"I would prefer music over millions of bucks."
Indian guitarists have the knack of producing top-quality music.
To create enchanting mosaics of melody, they strum their guitars with a passion like no other.
These musicians have undeniably created a niche for themselves in their field.
In a country that is as musically inclined as India, these people shine brightly as rays of talent.
Paying tribute to their craft, DESIblitz showcases 10 Indian guitarists you must listen to.
Baiju Dharmajan
Hailing from Kochi, Kerala, Baiju Dharmajan is among the most influential Indian guitarists.
He began his career at the young age of 14. Beginning with the Carnatic violin, he progressed to the guitar.
In the 1990s, Baiju played in a band named Instinct.
From 1999 to 2010, he was the lead guitarist for the band Motherjane.
After departing the band, Baiju moved on to a solo career, releasing successful albums including The Crossover.
He has named Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Steve Vai as his favourite guitarists.
Amyt Datta
From Kolkata, Amyt Datta found his footing in the rock band Shiva.
He toured with the band from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s.
Amyt learned to play the guitar from the legendary musician Carlton Kitto.
This led to him developing an art form that has made him wonderfully unique.
In 2011, he appeared in the Bengali film Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona.
In the film, he played a guitarist, and in 2019, he appeared in the documentary If Not For You.
Kapil Srivastava
Kapil Srivastava began his journey as a guitarist in 1996.
He worked for record labels including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and has composed several original compositions.
Speaking about his love for the guitar, Kapil says:
“When I look back, I see the guitar instrument was more like a merudand (spinal cord), the centre of gravity of my life.
“I have already given 24 years with guitar, possessing it like a kamandal (ewer) of a monk, sprinkling something out of it every day, unconsciously and in an undisciplined way.”
Also committed to training new guitarists, Kapil Srivastava continues to thrive with his calling.
Rashid Ali
Born in Hyderabad, Rashid Ali is the son of a businessman and a ghazal singer.
Rashid is one of the self-taught Indian guitarists. Bollywood composer AR Rahman spotted him at a concert.
After impressing the maestro, Rashid became a frequent part of Rahman’s compositions.
He performed the chartbuster ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi‘ from Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa (2008).
Rashid sang the song, as well as played the guitar. Talking about his collaborations with Rahman, Rashid explains:
“He has always welcomed my musical ideas and individuality such as on some of the guitar vamps on ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’.”
Joseph Vijay
Chennai-born Joseph Vijay began his forays into music at the age of five when he grew fond of the guitar.
In 1991, he entered the field professionally by joining the band Acanthus.
Playing major gigs on a global scale, Joseph also worked with AR Rahman on the latter’s compositions.
From 2007 to 2011, he started working with Raghu Dixit Project, which is a multilingual folk band.
The rock singer Vinesh Nair praises Joseph Vijay, declaring:
“You will hear some exceptional players. Many of them are members of leading bands, but the guy to watch out for is [Joseph].”
These thoughts aptly convey the adulation Joseph Vijay has managed to cultivate.
Keba Jeremiah
Raised in Dubai, Keba Jeremiah is one of the leading Indian guitarists.
After taking instrumental lessons as a child, Keba grew accustomed to the acoustic guitar.
Growing up, he played for a vibrant array of audience and performed at various functions.
Keba has put his unique stamp by playing the guitar in over 500 albums.
He has also contributed to several Bollywood films including Rockstar (2011), Chennai Express (2013), and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewaani (2013).
Performing in countless concerts all over the world, Keba Jeremiah has undoubtedly proven his mettle as a guitarist.
Ehsaan Noorani
Ehsaan Noorani is not only a talented guitarist, but he is also one-third of the popular Bollywood composer trio, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Before becoming a composer, Ehsaan was the guitarist for many musicians who were senior to him.
He is notably associated with the Squier Stratocaster guitar.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ehsaan imparted his knowledge to Indian artists through live Instagram streams and provided them with a platform to showcase their talent.
Delving into his inspirations behind getting into the guitar, Ehsaan says:
“A friend of mine from school introduced me to the guitar.
“I have loads of inspirations like Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, and Santana.”
As part of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Ehsaan has won Filmfare Awards for ‘Best Music Director’ for Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), and 2 States (2014).
Benny Prasad
Born Kandukuri Benny Prasad, this musician is one of the most original Indian guitarists.
A gospel musician, Benny has been all over the world, playing at a diverse array of venues.
These include the 2007 military world games, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and the 2004 Olympic Games.
Benny also holds the distinction of being the fastest man to visit 245 countries.
Revealing his advice to wannabe musicians, Benny says:
“My advice to youngsters is that before you take it up as your career, make sure you enjoy your music.
“In the beginning, you might find yourself facing rough days when there is a cash crunch.
“Work hard and your dedication to the craft will help you sail through.”
Gorakh Sharma
Gorakh Ramprasad Sharma is the younger brother of Pyarelal Sharma.
The latter is from the iconic composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Gorakh learned music from his father, which included reading notations and playing string instruments.
However, he learned the guitar from Anibal Castro.
He assisted several legendary composers including Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Ravi, and RD Burman.
Coming from a family of maestros, it is unsurprising that Gorakh Sharma became one of the most renowned guitarists of his time.
He died on January 26, 2018, leaving behind an incredible legacy.
Salil Bhatt
The son of the Grammy Award winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Salil Bhatt is in a league of his own.
Originating from Jaipur, Salil has a deep love for the guitar.
His charming discography includes ‘Strings of Freedom’, ‘Revitalise’, and ‘Relax’.
Asserting that his main source of happiness is music, Salil opines:
“There is a lot to learn in classical music and one should not be in a hurry to come on stage.
“When I perform for two hours, the audience enjoy and applaud me, that is happiness to me.
“I would prefer music over millions of bucks.”
These feelings are evident in the gorgeous musical outputs of Salil Bhatt.
Indian guitarists convey their voices through their music.
Their talent, compositions, and originality make them beacons of hope and light.
The gems they come up with are extraordinary and they glisten with longevity and wonderful potential.
So, if you’re a connoisseur of the guitar, these musicians can certainly help you perfect your craft.
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