By Spandan Fulkar
19th Feb 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
19th Feb 2024
So, last week, I was burning the midnight oil, nose-deep in work, when out of the blue, my buddy hit me up on WhatsApp with a barrage of messages. Now, this friend and I have a longstanding tradition of sharing new artist and we're always swapping new music, so it wasn't out of the ordinary. But this time, the excitement was palpable it was like he was on a mission, bombarding me with texts about this artist I just had to check out. Ten messages in rapid succession demanded immediate attention to this artist and his music, with orders to explore his Instagram too. I told him I'd give it a listen tomorrow, but he was having none of it. He was practically begging me to dive in right then and there.
I clicked on the link he sent, expecting your run-of-the-mill modern tunes. But I was in for a surprise! As the music started playing, I found myself caught in a time-travel and the melodies seemed to juggle between decades. There were moments where I could swear, I was transported back to the groovy beats of the 70s, only to be snapped back into the present by a fresh, contemporary twist. Yet, between this musical tug-of-war, there were echoes of nostalgia. And just when I thought I had it figured out, bam! It hits me with this Bollywood remix vibe straight out of the mid-2000s, like something you'd hear in an Imraan Hashmi flick. I could now understand why my friend had been relentless in his pursuit to introduce me to this artist. In a world saturated with cookie-cutter tunes and predictable lyrics, this was a breath of fresh air and masterpiece begging to be explored. I was itching to chat with the artist, pick their brain about where all this creativity came from. And you know what? A few days later, it happened.
The artist behind the freshly dropped LP "Allah Rakha" is none other than ‘Gunda’. Now, you're probably scratching your head, wondering, "Who on earth is Gunda, and why haven't I stumbled upon his name before?" Believe me, I was in the same boat until curiosity got the better of me, prompting a dive into his Instagram. So, I did what any curious music lover would do, I stalked his Instagram. And let me tell you, the resemblance to ‘Tienas’ was uncanny! I mean, I had to do a double take. But sure enough, it was him, a whole new sound, a new name, and just a completely different vibe and he absolutely nailed it.
‘The Outsiders’ had a chance to engage in an exclusive conversation with "Gunda." Expectations were high as we anticipated, delving into the depths of his artistry and unlocking the mysteries surrounding his persona. However, any preconceived notions of a solemn and reserved individual were swiftly dispelled as soon as the conversation commenced. With a wry smile and a hint of sarcasm in his tone, Gunda's casual demeanour set the tone for what was to be a refreshingly candid exchange. As we uttered the topic of his name change to "Gunda," expecting perhaps a serious or introspective response, he quipped in his trademark style, "What do you mean 'now'? It's always been that way. A lot of people think I'm 'Tienas,' but I'm not." Classic 'Gunda', keeping it real with that deadpan humour. And just like that, the conversation took an unexpected turn, revealing layers of his personality and leaving us eager to uncover more.
So, last week, I was burning the midnight oil, nose-deep in work, when out of the blue, my buddy hit me up on WhatsApp with a barrage of messages. Now, this friend and I have a longstanding tradition of sharing new artist and we're always swapping new music, so it wasn't out of the ordinary. But this time, the excitement was palpable it was like he was on a mission, bombarding me with texts about this artist I just had to check out. Ten messages in rapid succession demanded immediate attention to this artist and his music, with orders to explore his Instagram too. I told him I'd give it a listen tomorrow, but he was having none of it. He was practically begging me to dive in right then and there.
I clicked on the link he sent, expecting your run-of-the-mill modern tunes. But I was in for a surprise! As the music started playing, I found myself caught in a time-travel and the melodies seemed to juggle between decades. There were moments where I could swear, I was transported back to the groovy beats of the 70s, only to be snapped back into the present by a fresh, contemporary twist. Yet, between this musical tug-of-war, there were echoes of nostalgia. And just when I thought I had it figured out, bam! It hits me with this Bollywood remix vibe straight out of the mid-2000s, like something you'd hear in an Imraan Hashmi flick. I could now understand why my friend had been relentless in his pursuit to introduce me to this artist. In a world saturated with cookie-cutter tunes and predictable lyrics, this was a breath of fresh air and masterpiece begging to be explored. I was itching to chat with the artist, pick their brain about where all this creativity came from. And you know what? A few days later, it happened.
