Neeraj Chuphal: The Voice of the Hills Taking Uttarakhandi Folk to a Global Stage

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
It all began quite innocently — playing instruments during KV school prayers and enjoying the rhythm. As time passed, my friends kept telling me that I should sing seriously. But the real turning point came when I saw the legendary late Pappu Karki Ji perform live at a festival. The way the crowd reacted to him, their energy — it moved something in me. That day, I knew this was something I wanted to do.

2. Your recent song has gained immense popularity on Instagram. What was the inspiration behind this particular track?
Yes, “Almoda Angrez Aayo Taxi Me” really took off! It was the first Uttarakhandi song to cross 1 crore views without any formal promotion, and over 2 lakh reels were made on it. The inspiration came from the Jhoda songs that are sung in our village. I’ve always wanted to take our traditional sounds to a global audience — and I think this was the beginning of that.

3. How do you feel about the overwhelming response your song has received from listeners and social media users?
It feels really good, of course. When you get such warm feedback, it motivates you to keep doing better. I think anyone who puts effort into their art knows how fulfilling that kind of love can be.

4. Can you share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the making of this viral song?
Absolutely. I actually researched for nearly two years, attending festivals like Nandashtami to study the songs and traditions. The original idea struck me during one such event — I recorded it on my phone right there. Later, I sat down with my uncle and guru Prahlad Singh Mehra Ji to refine it. He suggested subtle changes that made a big difference. Then, we collaborated with Govind Tiwari Ji to finalize it, and eventually Khushi Joshi Ji lent her voice to it. That whole process is unforgettable.

5. What do you think sets your music apart and resonates with your audience?
I believe it’s the range. I’ve sung everything — Bhajans, Jhoda, Chachri, romantic songs, and more. I try to explore all genres and styles within Uttarakhandi music. I think people appreciate that diversity and the fact that I stay rooted in our culture while still trying new things.

6. In what ways has social media, especially platforms like Instagram, impacted your music career?
Social media has changed everything. Earlier, we had cassettes and very limited reach. People mostly listened to artists from their own regions — Garhwal listeners stuck to Garhwali songs, and same with Kumaon. But now, those walls have fallen. Internet and platforms like Instagram have made it possible for regional artists to go national, even global. Songs like Gulabi Sharara hitting national charts would’ve been impossible a few years ago. So yes, social media has opened endless doors for artists like me.

7. Could you tell us about your creative process when writing and composing songs?
Well, I wouldn’t call myself a writer exactly, but I do get involved deeply. Whenever a lyricist or composer brings me a song, I go through it carefully and make sure it aligns with the message we want to convey. Sometimes, I help in composing as well. My academic background — I have a Master’s in Shastriya Sangeet — helps a lot in fine-tuning the music. It’s a mix of instinct, research, and collaboration.

8. Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
There are many. Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh for their soulful expression. Of course, Swargiya Pappu Karki Ji was a huge influence — he was the one who truly pulled me into this world. Then there's Prahlad Singh Mehra Ji, my Guru and uncle. He taught me everything — not just about music, but about humility, discipline, and connecting with the audience.

9. Apart from this viral hit, do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to?
Yes, many exciting projects are in the pipeline! We’re working on new songs that highlight the beauty of Uttarakhand, including areas like Kumaon, Garhwal, and Jaunsar. I’m also trying to experiment more with genres and styles. So fans can definitely expect a diverse set of releases soon.