By Spandan Fulkar
10th Feb 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
10th Feb 2024
The advent of streaming platforms has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of music consumption, ushering in an era where music traverses the digital world with unprecedented ease, and captivates audiences far and wide. Gone are the days of scouring internet websites like Songs PK, where music enthusiasts diligently downloaded tracks to curate their personal musical archives. In this ever-evolving musical odyssey, each shift in how we experience music brings forth its own set of reigning artists, echoing the cyclical nature of musical domination.
While I may not hail from the era of radio dominance, my own musical journey was intertwined with the dawn of Bluetooth music sharing, a time when the music pulsated through unseen airwaves, connecting us in shared playlists. Amidst the mix of tunes that graced our devices, one name shone bright, etching its mark into the collective consciousness. No matter what kind of music you were into, there was always this one track that everyone had on their playlist and if there was a king of those Bluetooth era music, it was none other than Gajendra Verma and his iconic hit "Emptiness."
Crafting the Anthem of Heartbreak
Even in the hazy haze of 2024, the strains of "Emptiness" evoke response, tugging at heartstrings and transporting listeners on a nostalgic trip through the chambers of their past. It's as if with each note, a floodgate of emotions is unleashed, carrying us back to the innocence of school crushes or the bittersweet embrace of former flames and partners. Emptiness isn't just your run-of-the-mill sad song but more like an anthem of heartbreaks and the soundtrack for anyone nursing a shattered heart. Even today, you'll spot those haunting piano keys from the intro popping up on sad breakup posts and Instagram stories like clockwork.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Yet, amidst the pricky chords of "Emptiness" lies a shroud of mystery, a tale whispered in the shadows of the social and digital media. Rumor has it that it was originally created by a random unknown dude named Rohan Rathore, and there's this wild tale about him and his supposed suicide. Thing is, nobody really knows what's fact and what's fiction in this whole saga. And that's where the plot thickens. Why hasn't Gajendra Verma come out with the whole truth about it? Imagine being in his shoes and dealing with all these rumours and controversies surrounding your biggest hit and how it'll mess with your head. I've always wondered what really went down behind the scenes. What was Gajendra thinking through all of this? Why hasn't he set the record straight? It's like this big mystery that's still begging for answers, and until then, "Emptiness" will always have this shadow of intrigue hanging over it.
The advent of streaming platforms has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of music consumption, ushering in an era where music traverses the digital world with unprecedented ease, and captivates audiences far and wide. Gone are the days of scouring internet websites like Songs PK, where music enthusiasts diligently downloaded tracks to curate their personal musical archives. In this ever-evolving musical odyssey, each shift in how we experience music brings forth its own set of reigning artists, echoing the cyclical nature of musical domination.
While I may not hail from the era of radio dominance, my own musical journey was intertwined with the dawn of Bluetooth music sharing, a time when the music pulsated through unseen airwaves, connecting us in shared playlists. Amidst the mix of tunes that graced our devices, one name shone bright, etching its mark into the collective consciousness. No matter what kind of music you were into, there was always this one track that everyone had on their playlist and if there was a king of those Bluetooth era music, it was none other than Gajendra Verma and his iconic hit "Emptiness."
Crafting the Anthem of Heartbreak
Even in the hazy haze of 2024, the strains of "Emptiness" evoke response, tugging at heartstrings and transporting listeners on a nostalgic trip through the chambers of their past. It's as if with each note, a floodgate of emotions is unleashed, carrying us back to the innocence of school crushes or the bittersweet embrace of former flames and partners. Emptiness isn't just your run-of-the-mill sad song but more like an anthem of heartbreaks and the soundtrack for anyone nursing a shattered heart. Even today, you'll spot those haunting piano keys from the intro popping up on sad breakup posts and Instagram stories like clockwork.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Yet, amidst the pricky chords of "Emptiness" lies a shroud of mystery, a tale whispered in the shadows of the social and digital media. Rumor has it that it was originally created by a random unknown dude named Rohan Rathore, and there's this wild tale about him and his supposed suicide. Thing is, nobody really knows what's fact and what's fiction in this whole saga. And that's where the plot thickens. Why hasn't Gajendra Verma come out with the whole truth about it? Imagine being in his shoes and dealing with all these rumours and controversies surrounding your biggest hit and how it'll mess with your head. I've always wondered what really went down behind the scenes. What was Gajendra thinking through all of this? Why hasn't he set the record straight? It's like this big mystery that's still begging for answers, and until then, "Emptiness" will always have this shadow of intrigue hanging over it.
