Roshan Gamare: We create opportunities for ourselves in this field

Gautam Gambhir and Roshan Gamare

As though paying homage to the city of dreams, beatboxing duo Gautam Gambhir and Roshan Gamare are set to present for home-bound citizens a nostalgic offering that recreates sounds synonymous with Mumbai's hustle and bustle. "Right from the sounds heard in our city streets, near the vada pav joints, to the phrases heard in local trains, or announcements at stations, this track aims to recreate all of that. You could call it an audio that replicates the essence of Mumbai," says Gambhir, whose previous works include songs in Gully Boy.

Driving across the city streets, the duo paid heed to the sounds that define it, and recreated them using beatboxing techniques. It takes a fair share of toil to ace them, but Gamare asserts that the art isn't one to favour those unwilling to invest time. "Only when you head to the gym every day can you build a body. Similarly, this art is something that you need to practice repeatedly. It must only be taken to if you enjoy it."

Gambhi and Gamare share many similarities - they kicked off their journeys as dancers before chance encounters with beatboxers sparked their interest in the field. It took them a while to find their foothold, and a good eight months before they could feel assured of their skills. "When you realise the tricks that work, you need to subsequently practice them, and train your mouth. Also, we could dedicatedly do that, because we enjoy the form. We play with it, and have fun. Unlike rap music, which is now a celebrated form, beatboxing is yet an underground art. Yet, we pursued it because we were drawn to it."

Roshan adds that their success also lies in the difference with which they approach a craft that seems all too similar. "[Gambhir] has a basic sound that is very clear. He also adds a lot of variations to it. In my case, I am the one who brings in the melody. Together, we have different things to offer. Often, he sets the beats after I arrive at a melody. On other occasions, it is after hearing his beats that I can think of the tune."

There's little to debate when establishing that interest around the art of beatboxing has never paled. The encouraging reactions of those he'd showcase his skills to was among the factors that egged Gamare on to pursue it in the first place. But both agree that as far as learning the art is concerned, they are shooting in the dark. "YouTube is our best source of information, and it's what helps us learn of the level at which beatboxing is being practiced across the globe. We knew we would have to find our own opportunities, which in turn would fetch us more opportunities. We work across different platforms, practice daily to get better, do stage shows, and don't wait for chances. That's also how the hip-hop community grew - by making their own identity instead of waiting for opportunities. We see this art flourishing within the next three years."