‘Music must be made for the highest purpose’

A composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, voice artist and an eclectic live performer in a tryst with music and arts for a long time —Varun Ahuja has taken his talent to create awareness and contribute to a much-needed cause. The story took roots in early 90s, when Varun picked up the guitar for the very first time and ever since, music has intimately shaped his journey and his being.

The young artist recently collaborated with Lucky Ali lyricist Faisal Simon to create the song, Alvidaa. He says it's a song of love and most importantly, hope.

Varun has an experience of over two decades in the field of music and over the span of this period he explored several genres. “I have been influenced by pop, rock, electronica, various kinds of electronic music, Sufi music and world music. Influences from East and folk music are also dominant. The influences of Indian and trance music along with my own style, created multi-cultural genres,” he says.

He says that he started composing the music in 2015. It took him quite a while to release it as he was experimenting with different sounds. “I collaborated with Lucky Ali, whose voice I felt was perfect and it did justice to the song. It was a voice destined for Alvidaa. As soon as Lucky heard the music, he fell in love with it instantly. He wanted to sing immediately and took a few weeks to record the song. When I began to direct Lucky, he felt an instant connection with me and this helped us a lot. The song ignites a passion which has been missing in the sounds of the industry for quite some time,” says Varun. “It felt like we have played music together for a very long time and as if Alvidaa wasn’t our first song together. We jammed together in the studio quite a few times,” comments Ahuja. He felt very fortunate to be able to do this. Alvidaa is a classic rock song. “It was the kind of song that we both were looking for. It is a song of hope, dedicated to the people of Kashmir and it also touched me spiritually,” he explains.

He went on to say that “In the journey of my life, I have understood what the true meaning of hope is for people. I have always been keen and excited to create songs for people and I hope to make a positive imprint on their perspective towards life.”

 He strongly believes that art is the most beautiful way to bring out peace, tolerance and love. “Music is something that one can always fall back on. As a composer, lyricist and musician I feel that I must express from the heart and spread the message of love. Music can carry messages that can travel furthest i.e. to the hearts and souls of people. It transforms and opens up the feelings of love, peace and hope,” he goes on.

When asked about why he chose to dedicate his work to Kashmir, he replies, “Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world and the people of Kashmir have suffered for many years. We collectively thought that Alvidaa would be dedicated to Kashmir.”

He hopes that people will receive their message with its original intention. “This piece of music should come across to people with peace, love and hope. It is important to realise that music and art carry a purpose and responsibility. Music must be made and songs must be written for the highest purpose one can think of. Alvidaa wants to encourage people to walk the path of these lovely human emotions,” he signs off.