Photo credits Yatish
Photo credits Yatish
Photo credits Yatish
As the anticipation built for the interview, an array of questions danced in my mind, each one with a hint of apprehension. Would Gajendra Verma be open to delving into the layers of his life, peeling back the mysteries of his journey? It was a delicate balance, a tightrope walks between curiosity and respect, unsure of where the scales would tip. Yet, as the conversation unfolded, it was as if the floodgates had been thrown wide open. Gajendra Verma, in a moment of raw vulnerability, bared his soul to the world, laying bare the intricacies of his life, his journey, and the strings that echoed through his heart. With each revelation, the shadows that once cloaked his story melted away, replaced by the brilliant light of truth. In that moment, I couldn't help but marvel at Gajendra Verma's perspective on life. Did he view the glass as half empty, weighed down by the past? Or did he see it as half full, brimming with the promise of tomorrow?
Homegrown Melodies
In a candid conversation with 'The Outsiders’' Gajendra Verma peeled back the layers of his musical journey, revealing a narrative woven with familial legacy and personal exploration. Music, he confessed, was not a fleeting passion but an intrinsic part of his very being, coursing through his veins. Gajendra fondly reminisced about his father, a wordsmith whose lyrical prowess resonated through their home. But it wasn't just poetry that filled the air but also the strains of music, carried by his father's voice that shaped Gajendra's musical journey. Yet, despite the rich musical heritage that enveloped him, Gajendra admitted to being the outlier in his family's musical saga. Unlike his father and brother, who honed their craft through formal training, Gajendra charted his own path, guided by the tutelage of his family. His brother and father became not only his mentors but also his muses, imparting their wisdom and passion with each passing note.
Cultural Influences
Hailing from the quaint town of Sirsa, nestled on the cusp of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, Gajendra's music bore the mark of his upbringing, a vibrant combination of cultural influences and genre-bending melodies. Following his education in sound engineering, this ‘Tera Ghata’ singer ventured into the world of professional audio, spending a year honing his craft as a sound engineer. Yet, despite his technical expertise, the siren call of music beckoned him with an irresistible charm. It wasn't until the emergence of "Emptiness" that Gajendra found himself at a crossroads, a moment of clarity amidst the chaos of uncertainty. It was like this big neon sign from the universe, telling him, "Hey, people dig your music!" And that was the green light he needed to dive headfirst into the music scene.
“I love music but since a child, I have never been a serious musician and I play and make anything that I like”
As the anticipation built for the interview, an array of questions danced in my mind, each one with a hint of apprehension. Would Gajendra Verma be open to delving into the layers of his life, peeling back the mysteries of his journey? It was a delicate balance, a tightrope walks between curiosity and respect, unsure of where the scales would tip. Yet, as the conversation unfolded, it was as if the floodgates had been thrown wide open. Gajendra Verma, in a moment of raw vulnerability, bared his soul to the world, laying bare the intricacies of his life, his journey, and the strings that echoed through his heart. With each revelation, the shadows that once cloaked his story melted away, replaced by the brilliant light of truth. In that moment, I couldn't help but marvel at Gajendra Verma's perspective on life. Did he view the glass as half empty, weighed down by the past? Or did he see it as half full, brimming with the promise of tomorrow?
Homegrown Melodies
In a candid conversation with 'The Outsiders’' Gajendra Verma peeled back the layers of his musical journey, revealing a narrative woven with familial legacy and personal exploration. Music, he confessed, was not a fleeting passion but an intrinsic part of his very being, coursing through his veins. Gajendra fondly reminisced about his father, a wordsmith whose lyrical prowess resonated through their home. But it wasn't just poetry that filled the air but also the strains of music, carried by his father's voice that shaped Gajendra's musical journey. Yet, despite the rich musical heritage that enveloped him, Gajendra admitted to being the outlier in his family's musical saga. Unlike his father and brother, who honed their craft through formal training, Gajendra charted his own path, guided by the tutelage of his family. His brother and father became not only his mentors but also his muses, imparting their wisdom and passion with each passing note.
Cultural Influences
Hailing from the quaint town of Sirsa, nestled on the cusp of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, Gajendra's music bore the mark of his upbringing, a vibrant combination of cultural influences and genre-bending melodies. Following his education in sound engineering, this ‘Tera Ghata’ singer ventured into the world of professional audio, spending a year honing his craft as a sound engineer. Yet, despite his technical expertise, the siren call of music beckoned him with an irresistible charm. It wasn't until the emergence of "Emptiness" that Gajendra found himself at a crossroads, a moment of clarity amidst the chaos of uncertainty. It was like this big neon sign from the universe, telling him, "Hey, people dig your music!" And that was the green light he needed to dive headfirst into the music scene.
