Sahil Sonar Interview
Q. To begin, can you tell us how your musical journey started? Was there a defining moment when you knew you wanted to pursue music seriously?
My journey started back in school. The congas were the first instrument I ever played that’s where rhythm entered my life. Slowly, I began singing in the school choir. Back then, I was always the side guy, standing away from the mic. I never imagined I’d one day become the lead singer of my own band.
Everything changed when a friend bought a new guitar. I was completely fascinated by it. I learned mostly from YouTube, attended a few guitar classes, and eventually we formed a band where I became the lead guitarist. People started loving what we created, and I fell in love with the entire process. That’s when I realised this isn’t just a hobby, this is what I want to do for life.
Q. Your Sahil Ki Mehfil sessions feel very intimate and organic. What philosophy guides how you curate and present these musical gatherings?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has been a huge inspiration for me. The way Nusrat Saab delivered music with intensity, devotion, and complete surrender deeply moves me.
Sahil Ki Mehfil is very close to my heart. I believe when you’re raw, unfiltered, and honest with your art, the audience connects automatically. I don’t try to manufacture emotion I let it flow. People respond to authenticity. That energy exchange between artist and audience is what makes the mehfil special.
Q. How do you blend your artistic vision with audience energy during Sahil Ki Mehfil? Do you plan every detail or let the moment dictate the flow?
In my 15 years of performing professionally, I’ve realised that life rarely goes as planned and music is no different. I don’t strictly decide the setlist or control every moment. I read the room. I feel the audience. I let the vibe guide the flow.
For me, music is a conversation. If you’re too rigid, you miss the magic. The best moments often happen spontaneously.
Q. What are some creative challenges you’ve confronted while performing live, and how have they helped you evolve as an artist?
Challenges are part of the journey almost daily. No one hands you a massive stage on day one. You earn it.
I remember times when we didn’t even get proper technical support despite asking for it. But those moments teach you resilience. People start taking you seriously when they see consistency and growth. The key is not to stop. Keep showing up. Keep improving. That’s how you evolve.
Q. Your work bridges traditional melody with contemporary audiences. How do you think mehfils like yours contribute to keeping cultural traditions alive?
I feel happy when people come together and truly listen. The era is shifting again , audiences are craving meaningful lyrics and soulful compositions.
We don’t always get strong new tracks with depth, so people are reconnecting with traditional forms like Sufi and qawwali. Mehfils create a space where these traditions are not just preserved, but experienced emotionally. When the younger generation feels that music deeply, the tradition stays alive.
Q. In your view, what makes a live performance truly memorable for both the artist and the listener?
Every live performance is special. You can’t formula-create a “memorable” show.
If you’re genuinely happy with what you’ve delivered if you’ve been true to your art the audience feels it. Authenticity is the only secret. When the artist is fully present, the listener becomes fully immersed.
Q. Walk us through your process for writing or selecting music. Where do you usually find inspiration?
When you spend enough time with your art, clarity starts coming naturally. You begin to understand your next step instinctively.
Music has no barriers. It can happen anytime, anywhere. Inspiration is everywhere in conversations, silence, chaos, devotion. You just have to stay open and observe.
Q. What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your audience that shifted how you create or perform?
I’ve been fortunate. From my very first performance, people have supported and encouraged me.
What I’ve learned is that audiences value honesty more than perfection. They don’t expect you to be flawless they expect you to be real. That understanding has shaped the way I perform today.
Q. For emerging artists who want to create their own ‘mehfil’-style experiences, what advice would you give?
Jam. Jam as much as you can.
Work with full-time, committed musicians so your band sounds tight. Go attend Sufi or live gigs around you. Observe what others are doing then interpret it in your own style.
Bio:
Sahil Ki Mehfil is an energetic & versatile act, uplifting experiences in events pan India. With an experience of 1500+ shows & over a decade of being on the stage, Sahil Sonar has come up with a concept which blends stories, emotions & music in a way that entertains audiences of all kinds. Community is built through consistency and sincerity. If your intention is pure and your sound is solid, people will find you. And when they do, give them something unforgettable.
Interviewed by: Rupal Kargeti
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