The artist behind the freshly dropped LP "Allah Rakha" is none other than ‘Gunda’. Now, you're probably scratching your head, wondering, "Who on earth is Gunda, and why haven't I stumbled upon his name before?" Believe me, I was in the same boat until curiosity got the better of me, prompting a dive into his Instagram. So, I did what any curious music lover would do, I stalked his Instagram. And let me tell you, the resemblance to ‘Tienas’ was uncanny! I mean, I had to do a double take. But sure enough, it was him, a whole new sound, a new name, and just a completely different vibe and he absolutely nailed it.
‘The Outsiders’ had a chance to engage in an exclusive conversation with "Gunda." Expectations were high as we anticipated, delving into the depths of his artistry and unlocking the mysteries surrounding his persona. However, any preconceived notions of a solemn and reserved individual were swiftly dispelled as soon as the conversation commenced. With a wry smile and a hint of sarcasm in his tone, Gunda's casual demeanour set the tone for what was to be a refreshingly candid exchange. As we uttered the topic of his name change to "Gunda," expecting perhaps a serious or introspective response, he quipped in his trademark style, "What do you mean 'now'? It's always been that way. A lot of people think I'm 'Tienas,' but I'm not." Classic 'Gunda', keeping it real with that deadpan humour. And just like that, the conversation took an unexpected turn, revealing layers of his personality and leaving us eager to uncover more.
Pain, Pleasure, and Perseverance
My initial assumption regarding the origin of the name "Gunda" led me down a path of conjecture, envisioning perhaps a persona similar to the rebel or outlaw of the music industry. However, Gunda's revelation left me pleasantly surprised, as the truth behind his artist name revealed a touching and unexpected narrative. In a moment of vulnerability, Gunda shared with us the heartfelt story behind his name. He recounted a breakup from years past, recalling how his ex-partner affectionately referred to him by this very name and when she departed from his life, she left behind this name, as a reminder of the bond they once shared. This revelation added a poignant layer to his persona, transforming the name "Gunda" from a symbol of rebellion to a emotional emblem of love and loss.
Decades Collide
Listening to "Allah Rakha," Gunda's captivating 11-song LP, is similar to on an emotional rollercoaster. With each track, you find yourself juggling through a myriad of emotions, seamlessly journeying through time as you attempt to pinpoint the exact genre or style of music. You'll be bouncing all over the place, trying to pin down exactly what genre it falls into, but at the same time, you'll find yourself nodding along, caught up in the vibe. In our quest to understand the genesis of this masterpiece, we turned to the man behind the music himself. Surprisingly, Gunda shied away from labelling himself as a musician, instead referring to "Gunda" as a character. As he delved into the genesis of the LP, he revealed that his creative musings were heavily influenced by the legacies of Guru Dutt Ji and Raj Kapoor Ji. In his own words, "Gunda" is the love child of these two iconic figures, a testament to their enduring impact on his artistic vision. Talk about a unique perspective!
“The beauty of Indian music used to come from its poetic touch. But nowadays, the music being produced feels empty and low-quality. In the past, music had depth and it could teach you things, make you ponder, and enrich your life. Today's music just makes me feel sad”
Emotional Rollercoaster
During our conversation, I couldn't help but mention how certain moments in the LP evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of mid-2000s Bollywood or the iconic remixes synonymous with Emraan Hashmi movies. To my surprise, Gunda confessed that several friends had made similar observations. However, he added a layer to the discussion, revealing that the journey of creating this project was far from glamorous. In fact, he described it as a painstaking process, fraught with moments of dread, sadness, and heartache. What began as a vision in 2020 underwent a transformative journey spanning over three years, marked by numerous additions and subtractions, ultimately culminating in the piece we now know as "Allah Rakha."
