Like Fashion, Music Often Circles Back, says Dhruv Dhalla

What does winning at the CLEF Music Awards 2025 mean to you?

Winning the Best Music Director and Best Music Producer awards at the CLEF Music Awards was a wonderful feeling. I honestly didn’t expect it, so receiving not just one but two awards made it truly special.

I often think back to the time when I was nominated for Best Music for Chak De Phatte at the Stardust Awards. I didn’t win that year, and I remember wondering what it would feel like to be on stage with a trophy in my hand. Now that I’ve experienced that moment a few times, I realise something important. The real happiness comes from creating music itself.

I am grateful for the recognition and the spotlight, but it is a short moment. The long-lasting joy comes from being in the studio, alone with my thoughts, building a song from scratch. That is a very intimate and soulful experience that means more to me than holding an award.

What inspired you to create Ranjhana?

Ranjhana began the way most of my songs do, from a spark without a fixed plan. I was playing the piano and experimenting with chords. Suddenly a combination of notes just clicked. It made sense musically and gave me a space to hum a melody. That eventually became the verse.

Once the base was ready, I brought in my lyricist and singers. We worked together on the structure, the verse, the chorus, and built a demo. Later, Dharma Productions came on board and helped push the production to the next level.

We added drums, recorded the string section in Chennai, and layered bass, pads, and guitars. Each addition made the song sound richer and fuller, and helped it reach where it is today.

How do you blend Sufi elements with modern sounds?

I never try to blend genres deliberately. I let the song decide what it needs. The music trend today focuses on simpler production with strong melodies. Earlier, the role of supporting melody was given to instruments like strings and tabla. Today, guitars and drums take that place. But in both cases, the heart of the song remains the melody.

Sufi music already comes from a deep emotional space. It has strong melodic power. So I feel it is important to support the vocals gently, without overpowering them with too much production. Sometimes a single guitar or piano adds more emotion than a full set of instruments.

How has your music evolved since your early days with Euphoria?

For me, evolution means expanding my musical knowledge and influences. Over the years, I have listened to so many artists, learned from them, and felt inspired by them. It is a continuous learning process.

The basics of music will always stay the same. Melody, rhythm, and harmony are foundational. What keeps music exciting is trying something new within those foundations. It is about surprising the listener while still staying true to the song. That balance gives an artist their personality and uniqueness.

How do you see the music industry changing with streaming platforms?

Streaming platforms have created amazing opportunities. Artists can now release music without needing a film or a label, and many new musicians are gaining recognition this way. It gives creative freedom and a direct connection to listeners.

At the same time, because there is so much music being uploaded every day, sometimes the attention to craft gets lost. Songs are released quickly even when they could benefit from more work. When a label or film is involved, more creative inputs come into the process. It can be challenging, but usually helps the song become better.

What kind of music or collaborations are you excited about next?

Right now, I am excited about working on a sound inspired by British rock from the late 60s and 70s. There was something magical about the guitar tones, raw vocals, organs, and simple drums in that era. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin created music that still feels iconic.

Like fashion, music often circles back. I am really enjoying recreating that sonic world in a modern setup.

I also have a huge fascination for epic orchestral scores like the ones in The Dark Knight, Gladiator, or Interstellar. The music is powerful, and has its own viewpoint. The horns, strings, and orchestral drums add so much prowess to a scene and emotion. It’s transporting in a way! I’d love to record a full philharmonic symphony, have them play my music and see it come alive better than I could imagine!