Since having launched your label, Garuudaa Music, how do you believe you have evolved as an artiste?
While my musical journey has been predominantly defined by the work that I have done for films, there’s always been a part of me that has wanted to explore music that comes from a place of creative freedom. I took some detours [to make it] into the independent space by releasing some singles, but I still felt that there was a whole new creative space waiting to be discovered. What began as unfettered exploration turned into a dream that came true. I have hit upon a creative process that feels instinctive, and true to who I am. It’s a space where I feel a strong connection with everything I create. Ten months and 12 songs later, I see how wonderfully the two facets of my musical journey have been co-existing.

Your latest release, Teri roshni pakad lun, is unlike anything we’ve heard from you before. Can you talk about making and exploring this new soundscape?
Each song I have worked on has felt special in its own way, and every song connects with people on a different level, both emotionally and sonically. I can release a ballad on the back of a dance number, and then put out a pop-rock song, and then a ghazal. It’s about letting your creative energies take you where they will. Teri roshni pakad lun is an expression of the goodness and light that I want my music to bring to people’s lives. All I want is to make someone’s day a little better and to give them a reason to smile.

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Do you believe your sonic quality is different when you’re creating music as part of Vishal-Sheykhar, and when doing so as an independent artiste?
With my label, the musical intent is simple—keep it simple but fresh. Every time I sit down to create a new song, I feel like I am unlearning. When you can set aside 25 years of experience and suppress the urge to do what ‘works’, and instead challenge yourself to begin again, then the magic happens. I am consciously creating a musical space that is genre-agnostic and driven by my instincts. The only brief is to follow your heart.

What are your future plans with Garuudaa Music?
I can promise some stellar songs and collaborations in the future, but my dream is that in 2026, the world will be able to witness the first-ever [performance], Sheykhar Live in Concert, with my label.