Pain, Pleasure, and Perseverance
My initial assumption regarding the origin of the name "Gunda" led me down a path of conjecture, envisioning perhaps a persona similar to the rebel or outlaw of the music industry. However, Gunda's revelation left me pleasantly surprised, as the truth behind his artist name revealed a touching and unexpected narrative. In a moment of vulnerability, Gunda shared with us the heartfelt story behind his name. He recounted a breakup from years past, recalling how his ex-partner affectionately referred to him by this very name and when she departed from his life, she left behind this name, as a reminder of the bond they once shared. This revelation added a poignant layer to his persona, transforming the name "Gunda" from a symbol of rebellion to a emotional emblem of love and loss.
Decades Collide
Listening to "Allah Rakha," Gunda's captivating 11-song LP, is similar to on an emotional rollercoaster. With each track, you find yourself juggling through a myriad of emotions, seamlessly journeying through time as you attempt to pinpoint the exact genre or style of music. You'll be bouncing all over the place, trying to pin down exactly what genre it falls into, but at the same time, you'll find yourself nodding along, caught up in the vibe. In our quest to understand the genesis of this masterpiece, we turned to the man behind the music himself. Surprisingly, Gunda shied away from labelling himself as a musician, instead referring to "Gunda" as a character. As he delved into the genesis of the LP, he revealed that his creative musings were heavily influenced by the legacies of Guru Dutt Ji and Raj Kapoor Ji. In his own words, "Gunda" is the love child of these two iconic figures, a testament to their enduring impact on his artistic vision. Talk about a unique perspective!
“The beauty of Indian music used to come from its poetic touch. But nowadays, the music being produced feels empty and low-quality. In the past, music had depth and it could teach you things, make you ponder, and enrich your life. Today's music just makes me feel sad”
Emotional Rollercoaster
During our conversation, I couldn't help but mention how certain moments in the LP evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of mid-2000s Bollywood or the iconic remixes synonymous with Emraan Hashmi movies. To my surprise, Gunda confessed that several friends had made similar observations. However, he added a layer to the discussion, revealing that the journey of creating this project was far from glamorous. In fact, he described it as a painstaking process, fraught with moments of dread, sadness, and heartache. What began as a vision in 2020 underwent a transformative journey spanning over three years, marked by numerous additions and subtractions, ultimately culminating in the piece we now know as "Allah Rakha."
Pain, Pleasure, and Perseverance
My initial assumption regarding the origin of the name "Gunda" led me down a path of conjecture, envisioning perhaps a persona similar to the rebel or outlaw of the music industry. However, Gunda's revelation left me pleasantly surprised, as the truth behind his artist name revealed a touching and unexpected narrative. In a moment of vulnerability, Gunda shared with us the heartfelt story behind his name. He recounted a breakup from years past, recalling how his ex-partner affectionately referred to him by this very name and when she departed from his life, she left behind this name, as a reminder of the bond they once shared. This revelation added a poignant layer to his persona, transforming the name "Gunda" from a symbol of rebellion to a emotional emblem of love and loss.
Decades Collide
Listening to "Allah Rakha," Gunda's captivating 11-song LP, is similar to on an emotional rollercoaster. With each track, you find yourself juggling through a myriad of emotions, seamlessly journeying through time as you attempt to pinpoint the exact genre or style of music. You'll be bouncing all over the place, trying to pin down exactly what genre it falls into, but at the same time, you'll find yourself nodding along, caught up in the vibe. In our quest to understand the genesis of this masterpiece, we turned to the man behind the music himself. Surprisingly, Gunda shied away from labelling himself as a musician, instead referring to "Gunda" as a character. As he delved into the genesis of the LP, he revealed that his creative musings were heavily influenced by the legacies of Guru Dutt Ji and Raj Kapoor Ji. In his own words, "Gunda" is the love child of these two iconic figures, a testament to their enduring impact on his artistic vision. Talk about a unique perspective!
“The beauty of Indian music used to come from its poetic touch. But nowadays, the music being produced feels empty and low-quality. In the past, music had depth and it could teach you things, make you ponder, and enrich your life. Today's music just makes me feel sad”
Emotional Rollercoaster
During our conversation, I couldn't help but mention how certain moments in the LP evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of mid-2000s Bollywood or the iconic remixes synonymous with Emraan Hashmi movies. To my surprise, Gunda confessed that several friends had made similar observations. However, he added a layer to the discussion, revealing that the journey of creating this project was far from glamorous. In fact, he described it as a painstaking process, fraught with moments of dread, sadness, and heartache. What began as a vision in 2020 underwent a transformative journey spanning over three years, marked by numerous additions and subtractions, ultimately culminating in the piece we now know as "Allah Rakha."
