ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Vaibhav Chauhan

Indian singer, composer, and musician Indian singer, composer, and musician Vaibhav Chauhan is causing a stir in the world of music by fusing Hindi lyrics and regional vernacular with hip-hop, trap, and Desi influences. Chauhan, who is now residing in London, is experimenting with a soulful R&B-trap sound that is expected to defy expectations and present listeners with a new, genuine kind of Indian R&B.

Growing up in a small village in Noida, how did your environment and upbringing influence your artistic dreams?

Growing up in a small village in Noida played a significant role in shaping my artistic dreams. During my school days, I was involved in theater and music, though I kept these passions hidden from my family. By the age of 16, I had formed a small band, which eventually disbanded but left me with invaluable experiences. I found immense inspiration in watching artists like Sidhu Moosewala, who came from humble beginnings in small villages and achieved international success. His journey motivated me to believe that my dreams were also attainable. At home, the music channel 9XM was a constant presence, and it became an important part of my journey. Watching it, I often envisioned my music being featured there one day, which fueled my determination. Theater has always been a cornerstone of my creative life. I spent my formative years learning and performing theater at Mandi House in Delhi, India's hub of performing arts, where creatives from across the country gather. This environment helped me cultivate my artistic foundation and solidified my passion for storytelling.

You’ve mentioned keeping your passion for music and storytelling hidden from your family initially—what motivated you to persist despite their expectations?

It wasn't so much about intentionally hiding my passion, but rather that, where I come from, pursuing something like music or storytelling was not the norm. In my community, there was little education or cultural awareness around the arts, and it wasn’t a path people typically considered. I kept my interests to myself because I knew it wouldn't be easily understood. However, as time went on, I realized that following my passion was the only way to feel truly fulfilled, even though it wasn't the traditional or expected route.

Your experience working with Shakti Kapoor on 'Shootiyapa' was pivotal. Can you describe the moment you pitched your musical talent and how it felt to compose the title track?

It wasn’t so much about pitching my music as it was about sharing one of my hip-hop tracks with one of the producers. He really appreciated the sound and style I was bringing to the table, which led to the opportunity to compose the title track for Shootiyapa. It was a truly exciting moment, and I was grateful for the trust they placed in me. While the track is still a work in progress, being involved in such a project has been an incredible experience.

Moving to London for your Master’s at Met Film School must have been a big leap. What were some of the biggest cultural and professional challenges you faced during this transition?

The culture in London was completely new and fascinating to me. It was my first time living in a place where I could meet people from all over the world and learn about their diverse arts, cultures, and perspectives. This was a very enriching experience. However, there were also challenges, particularly with communication barriers and adjusting to a different workflow. Despite these hurdles, the overall experience was incredibly rewarding, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Your music videos blend elements of filmmaking and storytelling. How do you approach directing a music video differently than composing a song?

When composing music, the story often comes to me first, playing out in my mind as I work. I usually have a visual concept in mind while creating the song, which helps facilitate a smooth transition when directing the music video. Once the idea is clear, I collaborate with my co-director, Shreeyas, to refine and build on it together. The main distinction between composing a song and directing a video is that, with music, I focus primarily on sound and emotion. In contrast, with the video, I translate these emotions into visuals. However, for me, both processes are intrinsically connected, as the story is already embedded in the music before we even begin filming.

Looking back at your journey from Delhi’s Mandi House theatre scene to London’s music and film industries, what has been your most significant learning moment?

Reflecting on my journey from Delhi’s Mandi House theatre scene to the music and film industries in London, both experiences have provided me with valuable learning opportunities. At Mandi House, I immersed myself in Indian classical theatre, learning to appreciate untold stories and developing a deeper understanding of storytelling. This foundation continues to influence how I approach filmmaking and music videos. Moving to London, I was exposed to an incredibly diverse music scene, particularly the UK music industry. The range of genres, innovative production techniques, and fresh sounds I encountered there have helped shape my musical style and expanded my artistic perspective. Both experiences, though distinct, have been instrumental in my growth as an artist and storyteller.

Who are some of your biggest influences in both music and filmmaking, and how have they shaped your artistic identity?

In filmmaking, my greatest influences are Indian directors Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Satyajit Ray. Their work, particularly in historical and period films, has deeply shaped my understanding of storytelling within historical contexts. Bhansali's mastery of period Indian films inspires me to create visually rich, emotionally impactful narratives.

