99 Songs actor Ehan Bhat: Sir’s idea to make me learn music

Ehan Bhat learnt the piano at Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai

For Ehan Bhat, 99 Songs is the manifestation of his "endless prayers". Where a Bollywood break is hard to come by, the Kashmir boy counts himself fortunate to be achieving this personal milestone under the guidance of music maestro-producer AR Rahman. "I auditioned for this film. I was handed over the scene which required a similar emotion that I was going through at that point…. So it was easier for me to emote. (Pauses) I am the first person in my family to enter filmdom and I have had my share of ups and downs. I think that's what reflected in my performance and got me this role. I am thankful to Rahman Sir and Jio Studios for believing in me and giving me this opportunity," says the actor.

Meeting Rahman for the first time remains one of his most cherished moments. "We both are shy. So, all we did in that meeting was look at each other, smile, look at the walls around and smile again," he laughs, before adding, "Since he loves Kashmir, we spoke about its culture and amazing food."

As part of the prep for the Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy-directed project, Bhat trained formally in music at KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. "It was Rahman Sir's idea to send me to Chennai to his conservatory to learn music. He wanted me to be introduced to the musical world which would help me a lot in my character building. I learned piano for one year under the supervision of Surojeet Chatterjee, who not only taught me the piano but also treated me like a son. My musical sense got inclined to a whole new different level, as every day I would interact with musicians. I was so engrossed in this musical world that each day I was getting closer to the character in my film. More than challenging, it was a tremendous learning experience for me. It's a lifetime opportunity for me so I fell in love with all the processes that helped me understand my character. I was introduced to an unbelievable hardworking cast and crew of this film. Most of the AD's were musicians. The director Vishwesh is himself a part of the musical band. It was a lifelong wish to learn piano and I got to learn that through this film. I found myself enamoured in love with everything about this film."

In an industry that doesn't conceal its favouritism, quiz him how crucial is this break and he says, "It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I want to inspire more outsiders to come and achieve their dreams. I cannot imagine that I could come this far, especially after where I started from. I would like to thank Rahman sir for this opportunity that he has bestowed on me. I want to make him proud."