Divine Protection
Gunda graciously shed light on the significance behind the LP's title and its thematic underpinnings. Drawing from an age-old proverb, he articulated the central ethos of the LP, "Jaako raakhe saayiyaa, maar sake na koi," which translates to "He whom the Lord protects, no one can harm." With this timeless wisdom as his guiding light, Gunda embarked on a musical journey centered around the profound theme of divine protection. Throughout the LP, he masterfully explores the depths of heartache and loneliness, weaving a thread of emotions that resonate with listeners on a visceral level. However, amidst the pain, there exists a glimmer of hope, a beacon of spiritual warmth in the final track, "Prarthana," a modern-day Keertan.
Inspired by Legends
Breaking down his his creative process, Gunda shared insights into his literary and musical inspirations. Drawing from the poetic luminaries like Akbar Illahbadi and Mohsin Naqvi Shab, he crafted lyrics that strike a chord with the soul. Meanwhile, the musical tapestry of "Allah Rakha" finds its roots in the rich traditions of Gulam Ali Khan Sahab and Bismillah Khan Sahab, whose timeless compositions served as major sources of inspiration for Gunda's journey.
Musical Conundrum
Articulating his creative process, Gunda likened it to the age-old conundrum of whether the egg came before the hen or vice versa, draws parallels to the question of whether the beat or the lyrics take precedence in his music-making journey. When pressed to encapsulate his ‘sound’ for those discovering his music for the first time, Gunda expressed a disdain for the term "sound." He expressed how this label tends to confine music within a rigid category, stifling its potential for evolution and adaptation over time, much like influences that morph with the passage of time, thus leading to a evolution of the music itself.
When we grilled Gunda about what's next on his plate, he hit us with this gem, that he likes to roll with the punches, keeping things spontaneous. When we pressed him for details on his future projects and collabs, he dropped this line about how it's all a bit like "Ram Jaane". And when we were like, "Wait, is that the name of your next album?", he just cracked up, teasing us about not being in the know.
Divine Protection
Gunda graciously shed light on the significance behind the LP's title and its thematic underpinnings. Drawing from an age-old proverb, he articulated the central ethos of the LP, "Jaako raakhe saayiyaa, maar sake na koi," which translates to "He whom the Lord protects, no one can harm." With this timeless wisdom as his guiding light, Gunda embarked on a musical journey centered around the profound theme of divine protection. Throughout the LP, he masterfully explores the depths of heartache and loneliness, weaving a thread of emotions that resonate with listeners on a visceral level. However, amidst the pain, there exists a glimmer of hope, a beacon of spiritual warmth in the final track, "Prarthana," a modern-day Keertan.
Inspired by Legends
Breaking down his his creative process, Gunda shared insights into his literary and musical inspirations. Drawing from the poetic luminaries like Akbar Illahbadi and Mohsin Naqvi Shab, he crafted lyrics that strike a chord with the soul. Meanwhile, the musical tapestry of "Allah Rakha" finds its roots in the rich traditions of Gulam Ali Khan Sahab and Bismillah Khan Sahab, whose timeless compositions served as major sources of inspiration for Gunda's journey.
Musical Conundrum
Articulating his creative process, Gunda likened it to the age-old conundrum of whether the egg came before the hen or vice versa, draws parallels to the question of whether the beat or the lyrics take precedence in his music-making journey. When pressed to encapsulate his ‘sound’ for those discovering his music for the first time, Gunda expressed a disdain for the term "sound." He expressed how this label tends to confine music within a rigid category, stifling its potential for evolution and adaptation over time, much like influences that morph with the passage of time, thus leading to a evolution of the music itself.
When we grilled Gunda about what's next on his plate, he hit us with this gem, that he likes to roll with the punches, keeping things spontaneous. When we pressed him for details on his future projects and collabs, he dropped this line about how it's all a bit like "Ram Jaane". And when we were like, "Wait, is that the name of your next album?", he just cracked up, teasing us about not being in the know.