In music, I draw inspiration from both East and West Coast American music, especially hip-hop. The innovation and creativity in American music, particularly within the hip-hop genre, have pushed me to experiment and explore new musical ideas. This freedom to innovate is something I embrace fully, and it continues to inspire me to create fresh, unique sounds.

As someone navigating both the Indian and UK creative industries, how do you envision bridging these two cultural worlds in your future work?

Living in London and collaborating with British artists offers me the unique opportunity to blend the best elements of both Indian and UK creative industries. While my roots remain deeply tied to Indian culture, the UK music scene has exposed me to diverse genres, innovative production techniques, and modern experimental styles. I envision my future work as a fusion of these influences—where I can combine the storytelling, rhythms, and melodies of Indian music with modern soundscapes and creative approaches from the UK. This allows me to create music that remains true to my heritage while appealing to a global, diverse audience. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of both cultures, crafting music that resonates universally while staying authentic to my identity.

Could you walk us through your creative process when it comes to writing songs and producing music? How do you approach crafting a new track?

My creative process varies depending on the project, but generally, I approach it from one of two directions. Sometimes, I begin with the lyrics and melody, allowing the words and tune to set the tone for the rest of the track. Other times, I start with the music—whether it’s a beat or an instrumental—and let that inspire the flow and direction of the lyrics. It depends on the energy and inspiration I’m feeling at the time. Regardless of whether I begin with the lyrics or the production, my goal is always to ensure that both elements complement each other, creating a cohesive and impactful track.

Can you give us a glimpse of what's in store for your fans in terms of future music releases and projects?  

I am currently working on exploring new sounds, blending genres such as hip-hop, trap, and R&B. I’m experimenting with fresh styles and pushing creative boundaries to develop something unique. Fans can expect a more experimental vibe in my upcoming releases as I continue to evolve and expand my musical horizons.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists from small towns who dream of making it in global creative industries?

To aspiring artists from small towns, my advice is to stay dedicated to your craft and keep working consistently. Your unique perspective is your strength, so use it to create something original. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and don’t be discouraged by challenges—they are part of the journey. Believe in your art, stay resilient, and trust that your hard work will lead you to success on the global stage.  is causing a stir in the world of music by fusing Hindi lyrics and regional vernacular with hip-hop, trap, and Desi influences. Chauhan, who is now residing in London, is experimenting with a soulful R&B-trap sound that is expected to defy expectations and present listeners with a new, genuine kind of Indian R&B.

Growing up in a small village in Noida, how did your environment and upbringing influence your artistic dreams?

Growing up in a small village in Noida played a significant role in shaping my artistic dreams. During my school days, I was involved in theater and music, though I kept these passions hidden from my family. By the age of 16, I had formed a small band, which eventually disbanded but left me with invaluable experiences. I found immense inspiration in watching artists like Sidhu Moosewala, who came from humble beginnings in small villages and achieved international success. His journey motivated me to believe that my dreams were also attainable. At home, the music channel 9XM was a constant presence, and it became an important part of my journey. Watching it, I often envisioned my music being featured there one day, which fueled my determination. Theater has always been a cornerstone of my creative life. I spent my formative years learning and performing theater at Mandi House in Delhi, India's hub of performing arts, where creatives from across the country gather. This environment helped me cultivate my artistic foundation and solidified my passion for storytelling.

You’ve mentioned keeping your passion for music and storytelling hidden from your family initially—what motivated you to persist despite their expectations?

It wasn't so much about intentionally hiding my passion, but rather that, where I come from, pursuing something like music or storytelling was not the norm. In my community, there was little education or cultural awareness around the arts, and it wasn’t a path people typically considered. I kept my interests to myself because I knew it wouldn't be easily understood. However, as time went on, I realized that following my passion was the only way to feel truly fulfilled, even though it wasn't the traditional or expected route.

Your experience working with Shakti Kapoor on 'Shootiyapa' was pivotal. Can you describe the moment you pitched your musical talent and how it felt to compose the title track?

It wasn’t so much about pitching my music as it was about sharing one of my hip-hop tracks with one of the producers. He really appreciated the sound and style I was bringing to the table, which led to the opportunity to compose the title track for Shootiyapa. It was a truly exciting moment, and I was grateful for the trust they placed in me. While the track is still a work in progress, being involved in such a project has been an incredible experience.

