Most of us find our passion well into our 20s, after exploring different paths and hobbies, but for some, it is innate, something inherent to their being. And that is exactly how Pranav Sanjai felt about music. From the age of three, his parents noticed that he had a special attraction towards music and encouraged him to learn the piano. However, just a year later, he decided to switch instruments from the keyboard to the guitar. And that was the first sign of the sheer raw talent that he carried.
At the age of fifteen, Sanjai was recruited by his teacher, Neville De Monte, at Gopalan International School to join the band he formed, named G Minors. The band consisted of other young, talented musicians from the school who went on to perform in various stages across the city and the state, as well as compete in various competitions, including the Battle of the Bands.
When asked about his experience of performing on the stage for the first time ever, he lit up as he explained how magical it felt. His first performance was at the Gopalan Signature Mall with the G Minors at fifteen years old. Although he felt nervous before the performance, as soon as he got on the stage and started playing, he got lost in his own music, moving to every rhythm, every beat. This has been his dream for a long time. ‘You got to enjoy the music you’re playing; when the crowd sees you move, they move with you,’ Sanjai remarked when asked about how he brings such vibrant energy to his performances.
After completing his tenth grade, he formed his own band with the ex-members of G Minors, named the Ace of Spades, a classic rock and metal band, who focused on creating inventive covers of the metal and rock bands that inspired them, such as Guns N ‘ Roses, ACDC, and Iron Maiden. He also became a part of the Made in India band, which reimagines old Bollywood songs in new, modern genres. Sanjay has found great success working in both bands, with gigs across the country, even taking the stage at Lollapalooza, India’s biggest music festival.
In conversation with The Urbanite, Pranav stated that his experience at Lollapalooza was perfect, the performance was from the stage to the crowd, and their energy. Additionally, he shared that he was now regarded more seriously as a musician and about the number of doors that opened up with it. However, Sanjai prefers to keep this information fairly private to ensure he stays grounded in the industry and continues his career with humility.
In discussing his upcoming musical journey, Sanjai expressed a desire to “discipline himself” by prioritizing his role as a guitar instructor, while simultaneously nurturing his artistic pursuits on the side. He also has an original song coming out in a few months titled ‘Never Leave’.
Authors
