With Empty Pockets And A Heart Full Of Dreams, I Arrived In Mumbai, Resolute In My Commitment To Succeed, Says Music Composer Harsh Upadhyay
Harsh Upadhyay makes his debut as a solo music composer with Remo D’Souza’s Be Happy, starring Abhishek Bachchan, now streaming on Amazon Prime. His journey is nothing short of inspiring — from dropping out of engineering to facing homelessness in Mumbai, Harsh spent over a decade working his way up the music industry. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, he opened up about this incredible transformation. Having previously worked on projects like Street Dancer 3D and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Harsh now leads the Be Happy soundtrack, collaborating with big names like Shankar Mahadevan and Sunidhi Chauhan. Excerpts:
Q. What inspired you to pursue music over engineering, and how did your journey begin?
A. During my studies at MSU Vadodara, I crafted dance remixes for my dancer friends. A transformative opportunity arose when I was invited to work as a music producer for Dance India Dance—a dream that would transport me to Mumbai’s vibrant entertainment industry. This singular chance was my lifeline, an opportunity I was determined not to miss. Without hesitation, I boarded a train to Bombay, knowing my family was unaware of my decision. My inner courage whispered that this was my defining moment. With empty pockets and a heart full of dreams, I arrived in Mumbai, resolute in my commitment to succeed. Understanding the profound significance of that opportunity became my definitive turning point.
Q. Can you share your experience of moving to Mumbai and the challenges you faced during your early days?
A. I arrived in Mumbai with nowhere to stay. Initially, my friends offered temporary shelter, but soon I found myself on the streets, carrying only a small bag of belongings. Driven by an unbreakable spirit, I was determined to achieve my dreams, regardless of the obstacles. The thought of revealing my struggles to my friends or family was unbearable—a truth I’ve kept hidden to this day. For a considerable period, the roadside became my home. Though challenging, I discovered unexpected beauty in those circumstances. Local vendors—chaiwala uncles, a neighbourhood tailor and a watchman—became my unexpected support system and closest companions. We still maintain our connection. The burning passion for my goals became my primary sustenance. After extensive struggles, a pivotal moment arrived when Shailesh Sir offered me my first break as a music producer for dance reality shows and generously provided me a place to stay—my studio room. That studio, which I fondly call my first home, became my sanctuary for the next 14 years. I lived and breathed music, working tirelessly on reality shows and award programmes—virtually every major production. My remixes became legendary on dance floors. While I might have been relatively unknown in the broader music world, within the dance industry—where choreographers are like family—my reputation was firmly established.
Q. How did your collaboration with Remo D’Souza on Be Happy come about?
A. From my arrival in Mumbai, Remo Sir was a significant figure—a judge and choreographer in numerous shared projects. Our collaboration began when he choreographed award shows, and I would create tracks for his performances. The breakthrough came with ABCD, where I produced all the dance music for ABCD, ABCD 2, and Street Dancer. Although I didn’t secure a full song in those films, my determination never wavered. Looking back, it seemed Remo Sir was methodically preparing me, guiding my journey from music producer to music composer. Now, becoming the music director for Be Happy, directed by Remo Sir, feels like an absolute dream come true.
Q. How did you feel when you first got the opportunity to work on Uri: The Surgical Strike?
A. Working with Shashwat Sachdev was an incredible experience. He is an amazing composer and one of the finest producers I know. His ability to push beyond musical boundaries constantly inspires me to explore new creative horizons.
Q. What was your approach in composing the tracks for Be Happy, especially with such a diverse range of styles?
A. From the beginning, I envisioned my first album as a comprehensive musical journey—encompassing diverse genres and emotional landscapes. I invested everything into this project—from composition and lyrics to music production. My team and I created this album with profound love and dedication. The result is a 45-minute musical odyssey comprising 12 songs and a background score. Each track is distinctive, forming a vibrant emotional rainbow that represents my artistic identity.
Q. Can you talk about the process of working with renowned artists like Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mika Singh?
A. Like many composers, working with legendary singers was my ultimate dream. The opportunity to collaborate with icons like Mika Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, Vishal Dadlani and Kailash Kher was surreal. I was overwhelmed when they expressed love for the songs and agreed to perform them. I could scarcely believe it was happening. My fundamental belief that exceptional music can transcend boundaries was reaffirmed. These legendary artists have blessed my compositions with their incredible voices, and my gratitude knows no bounds.
Q. What challenges did you face composing for such a wide variety of songs in the Be Happy soundtrack?
A. The film itself is a tapestry of emotions, demanding an intricate musical approach. I placed immense pressure on myself to authentically capture and convey each emotional nuance. Every song became a deeply personal expression, reflecting the film’s complex emotional landscape. I poured my entire creative essence into these compositions, hoping and praying that the final result would match our collective vision.
Q. What’s next for you in your music career, and do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to share?
A. My upcoming projects include Maa with Devgn Films, directed by Vishal Furia and starring Kajol, which was recently announced, and the title track for the upcoming Netflix series The Royals, produced by Pritish Nandy. Each project represents an exciting new chapter in my musical journey. Also, I am working on Son of Sardaar 2.
news