Divine Protection
Gunda graciously shed light on the significance behind the LP's title and its thematic underpinnings. Drawing from an age-old proverb, he articulated the central ethos of the LP, "Jaako raakhe saayiyaa, maar sake na koi," which translates to "He whom the Lord protects, no one can harm." With this timeless wisdom as his guiding light, Gunda embarked on a musical journey centered around the profound theme of divine protection. Throughout the LP, he masterfully explores the depths of heartache and loneliness, weaving a thread of emotions that resonate with listeners on a visceral level. However, amidst the pain, there exists a glimmer of hope, a beacon of spiritual warmth in the final track, "Prarthana," a modern-day Keertan.
Inspired by Legends
Breaking down his his creative process, Gunda shared insights into his literary and musical inspirations. Drawing from the poetic luminaries like Akbar Illahbadi and Mohsin Naqvi Shab, he crafted lyrics that strike a chord with the soul. Meanwhile, the musical tapestry of "Allah Rakha" finds its roots in the rich traditions of Gulam Ali Khan Sahab and Bismillah Khan Sahab, whose timeless compositions served as major sources of inspiration for Gunda's journey.
Musical Conundrum
Articulating his creative process, Gunda likened it to the age-old conundrum of whether the egg came before the hen or vice versa, draws parallels to the question of whether the beat or the lyrics take precedence in his music-making journey. When pressed to encapsulate his ‘sound’ for those discovering his music for the first time, Gunda expressed a disdain for the term "sound." He expressed how this label tends to confine music within a rigid category, stifling its potential for evolution and adaptation over time, much like influences that morph with the passage of time, thus leading to a evolution of the music itself.
When we grilled Gunda about what's next on his plate, he hit us with this gem, that he likes to roll with the punches, keeping things spontaneous. When we pressed him for details on his future projects and collabs, he dropped this line about how it's all a bit like "Ram Jaane". And when we were like, "Wait, is that the name of your next album?", he just cracked up, teasing us about not being in the know.
Bollywood Inspired Coolness
Unveiling the secrets behind his super cool aesthetic, Gunda offers a glimpse into the elements that define his persona, the harmonium, the cigarette dangling from his lips, the classic moustache, and the rugged allure of his ripped leather jacket. He credits the timeless legacies of Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor for inspiring this visually captivating tableau.
Hits and Heartache
Among the 11 tracks featured in the LP, Gunda singles out "Aawargi" as his standout favourite, not for its music alone, but for the emotional weight it carries. He reveals a backstory behind this particular track, explaining that its power lies in its potential to evoke a strong reaction from his ex-partner. Delving us deeper into this story, Gunda shares a promise made between him and his ex, a pact that he would refrain from writing songs about her in the event of their breakup. However, this vow was met with a condition of its own, a plea from Gunda for his partner to promise never to leave him. Regrettably, she failed to uphold her end of the bargain, ultimately prompting Gunda to break his own promise. The emotional complexity of this dynamic imbues "Aawargi" with a raw authenticity. `
Differentiating Gunda from Tienas
From the outset of our conversation, Gunda made it abundantly clear that he is not 'Tienas', and he's tired of the persistent confusion between the two personas. Despite his frustration, Gunda acknowledges Tienas as a formidable talent, dubbing him the "best rapper in the world." When pressed about the similarities and differences between Gunda and 'Tienas', Gunda adamantly refutes any notion of similarity. As for differences, he tactfully avoids delving into specifics, mindful of the potential for beef in the rap world.
“Synthesizers are the best thing, a man has made and when you merge synthesizers, piano and harmonium the music that comes out takes you a little close to the god”
In short, ‘Allah Rakha’ delves into the depths of Tanmay Saxena's character 'Gunda', expressing raw emotions of heartbreak through a blend of vintage Bollywood vibes and modern influences of house Inspired by his father lyricism, the timeless era of 70s, mid 2000s Bollywood, and the poetic legacy of Guru Dutt and Shayari, Saxena's lyrics evoke a profound sense of longing and introspection, making 'Allah Rakha' a soul-stirring journey through love, loss, and redemption.
