Interview : Ravi Tripathi : For playback, I match the emotional tone of the actor!

Ravi Tripathi is a versatile Indian singer and music director known for his soulful voice and deep connection with devotional and classical music. He rose to fame as a finalist in Indian Idol, which became a turning point in his career. Trained under the legendary #SureshWadkar at Ajivasan Gurukul, Ravi has a strong foundation in Indian classical music. He has performed over 6,500 live shows globally, with a significant presence in China. As a playback singer, he has lent his voice to films like Chandni Chowk to China and TV shows like Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. His devotional track “Mauli Mauli” from the film Sant Tukaram marked his debut as a music director. Ravi has sung in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bhojpuri. His work reflects sincerity, humility, and dedication to meaningful music.

How did the song “Mauli Mauli” in ‘Sant Tukaram’ happen?

I was working on an unreleased film ‘Bagawat’, where the same lyricist and director, Om, was involved. He liked a song we had done and approached me to compose “Mauli Mauli” for Sant Tukaram. Given my deep connection with Maharashtra’s devotional culture and my decade-long training at Suresh Wadkar ji’s Gurukul, I felt spiritually aligned with the subject. Creating something fresh amidst the many existing devotional tracks was a challenge. After praying to Vitthal, I composed the tune within minutes, and it was approved instantly. Working with talented artists like Pandit Madhav Pawar (Pakhavaj) and Prakash Rath ji added soul to the project. The song’s reception has been heartwarming.

Did you feel pressure working on a film about Sant Tukaram?

Not pressure, but responsibility. I follow the principle of “Karmanye vadhikaraste…” I come from a non-musical background in UP and was initially pursuing medicine. Meeting Suresh Wadkar ji changed my path, he became my mentor and offered me shelter for ten years. I see my journey from a small town to Mumbai as divine guidance. With that faith, I embraced Sant Tukaram wholeheartedly.

How did Indian Idol shape your career?

It was a turning point. Before that, I was a music student and teacher. I had avoided reality shows due to fear of failure, but eventually auditioned and made it to the top 12. That’s when recognition began. Post-Indian Idol, I got playback opportunities like “India Se Aaya Tera Dost” in Chandni Chowk to China and devotional tracks in shows like Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. Interestingly, I had already done 90+ live shows in China before the show and was nicknamed “Lavi” there.

You’ve worked on TV serials, films, and devotional songs. What do you enjoy most?

All formats are equally fulfilling. Music is music, our effort remains the same whether it’s for films, TV, or devotional tracks. Films do bring more pressure and excitement due to their scale and audience reach.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Suresh Wadkar ji. I learned everything from him, music, humility, and values. Lata Mangeshkar ji also inspired me deeply. Once, she even mimicked a Marathi actor in Hindi just to make me feel included.

Did you ever wish to become the voice of a particular actor?

Never aimed for that. I always wanted to retain my original voice. For playback, I match the emotional tone of the actor rather than mimic their voice.

Were you ever interested in acting?

I acted in a Bhojpuri film once, but it didn’t feel natural. I’ve always preferred expressing myself through music and have avoided vulgar or double-meaning content throughout my career.

Are you creating independent music?

Yes, I release original music through my own channel and even act in my music videos.

Where have you performed live?

I’ve done over 6,500 shows globally, with the maximum in China.

Do you think classical music is fading with the rise of rap?

Classical music is the foundation of great singing. Though its visibility may have reduced, stalwarts like Zakir Hussain ji and Suresh Wadkar ji keep it alive. Artists with classical training always sustain longer.

In which languages have you sung?

As a singer, I’ve recorded in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and even Chinese. Sant Tukaram marks my debut as a music director in films.

Did you face groupism in the industry?

Yes. Early on, I was humiliated during a recording by a senior, which left me in tears. But with support from friends like Swapnil Bandodkar, I stayed motivated.

Tell us about the Indo-American film you’ve sung for!

I’ve recorded a song for Sweatpants, directed by Ranu Sinha and composed by Monty Sharma ji, alongside Shaan. It’s releasing soon.

Will you focus more on singing or music direction?

I enjoy both, but composing brings me more creative satisfaction, so I’ll continue pursuing that more actively.

By Keerti Kadam