Prithvi Gandharv is a prominent singer and composer. He specializes in Ghazals, Sufi, and Classical Music. My meet for Spiritual Confessions with Prithvi was a memorable one. Every memory is yet so fresh and divine. He is one of the most sincere, divine, and humble artists I have come across. Every corner of his house has strong positive vibrations.
He is an ardent disciple of Sadhguru and that speaks it all. Prithvi also performs with and for Sadhguru’s Isha foundation. Let’s remember some of his prominent performances and contributions to the music industry.
Prominent works by Singer Prithvi Gandharv:
- Albela Sajan: Bajirao Mastani
- Nirmohiya: Bandish Bandits (Season 2)
- Niyat E Shauq
- Shivoham
- Chamba
- Uzr Aane Mein
- Woh Dekhna Bhi Hai
- Aahatein
- Yaahin Rahio Sa – Bandish Bandits (Season 2)
- Shiva Trance
- Ram Bhajo
- Thoda Sa
- Gayatri Mantra, and more…
Spiritual Confessions with Prithvi Gandharv:
Shruti Sharma: Do you believe in forgive and forget rule?
Prithvi Gandharv: Yes, I do believe in forgiving people but, we mustn’t forget what has happened during that time and learn from it. It is important to Forgive and Not Forget. We must learn from the pain but, not carry that pain inside for long.
See people change with time; we are changing too. The mindset I had 20 years ago, it has changed. So it is not relevant for me to know that the person who knew Prithvi years ago carries the same judgment about me. If he is doing it he hasn’t changed at all and for such people I would not be interested to interact with them.
Shruti Sharma: Is spiritual growth important for artists?
Prithvi Gandharv: Ofcourse! Jitna andar hum spirituality ko lekar aayenge utna hi khud ko payenge and music se connect kar payenge. That’s the only way regardless of which path you choose. The sooner you realize and become aware of it, the better for artists.
Sadhguru has shared a beautiful thought on artists that artists are unrealized Yogis. Every artist has a natural divinity; however some are not aware of it but, they have definitely tasted it sometime. The more they get deeper into it, the sooner they can find themselves.
Shruti Sharma: Are you spiritual, religious, or both?
Prithvi Gandharv: I don’t prefer or relate to the concept of people deeply involved in religious rituals, terms, processes, etc… Sanatan Dharm doesn’t let you divide anyone but, unite. The concept of Sanatan Dharm is on spirituality.
In my family, we all follow different gods but, we are still united closely under one roof. We consider the whole world as ours. Similarly, our culture is so spiritual that it teaches us to be united as one. So I am strongly a spiritual person by heart and by soul.
“My religion is Spirituality.”
– Prithvi Gandharv
Shruti Sharma: Do you remember any one kind gesture by a stranger that touched your heart?
Prithvi Gandharv: Many such incidents that make me feel so grateful and happy about. It is difficult to describe one in a session. For instance, I remember a musician from a neighboring country who I met during a tour. He shared a beautiful gesture with me where he stated that he gives his wife complete rest for one day in a week.
He takes care of the whole household chores and he deeply respects his wife for all the support on the other days. I loved this gesture as despite from a reserved or conservative culture, that musician understands and respects his wife so deeply. It only created a lasting impression and respect on my mind for their culture just because of this one person.
Shruti Sharma: Have you ever felt God’s existence or presence around you?
Prithvi Gandharv: Always! In every moment; there is not a single moment when I didn’t feel god’s presence around me. I remember an incident when I was nine months; I accidently sat on something extremely hot and my mother screamed out of panicky. This may sound unrealistic but, I literally remember every single memory of that incident as I felt myself outside my body (similar to an astral projection).
I even remember what I was wearing and what everyone was wearing I saw myself in front of me. In many other incidents, I have felt god near me and he has always saved me from such incidents.
Shruti Sharma: Different people have different versions of enlightenment; what is Enlightenment according to you Prithvi?
Prithvi Gandharv: I actually don’t know what enlightenment is; I have seen and met an enlightened being (Sadhguru) in my life. I am sure there are many enlightened beings I must have met but, they don’t have recognition. Honestly, my answer is that I do not know what enlightenment is. I am yet to understand that.
