Jivitesh (also known as Jivi) is one of the youngest composers, music producers, and bass players in the Indian Music Industry. Some of his collaborations with prominent artists brought him great recognition for his works. Presently, he is amongst the well-known bass players.
My session of ‘Spiritual Confessions’ with Jivitesh Kharbanda was an eye opener to many things related to spirituality.
Prominent works as a bass player:
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MTV Unplugged
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Idea Rocks India (Colors)
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MTV Rock On (MTV)
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First Class
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Jaau Jaan Se
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Tera Hua
Originals by Jivi:
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Humnava
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Thehre Hum Kyun
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Baatein
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Gumshuda
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Udta Panchi
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Beimaan
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Faasle
Notable Works as a Music Producer:
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Tose Naina Lage (Shilpa Rao)
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Ishq Shava
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Ghungroo (Shilpa Rao)
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Humsafar Reprise (Jivi Saurabh)
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Maa – Taare Zameen Par – Cover (Jivi Saurabh)
Spiritual Confessions with Jivitesh Kharbanda:
Shruti Sharma: Is spiritual growth important for an artist?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: Yes, artists face their own highs and lows. Stardom can negatively influence an artist. It is natural when someone appreciates or compliments you, you feel proud of yourself. It is important to feel happy and stay grounded.
When you deliver something good to the audience, celebrate it and enjoy it but, come back to square one and stay calm.
Shruti Sharma: Have you ever felt God’s presence or any divine presence around you?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: Not physically but, internally yes. I feel his presence in everything. We are eating, breathing, surviving, creating music and all these are planned by the Universe. Sometimes, when I step out and I am stuck in traffic or my work gets delayed only to realise later that it was for a positive reason.
I strongly believe there is something that chooses us to perform certain roles and god’s support is in it. It wasn’t easy for me to bring my whole family from Delhi and find my base here. I believe if it was not music, I don’t know what else I would be doing.
Everything has a divine timing like we are talking right now and you are asking me things that I never knew I had in me.
Shruti Sharma: Do you believe having faith in life helps in your career too?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: 100 percent! I agree your hardwork plays an important role maybe 30 to 40 percent but, your destiny plays a vital part in building your career.
There are many people who are equally working hard perhaps more than me, I feel I am not as talented as they are but, I consider myself fortunate for the work I have.
You have to play your role and Karma but, you must also thank God for the blessings on you.
Not just musicians, every role you play in life expect you to put in your hard work, thank your parents for their blessings, and thank God for everything. It is a blessing for me to be associated with prominent names and for all I have in life.
Shruti Sharma: Jivitesh, what is that one place where you find your peace or solace in?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: I am a mountain person. But, recently I explored that wherever I make music that is solace for me. Whenever I travel, I take my basic essentials like my sound card, laptop, etc… to create music.
Shruti Sharma: As an artist where competition is at its peak, do you believe in ‘Forgive and Forget’ Rule? I mean most artists are sentimental and sometimes, it get difficult to forgive or forget what people have done to them; how do you take these experiences?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: Initially, I used to keep things at heart and feel bad about it. Sometimes, I admit I use to vent it out with others to feel lighter. Slowly, I realized cribbing doesn’t help and forgiving them gives you peace. When I started my career in music, someone tried to put me down and advised me to stop pursuing music as a career option. I had just started to learn music at that time and I requested him to train me but, he didn’t entertain me.
I didn’t take it to my heart that time but, Karma is a vicious cycle. Later, I realized that a fantastic musician like him left music due to his prolonged struggle with life. I genuinely feel very sorry for him as he did teach me a couple of good things about music that I won’t forget. I also learned that it is not good to keep grudges and become like them. Peace is more important over everything else.
Shruti Sharma: Do you remember any one kind gesture of a stranger for you?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: When your work is recognized by strangers and when people write reviews about you makes you feel good. I remember someone writing to me that my composition is on their playlist and that made me feel my music is reaching so many people’s hearts.
Shruti Sharma: I need a very honest answer on this card Jivi; Do you believe in karma? Do you fear it? It is important for me to know as some artists often become judgmental of others after attaining success and try to put other down.
Jivitesh Kharbanda: I do believe in karma and I do you fear it. Knowingly or unknowingly we are doing many things that maybe right or wrong. I do feel Karma exists. I read a book somewhere, we all are here to perform our role and play the Karma well.
Shruti Sharma: Does meditation help an artist during times of break or gaps between works?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: The first thing I do after getting up in the morning is the Om Chanting. The practice has been on since a long time. I also start practicing instruments as it gives me the feeling of meditation. Before my vocals practice, I try to sit for a few minutes to do ‘Pranayam’. We all know it is essential for us to balance our breaths.
Other than practicing or singing, listening to music also helps. You must have heard about the word called, Clairvoyant; whatever you are listening to helps in your healing. Anyone can experience healing with help of listening to music and putting it in the system.
In short, meditation plays a vital role in every artist’s life as how and in what situation they sing, compose, or deliver music matters because many people are listening to their work and healing through their music.
Shruti Sharma: Should an artist be spiritual, religious, or both? I believe, religion divides the art and it creates biasness between the artists as well as the targeted audience. According to me, only an artist can unite the audience from different religious backgrounds. What are your thoughts on this?
Jivitesh Kharbanda: I am both, I am spiritual because of my journey in music but religious as that is brought into me by my parents. I love visiting several sacred places regardless of whether it is a Mosque, Gurudwara, Temple, Church, etc… I love visiting Gurudwaras for listening to the Gurbani and of course the Kadaa Prasad!
As an artist, I love listening to several artists from different religions. I believe Music has no language; you listen to what makes you feel good. It is blissful and nice to visit several sacred places.
I have also visited Kainchi Dham during one of my tours and the energy pulled me. Similarly, constant chanting and praying by so many people who visit the temples pull you towards that aura for your own cleansing.
Message by Jivitesh Kharbanda for fellow artists and the audience:
My message for all those doing their roles that they are passionate at is to continue practicing and leave the rest to the Universe. Learn from other people and see what they are doing and avoid jealousy. Jo aapka hai aapko milega… Just have faith and be honest to yourself. That is what I have been doing in my journey.
In addition to the above, I also like to add that we must make good music and take good care of our health which is vital. Take care of your house and make it a better space so that when you come back, you have a loving family and a beautiful house to return to. Take a break where when possible and enjoy your space too.
From the writer’s desk:
When I met you, I had little clue that there is a deep spiritual person inside you than I expected. Your every answer came straight from the heart and I loved hearing from you Jivitesh. One of the best qualities of a spiritual person is that they believe they are still learning and you following the same rule make me proud of having met you.
I wish you all the best for your future endeavors and I look forward to listen to more music from you!
Love and Light
