‘Issue-based Concerts are way to go’

Indo-American DJ Kshmr, also known as Niles Hollowell Dhar, talks to SANGEETA YADAV about his EDM single with Sonu Nigam and his India connect

How was it to work with Sonu Nigam for your new single Underwater?

It was an inspiring experience. He is a kind and humble person with a bunch of ideas. It all started when I came to know that my grand-dad’s favourite singer is Sonu Nigam. I decided to work with him on this single and gift it to my dad. It is also special as it represents the start of my career as KSHMR. I met Sonu through a mutual friend from India.

What’s with KSHMR?

Though settled in Berkeley, my roots are in Jammu & Kashmir as my father is from there. I got connected with India after I told my parents I wanted to pursue music and they sent me to my grandfather in Delhi. I stayed for 5-6 weeks. His intention was to teach me that I needed a more serious pursuit in my life than following a hobby. But here I am, making music for a living. My grandfather took me to temples and I explored different instruments and genres that influenced my music and brought me closer to my dream. I listened to Bombay Rockers and I was obsessed with the music of Bunty and Bubbly.

You recently performed live in Delhi and other cities. How was the experience?

We rocked it. It was a charity show to support Child Rights And You. I had taken this tour to refresh my set and create mixes from the popular songs amongst Indian audience. For the first time, I featured live musicians and dancers during my set which was thematic and storytelling. I wish we could have more such events. However, performing for the first time in India in 2015 at Sunburn was a career-defining moment and one of the best experiences of my life as I brought my grandfather up on stage for the first time to experience my side of the world.

How was your encounter with Mother Teresa?

When I was in India, my mother took me to meet Mother Teresa. I remember standing in a long queue. When I met her, she gave me prayer card which I threw it away as I was very small then. My mother is a big supporter of her work and donates to her foundation.

Which Indian musicians you would like to work with? What are your future projects?

I would love to compose more songs and work with my biggest inspiration, AR Rahman. I am preparing a new theme for the Sunburn festival.