Nisschal Zaveri: A modern maestro of ghazals

Nisschal Zaveri, a well-known ghazal singer, composer, and producer, is blending classical music with modern style. With over 30 live performances across India, Zaveri’s journey shows his dedication to music.

“I started music at an early age,” he says.

“At six, I had my first lessons under my then guru Vachaspati Mishra ji, starting with basic tabla and vocals training.”

His foundation in Hindustani classical music has influenced his ghazal compositions.

Born and raised in Delhi, Zaveri has a special bond with the city.

“Delhi holds a special place in my heart because I was born and brought up here,” he shares.

“I spent my middle school and high school years in Delhi. I fondly remember exploring Delhi’s culinary delights, from street food in Chandni Chowk to Khan Market to Bukhara at ITC Maurya, and enjoying wonderful walks in Lodhi Garden and Sunder Nursery.”

Zaveri pursued a degree in music production and sound engineering from the Los Angeles College of Music, graduating with the President’s Roll of Honour. This experience expanded his technical skills.

“I have always been fascinated by technology and innovations in music,” he said.

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During his time in Los Angeles, Zaveri explored his versatility as DJ Enzy, mixing EDM (electronic dance music) with classic tunes and pop music.

“DJ Enzy came about when my school was hosting the annual welcoming party, and I was selected to DJ the event,” he recalls.

For Zaveri, ghazals are an emotional and poetic experience.

“Ghazal is a form of music that connects with everyone. It deals with the simplest yet most powerful emotions like love, loss, heartbreak, and divinity,” he says.

His goal is to make traditional ghazal music appealing to today’s youth.

Zaveri blends traditional instruments with modern sounds.

“I think the best way to blend musical elements is your own judgment,” he said. His compositions integrate instruments like sarangi and tabla with electronic sounds.

Zaveri draws inspiration from poets such as Jigar Moradabadi, Ahmad Faraz, and Faiz.

This influence is evident in his compositions. His passion for creating music led to the establishment of ENZY Studios.

“ENZY has become one of the biggest studios in India,” he said.

“We have hosted over 1,000 musicians and over 250 films have been recorded there.”

Zaveri’s entry into Bollywood with the 2017 film Jia aur Jia was a significant milestone.

“It was a great day, and the feeling of being signed for your first film as a music composer is always special,” he shares.

Another project was Betiyaan featuring singers Shreya Ghoshal, Neeti Mohan, and Shalmali Kholgade.

“The song was well received by listeners and is still one of my most viewed songs on numerous digital platforms,” he said.

Zaveri’s performances in Delhi are particularly special to him.

“I just performed back to back at Depot48 and Museo Camera in Gurugram,” he says.

“Even though the T20 World Cup final was on the same day as the Museo Camera performance, the audience didn’t want me to stop.”

Looking ahead, he is planning a tour of Gujarat and working on his first ghazal album.

To aspiring musicians, Zaveri advises, “Follow your passion and stay dedicated to your craft. Keep learning and never stop exploring new ideas and techniques. Believe in yourself and stay true to your unique sound and style.”

Zaveri’s work is influenced by ghazal singers like Mehdi Hassan, Begum Akhtar, and Jagjit Singh.

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“Their mastery over the art form and their ability to convey deep emotions through their music have greatly influenced my work,” he says.

To stay creatively inspired, he constantly explores new music, reads poetry, and engages with different forms of art.

Classical music remains the foundation of Zaveri’s artistic journey.

“I continue to train and develop my skills by practising regularly, attending workshops, and learning from other accomplished musicians,” Zaveri said.