Anubhav Musicals, established in 2023 in Suva, emerged with an inspiring mission focused on cultivating a nurturing environment for young musicians to learn, grow, and perform with dedication. Today, this ensemble of 11 members is celebrated for presenting soulful live Indian music that deeply resonates with audiences.
Director Ranil Kumar emphasizes the uniqueness of their group, stating, “The majority of our musicians are still school students.” What started as a modest gathering of four musicians has evolved into a vibrant collective, with many members connected through community programs and musical events. Family bonds have also played a significant role in shaping the journey of Anubhav Musicals. Kumar notes that his fiancée, Syndiya, and younger brother, Rishal, are integral members of the ensemble, with Kumar himself overseeing musical direction and logistics.
Even though Kumar did not grow up in a musical family, he has successfully honed his skills through self-teaching, utilizing platforms like YouTube to master the harmonium driven by his passion. Each member of the band brings varying levels of experience, but collectively, they focus on creating music that is soulful and emotionally engaging, drawing from bhajans, devotional pieces, and beloved songs while emphasizing authenticity over effects.
The band’s name, “Anubhav,” which means ‘experience,’ reflects Kumar’s personal roots—an homage to his grandmother. The group strives to provide their audience with joyful experiences through their performances. Their core instrumentation consists of the harmonium, tabla, keyboard, octapad, guitar, and manjira, but Anubhav Musicals is poised for growth. Plans are underway to invest in advanced sound equipment and explore fusion music by blending traditional Indian sounds with modern arrangements, while still honoring the essence of devotional music.
Kumar cites notable influences in his music career, including revered figures like M. M. Keeravani and local artists such as Sumeet Tappoo and Navneel Prasad of Bandish Band. He believes that while streaming music expands reach, live performances foster a profound emotional connection that is irreplaceable.
Currently, the band does not produce original music but is actively learning songwriting, with hopes of future creations. Looking ahead, their ambition is to elevate their performances and enhance sound quality, striving to position Anubhav Musicals as a respected group that nurtures emerging talent and epitomizes quality Indian live music from Fiji.
Kumar’s advice for aspiring musicians is both simple and impactful: “Be patient, stay disciplined, and don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t need a musical background—passion, consistency, and a willingness to learn can take you far.”
With a vibrant spirit, heartfelt commitment, and an abiding dedication to soulful music, Anubhav Musicals exemplifies that experience—Anubhav—is not just a name, but the harmonious embodiment of young talent blossoming in the world of music.
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