Arjun Kanungo is ready for a REBOOT

The singer-songwriter and composer talks to Cosmo India about blending global musical synergies, cementing his identity, and creating a niche sound.

- Shubhangi Jindal

Arjun Kanungo, who made waves with his hit musical numbers Khoon . Choos Le (2013), Baaki Baatein Peene Baad (2015), among others, breezes into our Zoom call with excitement in his voice and an open heart. Being exposed to diverse music genres pretty early as a child, the Mumbai-based artist laughingly admits that he picked up a guitar for the first time to impress a girl, and has stuck to the instrument ever since. Growing up with a single mother "had its own set of challenges. But she never made me feel like I lacked anything in my life.

However, I was always in a room full of people richer than me." This was also an interesting time for Arjunhe had to decide what he wanted to do with his life. After almost a decade of serving as one of Bollywood's leading singers-songwriters and composers, Arjun is now on his way to finding his distinct sound.

The 34-year-old musician has had six months to reflect on the kind of artist he wants to be. "I was recovering from a personal injury, and a lot of stress and change along with it. It took me a while to recalibrate, but it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I realised that I don't have all the time in the world," he shares. He now knows better. Although cracking the code to his musical rebirth was no easy feat, Arjun has emerged hyperfocused on writing soulful lyrics and creating great melodies that excite him. "I am going to stick to one thing instead of experimenting with various genres and trying to do everything. I think the hip-hop community doesn't want me. I will bounce from there and enjoy myself, and at the same time, do my own thing. Like I said, everybody has limited time." While he's been firmly boxed under the category of the quintessential Indian pop guy for the longest time, Arjun is ready to shake things up. A lot.