Rajiv joined him for playback singing. He worked with him from 1997 to 2000.
After that in 2002, Sonu Nigam offered to make a different band for him based on acoustic electric platform. So, Rajiv created a band with his friend Pallav Pandya, who is also from Rajkot. From 2002 to 2010, they played dedicatedly for Sonu Nigam. Working with his own band for a big name like Sonu Nigam gave him a lot of exposure and the opportunity to learn and grow exponentially.
Later, he left the band to explore his skill further. A week later, Vipul Mehta asked him to compose the background music of his serial. Rajiv was a newcomer in the field of background music but an opportunity is eventually a learning and he took it on. For two and half months, he worked hard to do multiple episodes. He was the sole creator in this
entire process. Subsequently he hired professionals for editing. With a good team Rajiv was instrumental in composing the background score for many movies of Vipul Mehta -“ Carry on Kesar” and “ Chal Jivi Laiye”.
After that show, he was offered projects for background music for serials and movies. From 2010 onwards he had an opportunity to work on composing and producing music for some of the famous Television shows like- Muktibandhan (Colors), Dil se di dua Saubhagyawati bhav (Life Ok), Sapne Suhaane Ladakpan ke ( Zee TV), Ek boond Ishq (Life Ok), Nisha Aur Uske Cousins ( Star Plus), Hello Pratibha (Zee TV),Ye hai Aashiqi (Bindaas), Twist wala Love
(Channel V), Meru Sasu maa (Zee tv),Khwaabon ki Zarin par (Zindagi), Albeli kahaani pyaar ki (DD national), Jane kya hoga Rama re (Life Ok), Ye Moh Moh ke dhage ( Sony TV).
He is thankful that in both the fields he received support and opportunities that helped him groom and grow more. He considers all the Veterans in the field of music as his role models. A role model and a mentor figure play a big part in every leap a creative person takes towards his goals/dreams.