Shruti Sharma: Do you believe in Karma, do you fear it?
Prithvi Gandharv: I do believe in Karma. We are seeing things and people since childhood where we experience Karma playing a major part. It is always better that we fear it. I have seen many such people in my life who have done bad karma to reach success and they are facing its consequences.
Karm chakra se to Bhagwan Ram, Krishna, aur Mahadev bhi nahin chhoot paayein hai to hum kya hi hain unke aage. There is a beautiful saying that we make our own life so we decide what we choose. We are anyway in the vicious cycle of Bad Karma that is beyond our control however; we must cautiously choose our actions.
For instance, we feel like killing someone which we know if not a good Karma but, we would rather slap him (jokes and laughs). Jokes apart, but your intention behind your action matters and decides your Karma.
Shruti Sharma: Does faith play an important role in an artist’s career? Do you think having faith in god helps at times?
Prithvi Gandharv: Yes of course it does! Without faith, it is difficult to drive your vehicle. It is important to feel within why you wish to choose that path until you strongly believe in it. Faith does plan an important role and that is how things start shaping up.
I had faith that I am made for music since childhood and I wanted to sing and that faith helped me learn more about it. Classical singing was not too cool during my times as people were more inclined towards songs like; Garam Chai Ki Pyaali, Baarana De, Aati Kya Khandala, and more… On the other side, I was listening to Raag Darbari (laughs aloud.
I come from a very poor background but, my family inculcated the real values of music inside me. I always had faith that things will be good. It’s a blessing that I considered life to be magical always and I deeply connected to life’s struggles. My focus was clear in life that whatever happens, I have to learn this with no intentions of making money…
“I enjoyed the inner wealth, cheques, and income that my soul was receiving by delivering music.”
– Prithvi Gandharv
Shruti Sharma: One place where you find your peace?
Prithvi Gandharv: “Within Myself!” (laughs). To add more, I find my peace “Ekant Mein” (in solitude). When I am low or upset, I seclude myself from people and love to be me. I also plan vacations and go to the mountains and forests where I am able to connect with myself better. I also enjoy wildlife safaris as that gives me immense peace. There is also one more place that I run to for my inner peace. Other than all these, I also find peace in Isha by Sadguru.
“I find my peace in Sadhguru’s Ashram (Isha Foundation).”
– Prithvi Gandharv
Shruti Sharma: What is the difference between purpose and goal?
Prithvi Gandharv: What a beautiful discussion we had on this behind the camera already… What you wish to do is your Goal, but what you are born to do is your Purpose. No one else can do that work so beautifully than you if you find your purpose; even if it only involves baking sweets.
Javed Akhtar Sahab said a beautiful thing; a scientist who is a mediocre scientist with no big invention in his kitty is not better than a Delhi chole bhature guy. I have more respect for that Chole Bhature vendor in Delhi because he has excelled his purpose as he is doing what he knows the best.
To me, music is my purpose! Even if I do not receive an award for it I am happy serving my music to people. I agree awards and recognition are by-products that make you happier but, it doesn’t matter whether I am singing for a superstar or working on a small piece. My purpose is to sing and touch the hearts of people.
Message by Prithvi Gandharv for your fans and followers:
One wish that I want all my followers to follow is to ensure what kind of environment you are creating and how people feel around you. I wish that you make them feel loved, secured, and safe. Whatever work you are doing, do it with complete dedication learning, and sincerity. I am also very happy to be a part of Seasons with Shruti Sharma. Thank you for this beautiful interview.
From the writer’s desk:
What a phenomenal personality you carry Prithvi! I thank the divine timing for having us met for this special segment of Spiritual Confessions. The way you address others and respect them reflects your divinity, sincerity, and grounded nature. Thank you for your warm hospitality and for all the time taken for this spiritual connection.
The sign of a soulful artist is by the way he/she treats and greets others; you are a perfect example of the same. I am sure The Universe has plans for many more similar meets in the near future. Stay blessed and stay divine always. My best wishes to you for your spiritual and musical journey.
To conclude, I also like to thank my sister Healer Bhairavi Sharma for playing her role in making ‘Spiritual Confessions’ true for me. I highly appreciate your extended support and blessings upon our spiritual gifts and in honoring the artists.
Love and Light