Moving to London for your Master’s at Met Film School must have been a big leap. What were some of the biggest cultural and professional challenges you faced during this transition?

The culture in London was completely new and fascinating to me. It was my first time living in a place where I could meet people from all over the world and learn about their diverse arts, cultures, and perspectives. This was a very enriching experience. However, there were also challenges, particularly with communication barriers and adjusting to a different workflow. Despite these hurdles, the overall experience was incredibly rewarding, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Your music videos blend elements of filmmaking and storytelling. How do you approach directing a music video differently than composing a song?

When composing music, the story often comes to me first, playing out in my mind as I work. I usually have a visual concept in mind while creating the song, which helps facilitate a smooth transition when directing the music video. Once the idea is clear, I collaborate with my co-director, Shreeyas, to refine and build on it together. The main distinction between composing a song and directing a video is that, with music, I focus primarily on sound and emotion. In contrast, with the video, I translate these emotions into visuals. However, for me, both processes are intrinsically connected, as the story is already embedded in the music before we even begin filming.

Looking back at your journey from Delhi’s Mandi House theatre scene to London’s music and film industries, what has been your most significant learning moment?

Reflecting on my journey from Delhi’s Mandi House theatre scene to the music and film industries in London, both experiences have provided me with valuable learning opportunities. At Mandi House, I immersed myself in Indian classical theatre, learning to appreciate untold stories and developing a deeper understanding of storytelling. This foundation continues to influence how I approach filmmaking and music videos. Moving to London, I was exposed to an incredibly diverse music scene, particularly the UK music industry. The range of genres, innovative production techniques, and fresh sounds I encountered there have helped shape my musical style and expanded my artistic perspective. Both experiences, though distinct, have been instrumental in my growth as an artist and storyteller.

Who are some of your biggest influences in both music and filmmaking, and how have they shaped your artistic identity?

In filmmaking, my greatest influences are Indian directors Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Satyajit Ray. Their work, particularly in historical and period films, has deeply shaped my understanding of storytelling within historical contexts. Bhansali's mastery of period Indian films inspires me to create visually rich, emotionally impactful narratives.

In music, I draw inspiration from both East and West Coast American music, especially hip-hop. The innovation and creativity in American music, particularly within the hip-hop genre, have pushed me to experiment and explore new musical ideas. This freedom to innovate is something I embrace fully, and it continues to inspire me to create fresh, unique sounds.

As someone navigating both the Indian and UK creative industries, how do you envision bridging these two cultural worlds in your future work?
Living in London and collaborating with British artists offers me the unique opportunity to blend the best elements of both Indian and UK creative industries. While my roots remain deeply tied to Indian culture, the UK music scene has exposed me to diverse genres, innovative production techniques, and modern experimental styles. I envision my future work as a fusion of these influences—where I can combine the storytelling, rhythms, and melodies of Indian music with modern soundscapes and creative approaches from the UK. This allows me to create music that remains true to my heritage while appealing to a global, diverse audience. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of both cultures, crafting music that resonates universally while staying authentic to my identity.

Could you walk us through your creative process when it comes to writing songs and producing music? How do you approach crafting a new track?

My creative process varies depending on the project, but generally, I approach it from one of two directions. Sometimes, I begin with the lyrics and melody, allowing the words and tune to set the tone for the rest of the track. Other times, I start with the music—whether it’s a beat or an instrumental—and let that inspire the flow and direction of the lyrics. It depends on the energy and inspiration I’m feeling at the time. Regardless of whether I begin with the lyrics or the production, my goal is always to ensure that both elements complement each other, creating a cohesive and impactful track.

Can you give us a glimpse of what's in store for your fans in terms of future music releases and projects?  

I am currently working on exploring new sounds, blending genres such as hip-hop, trap, and R&B. I’m experimenting with fresh styles and pushing creative boundaries to develop something unique. Fans can expect a more experimental vibe in my upcoming releases as I continue to evolve and expand my musical horizons.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists from small towns who dream of making it in global creative industries?

To aspiring artists from small towns, my advice is to stay dedicated to your craft and keep working consistently. Your unique perspective is your strength, so use it to create something original. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and don’t be discouraged by challenges—they are part of the journey. Believe in your art, stay resilient, and trust that your hard work will lead you to success on the global stage.