INDIA: Veer Saluja is a professional beatboxer from Mumbai, India. In an exclusive interview with Transcontinental Times, Veer gave us an insight into his creative beatboxing journey, his future plans, and many other things. Since he stopped his foot in the beatboxing industry, Veer has been busy pushing the boundaries of beatboxing to change the beatboxing scene in India.
Beatboxing and Veer’s achievements
Along with being a professional beatboxer, Veer is also an anchor, event specialist, and digital marketer. Veer believes that music has a voice and it speaks to people in many different ways. His early exposure to music led him to a career in beatboxing.
“To be honest, my first connection with music was through dance. Due to that, I started to sing and play the guitar from the beginning. My exposure to beatboxing came years after. I have been beatboxing for five years now since it is a rare talent that is a combination of every art that I have learned in the past. This amalgamation has helped me to achieve this unique way of presenting music to the audience.”
Veer’s competitive journey began when he participated in various talent shows and beatboxing championships. He won four titles of the Mr. and Miss contests.
“In total, I have won over 30 championships. In the multi-cultural criteria, I have also won two national championships in Beatboxing Solo Vice Champ Colossal 4.0 India, Top 16 Tag Teams, and one International Top 30 TCBB Beatbox World Online. After getting these titles, I have been called to judge many hip-hop and fashion shows,” he added.
The beatboxing scene in India
Beat boxing finds its contemporary roots in the hip hop subculture in 1980s in America. Though it took over three decades to reach India, the art has been gaining ground here over the past few years.
When asked about how beatboxing can lead Indian performers and help the country, Veer said, “I think beatboxing as a separate art form that is synonymous to any other artform. Whenever I meet someone who shares a talent like singing, dancing, percussionist, instrumentalist, rapper, or even magicians, they have their own perspective on beatboxing. They always have the interest to combine beatboxing with their talent. I believe that beatboxing could actually go well with any type of collaborations around the music community of India.”
The success recipe: hard work and sacrifice
Success is a combination of many factors. For Veer, it was an amalgamation of talent, practice, early exposure, and the right opportunities. He asserted that he has always seen himself as a performer and a presenter.
“The art of beatboxing cannot be mastered in one day. Nothing special can be achieved in one day but it gets really difficult with beatboxing. It takes years of practice to get the right sound. A person who is passionate in life doesn’t leave things easily.”
It often takes years of education and practice to hone one’s craft. While there are definite external challenges that will test your grit and perseverance, many of these challenges are internal too.
Talking about the challenges faced as a young artist representing India at a global level, Veer said, “I think every person in this universe has to face challenges in their journey. I actually enjoy being in situations where I can push myself to achieve my goal. Years back, I had no idea about beatboxing. But now, it’s my everything. I’m learning every day and putting in every possible effort. Every time I get a chance to perform, I strive to give my best amid all challenges and obstacles.”
Sacrifice is the crux of hard work. Any ambitious goal requires significant personal sacrifice.
“Hard work is important. Throughout our journey, we need to sacrifice something to gain something better. That’s how the universe works. I think the most important thing that a person can do is to work on himself. We can’t change the world but we can work on ourselves,” Veer said.
Drawing inspiration from international artistes
Veer has achieved several milestones and has inspired many youngsters over the years. When it comes to his own inspirations, Veer follows the international beatboxing community that involves the famous Swissbeatbox and Beatbox Battle Tv. These organizations organize different beatboxing battles around the globe.
“I have got inspired by many legends like Reeps One, Skiller, Hobbit, Roxor Loops, Alem, and new school artists like Dlow, Napom, Vocodah, Zero, Colaps, and Bart. I believe that all Indian beatboxers are inspired by them.”
For Veer, fashion and performing go hand in hand. “I love styling myself as I feel like presenting yourself in the best way is very important,” he added.
In the future, Veer aspires to perform at a global level as an anchor and beatboxer. Along with this, he wants to expand his horizon and collaborate with several international brands.
Message to young people
In the world of today, media has become almost as necessary as food and clothing. Nowadays, media is playing an outstanding role in strengthening society. Veer believes that social media has a vital role to play in nurturing future artists.
While giving a message to the youngsters, the beatboxer said, “Keep Learning, Be active on social media. Youngsters need to get along with the community seniors and grow their skills.”
Lastly, Veer emphasized the importance of time management and education.
“Education is very important and is an essential step for one’s success. Following your passion with your academic priority can be a challenging task. But, by using time management techniques, one can fully follow their passion.”
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