“I love music but since a child, I have never been a serious musician and I play and make anything that I like”
Decoding Emptiness
Transporting us back to the echoes of his college life, circa 2010, Gajendra Verma spilled beans over the foundation of Emptiness. Amongst the days of his third year, he found himself struggling in the aftermath of a breakup, a chapter of his life steeped in emotional turbulence. Gajendra confessed that while the breakup served as a backdrop to "Emptiness," it wasn't the sole impetus behind its creation. Instead, it was a culmination of emotions like heartache and introspection that found expression. Surprisingly, "Emptiness" wasn't Gajendra's maiden track and he had already penned a couple of tracks before. It was this wealth of experience that lent him the confidence and clarity to craft Emptiness. But even in the throes of creation, Gajendra Verma understood the value of collaboration, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of two friends who lent their lyrical prowess to breathe life into the verses of "Emptiness."
Artistic Liberation
Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of the independent music scene, Gajendra Verma emerged as a beacon of independent music, navigating the waters of creativity with determination. As he reflected on the shifting tides of the industry, he offered a sage perspective rooted in pragmatism and acceptance. "For me, if it's flourishing, it's justified," he mused, encapsulating a philosophy that embraced the diversity of artistic expression without judgment. In a world infused with a constant influx of new talent, Gajendra recognized the power of individual preference, acknowledging that musical taste was as subjective as it was personal. For Gajendra, this growing landscape represented more than just a shift in the status quo, it symbolized liberation. No longer bound by the shackles of traditional labels or financial constraints, he says independent artists now find themselves free to chart their own course, unrestricted by the demands of commercial viability. This newfound freedom not only democratized the creative process but also shattered the barriers that once confined artists to a narrow spectrum of genres. With each chord struck and each lyric penned, musicians embraced a newfound sense of possibility, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution.
Funk Fusion and Upcoming album
In the early days of his musical journey, Gajendra found comfort in the strums of acoustic guitars and soft rock. But even in the vast expanse of India's Bollywood-dominated music landscape, he yearned a desire to delve deeper into the diverse sounds and genres that lay beyond. For Gajendra, Bollywood represented not just a genre, but a melting pot of musical influences that shaped the sonic culture of a nation. Yet, as time unfurled its wings, he felt a longing to break free and venture into unexplored genres. Gajendra also opened up about his newfound passion for funk music, unveiling his upcoming album that promises a fusion of rock pop, 80s synthwave, and other eclectic influences from the Western music scene. Notably, he expressed his affinity for singing English songs, a departure from his earlier career when the audience for such tracks was limited. Now, with the evolving landscape of indie music, he feels empowered to explore diverse genres and create music that resonates with his artistic vision.
Decoding Emptiness
Transporting us back to the echoes of his college life, circa 2010, Gajendra Verma spilled beans over the foundation of Emptiness. Amongst the days of his third year, he found himself struggling in the aftermath of a breakup, a chapter of his life steeped in emotional turbulence. Gajendra confessed that while the breakup served as a backdrop to "Emptiness," it wasn't the sole impetus behind its creation. Instead, it was a culmination of emotions like heartache and introspection that found expression. Surprisingly, "Emptiness" wasn't Gajendra's maiden track and he had already penned a couple of tracks before. It was this wealth of experience that lent him the confidence and clarity to craft Emptiness. But even in the throes of creation, Gajendra Verma understood the value of collaboration, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of two friends who lent their lyrical prowess to breathe life into the verses of "Emptiness."
Artistic Liberation
Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of the independent music scene, Gajendra Verma emerged as a beacon of independent music, navigating the waters of creativity with determination. As he reflected on the shifting tides of the industry, he offered a sage perspective rooted in pragmatism and acceptance. "For me, if it's flourishing, it's justified," he mused, encapsulating a philosophy that embraced the diversity of artistic expression without judgment. In a world infused with a constant influx of new talent, Gajendra recognized the power of individual preference, acknowledging that musical taste was as subjective as it was personal. For Gajendra, this growing landscape represented more than just a shift in the status quo, it symbolized liberation. No longer bound by the shackles of traditional labels or financial constraints, he says independent artists now find themselves free to chart their own course, unrestricted by the demands of commercial viability. This newfound freedom not only democratized the creative process but also shattered the barriers that once confined artists to a narrow spectrum of genres. With each chord struck and each lyric penned, musicians embraced a newfound sense of possibility, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution.