Bollywood Inspired Coolness
Unveiling the secrets behind his super cool aesthetic, Gunda offers a glimpse into the elements that define his persona, the harmonium, the cigarette dangling from his lips, the classic moustache, and the rugged allure of his ripped leather jacket. He credits the timeless legacies of Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor for inspiring this visually captivating tableau.
Hits and Heartache
Among the 11 tracks featured in the LP, Gunda singles out "Aawargi" as his standout favourite, not for its music alone, but for the emotional weight it carries. He reveals a backstory behind this particular track, explaining that its power lies in its potential to evoke a strong reaction from his ex-partner. Delving us deeper into this story, Gunda shares a promise made between him and his ex, a pact that he would refrain from writing songs about her in the event of their breakup. However, this vow was met with a condition of its own, a plea from Gunda for his partner to promise never to leave him. Regrettably, she failed to uphold her end of the bargain, ultimately prompting Gunda to break his own promise. The emotional complexity of this dynamic imbues "Aawargi" with a raw authenticity. `
Differentiating Gunda from Tienas
From the outset of our conversation, Gunda made it abundantly clear that he is not Tienas, and he's tired of the persistent confusion between the two personas. Despite his frustration, Gunda acknowledges Tienas as a formidable talent, dubbing him the "best rapper in the world." When pressed about the similarities and differences between Gunda and Tienas, Gunda adamantly refutes any notion of similarity. As for differences, he tactfully avoids delving into specifics, mindful of the potential for beef in the rap world.
“Synthesizers are the best thing, a man has made and when you merge synthesizers, piano and harmonium the music that comes out takes you a little close to the god”
In short, ‘Allah Rakha’ delves into the depths of Tanmay Saxena's character 'Gunda', expressing raw emotions of heartbreak through a blend of vintage Bollywood vibes and modern influences of house Inspired by his father lyricism, the timeless era of 70s, mid 2000s Bollywood, and the poetic legacy of Guru Dutt and Shayari, Saxena's lyrics evoke a profound sense of longing and introspection, making 'Allah Rakha' a soul-stirring journey through love, loss, and redemption.
Bollywood Inspired Coolness
Unveiling the secrets behind his super cool aesthetic, Gunda offers a glimpse into the elements that define his persona, the harmonium, the cigarette dangling from his lips, the classic moustache, and the rugged allure of his ripped leather jacket. He credits the timeless legacies of Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor for inspiring this visually captivating tableau.
Hits and Heartache
Among the 11 tracks featured in the LP, Gunda singles out "Aawargi" as his standout favourite, not for its music alone, but for the emotional weight it carries. He reveals a backstory behind this particular track, explaining that its power lies in its potential to evoke a strong reaction from his ex-partner. Delving us deeper into this story, Gunda shares a promise made between him and his ex, a pact that he would refrain from writing songs about her in the event of their breakup. However, this vow was met with a condition of its own, a plea from Gunda for his partner to promise never to leave him. Regrettably, she failed to uphold her end of the bargain, ultimately prompting Gunda to break his own promise. The emotional complexity of this dynamic imbues "Aawargi" with a raw authenticity. `
Differentiating Gunda from Tienas
From the outset of our conversation, Gunda made it abundantly clear that he is not 'Tienas', and he's tired of the persistent confusion between the two personas. Despite his frustration, Gunda acknowledges Tienas as a formidable talent, dubbing him the "best rapper in the world." When pressed about the similarities and differences between Gunda and 'Tienas', Gunda adamantly refutes any notion of similarity. As for differences, he tactfully avoids delving into specifics, mindful of the potential for beef in the rap world.
“Synthesizers are the best thing, a man has made and when you merge synthesizers, piano and harmonium the music that comes out takes you a little close to the god”
In short, ‘Allah Rakha’ delves into the depths of Tanmay Saxena's character 'Gunda', expressing raw emotions of heartbreak through a blend of vintage Bollywood vibes and modern influences of house Inspired by his father lyricism, the timeless era of 70s, mid 2000s Bollywood, and the poetic legacy of Guru Dutt and Shayari, Saxena's lyrics evoke a profound sense of longing and introspection, making 'Allah Rakha' a soul-stirring journey through love, loss, and redemption.
