Known for his Sufi-style compositions, Pankaj Awasthi is a self-taught guitarist, singer, composer and producer who also is part of a new band called Udan Khatola. His album, Nine, as well as compositions for Karam, Anwar, New York and Sudhir Mishra’s Tera Kya Hoga Johnny have won him much appreciation. He has collaborated with the internationally acclaimed Talvin Singh and performed at many music festivals in Europe including the Montreux Jazz Festival and St. Dennis Music Festival. Gibson India recently spoke with Awasthi, who talked about composing for movies, his love of Pink Floyd and his prized Gibson guitar.

Tell us a bit about your approach to composing for the soundtrack of Tera Kya Hoga Johnny.

I got into it while the film was being edited. The tracks are more like background music in this one, meant for what’s going on on-screen. It’s more like teamwork/band style of making music together since I’m working with the film’s director and not just as an artist. Good fun!

Your fans know you for the alternative music genre, but with Tera Kya Hoga Johnny you enter into the slightly more commercial/mainstream music scene with two of the compositions – the title song and “Heeriye.” Was that a conscious step to dabble into more mainstream music?

We wanted them to sound like that. They were needed for the film. Those two compositions are not so much of me as an artist but instead as a composer/music director.

You’re a singer, composer and lyricist. Tell us a bit about your journey, your break into the industry…

It started with playing guitar, then sequencing music, then arranging and then singing and recording myself. I love working in the studio, recording music, getting lost... This is what it is all about! Now, I want to be on stage more than in the studio, though. I don’t think it’s much of a journey as yet. The title song of Karam was actually part of my album Nine, and later it became the title track of the film Karam, as well.

You’re a self-taught guitarist. Tell us a bit about that.

It’s like you watch your heroes zillions of times and you love them and then you have the desire to play. Frank Zappa and Jimmy Page… Wow!! The Internet, books, friends helped.

Do you use a Gibson guitar?

Yes! I have a Gibson. It’s a Gibson “The Paul,” not “Les”. It’s a very, very good guitar. All my friends love it, too!

Now, although you’re a self-taught guitarist, did you formally learn classical sangeet?

No. I have not learnt classical sangeet. I like listening to it sometimes.

What? Really? So you didn’t take any training at all for music? Your alaaps are pretty good…

Thanks! Nope, no formal training. But I want to, now. 

You’ve composed for your album Nine and have also composed for Bollywood films, as well as jingles and ads. Tell us about the difference in composing for films versus private albums.

Well, with albums, you are more free. You can do anything. Ad films are for products. Even a lot of feature films are like products now, which is sad.

You also are part of a relatively new band, Udan Khatola. Tell us a bit about your band and various projects your band has been working on.

The line up is Manoj Thapliyal on drums, Dibya on bass, Hitesh Dhutiya on guitar, Nikhil Koparde on percussion, Vikram Malvankar on piano and keyboard, and I’m the vocalist. We’ve done a couple of private shows, and I’m trying to put together more shows. I love doing performances.

How did you come up with the name Udan Khatola?

Just thought of it. It’s like the journey into the new world on an ancient flying cot. I want to create new music and perform with Udan Khatola. 

What are some of the difficulties bands in India face? How do you think bands should market themselves and reach out to audiences more effectively?

That’s a big question. I think that social media sure helps.

You’ve worked on a lot of Sufi rock and Sufi folk compositions. What about Sufi music inspires you so much?

A lot of people say that I have done Sufi music and Sufi rock music, and I wonder why because it hasn’t been a conscious decision.

You’ve performed at many music festivals in Europe. Tell us about that experience. Have you performed at rock festivals in India, too?

Mostly with Tanvin Singh and Sangat and a few shows as Milibhagat. The experience was awesome! Music festivals are the best! I love them.

What are some improvements/changes/progress you’d like to see bands in India making?

I like bands in India. I just think we should hold on to our roots and fly high.

What inspires you while composing? You once mentioned Pink Floyd and psychedelic music inspires you.

I am a musician because of Pink Floyd’s music. It did something to me when I first heard it. It was like magic. And now, I also like pop music.

What was the experience like working on the background score for Anwar?

Anwar was good. I love doing background music. Manish gave me freedom to work. We got along well to do that project’s music.

In Anwar, New York, Karam, other music composers were also brought in. What are your thoughts about that?

I don't feel/think much about it. This is film director’s department.

Is there anything else you’re working on?

Recently I did some music for this film called Patang directed by Prashant Bhargawa. What a film!