Funk Fusion and Upcoming album
In the early days of his musical journey, Gajendra found comfort in the strums of acoustic guitars and soft rock. But even in the vast expanse of India's Bollywood-dominated music landscape, he yearned a desire to delve deeper into the diverse sounds and genres that lay beyond. For Gajendra, Bollywood represented not just a genre, but a melting pot of musical influences that shaped the sonic culture of a nation. Yet, as time unfurled its wings, he felt a longing to break free and venture into unexplored genres. Gajendra also opened up about his newfound passion for funk music, unveiling his upcoming album that promises a fusion of rock pop, 80s synthwave, and other eclectic influences from the Western music scene. Notably, he expressed his affinity for singing English songs, a departure from his earlier career when the audience for such tracks was limited. Now, with the evolving landscape of indie music, he feels empowered to explore diverse genres and create music that resonates with his artistic vision.
The Rohan Rathore Controversy
Halfway through his college years in 2010, Gajendra Verma found himself catapulted into an unexpected loop of fame and controversy with the release of "Emptiness" Recounting the genesis of the infamous Rohan Rathore controversy, Gajendra painted a vivid picture of the moment he first learned of his song's viral spread.
Sitting at home one ordinary day, Gajendra received a call from a friend, delivering the startling news that his song had gone viral on Facebook. However, the excitement quickly turned to dismay as he discovered that his music was being attributed to someone else, a mysterious figure named Rohan Rathore. The revelation left Gajendra feeling heartbroken and bewildered, grappling with the sudden intrusion of falsehood into his artistic realm. In the aftermath of the controversy, Gajendra found himself confronted with the surreal experiences of strangers approaching him at parties, praising "Emptiness" and suggesting that it would suit his voice perfectly. Imagine Gajendra's out at a party, singing his heart out, when someone strolls up and goes, "Hey, have you heard 'Emptiness'? It's totally your vibe!" Talk about awkward! He had to come up with some snarky comeback like, "Oh yeah, I can totally nail that singer's style!" Despite the initial sting of deception, Gajendra's brother offered sage advice to view the situation as a blessing in disguise, a testament to the power of his music to capture hearts and transcend boundaries. Slowly but surely, Gajendra embraced this newfound perspective, recognizing that amidst the turmoil lay an opportunity for growth and resilience. What initially seemed like a setback, soon morphed into a catalyst for his music's reach, propelling him into the spotlight and opening doors to new audiences.
Ankit Singh and Abhijeet Kale, the visionary minds behind 'Ice Nation Events' and the orchestrators of the recent Gajendra Verma concert in Pune, reflect, "Welcoming Gajendra Verma's electrifying presence is always a thrill for us. Each time, the venue is packed to the brim, and our audience leaves with hearts full of fond recollections. Gajendra Bhai's performance is more than just a concert; it's a mesmerizing journey of enchantment and affection.
The Rohan Rathore Controversy
Halfway through his college years in 2010, Gajendra Verma found himself catapulted into an unexpected loop of fame and controversy with the release of "Emptiness" Recounting the genesis of the infamous Rohan Rathore controversy, Gajendra painted a vivid picture of the moment he first learned of his song's viral spread.
Sitting at home one ordinary day, Gajendra received a call from a friend, delivering the startling news that his song had gone viral on Facebook. However, the excitement quickly turned to dismay as he discovered that his music was being attributed to someone else, a mysterious figure named Rohan Rathore. The revelation left Gajendra feeling heartbroken and bewildered, grappling with the sudden intrusion of falsehood into his artistic realm. In the aftermath of the controversy, Gajendra found himself confronted with the surreal experiences of strangers approaching him at parties, praising "Emptiness" and suggesting that it would suit his voice perfectly. Imagine Gajendra's out at a party, singing his heart out, when someone strolls up and goes, "Hey, have you heard 'Emptiness'? It's totally your vibe!" Talk about awkward! He had to come up with some snarky comeback like, "Oh yeah, I can totally nail that singer's style!" Despite the initial sting of deception, Gajendra's brother offered sage advice to view the situation as a blessing in disguise, a testament to the power of his music to capture hearts and transcend boundaries. Slowly but surely, Gajendra embraced this newfound perspective, recognizing that amidst the turmoil lay an opportunity for growth and resilience. What initially seemed like a setback, soon morphed into a catalyst for his music's reach, propelling him into the spotlight and opening doors to new audiences.
Ankit Singh and Abhijeet Kale, the visionary minds behind 'Ice Nation Events' and the orchestrators of the recent Gajendra Verma concert in Pune, reflect, "Welcoming Gajendra Verma's electrifying presence is always a thrill for us. Each time, the venue is packed to the brim, and our audience leaves with hearts full of fond recollections. Gajendra Bhai's performance is more than just a concert; it's a mesmerizing journey of enchantment and affection.
