Multi-instrumentalist Raghav Sachar masters his 44th instrument; reflects on his journey, and collaborating with Bhagyashree: ‘She sings very well’ | Art-and-culture News

Sachar, who is totally self-taught, believes every new instrument he takes up builds on the musical instinct he’s developed over the years. “I kind of know what I have to do. Somehow, I figure my way around it, and it starts flowing naturally. It’s definitely a god-gift; it’s rare to pick up an instrument and grasp the nuances so quickly,” he mentioned.

Raghav Sachar performs 44 devices till now (Photo: PR Handout)

Looking again: A life formed by music

Sachar recalled how at age 12, he obtained a metallic flute as a birthday reward –– a convention his father started, promising a brand new instrument yearly. “The flute took me the longest to learn. Just blowing into it and getting a note is complicated and comes with a high failure rate. But once I cracked it, I really enjoyed it. In fact, it’s now one of my major instruments,” he mentioned.

Raghav Sachar speaks about his journey (Photo: PR Handout)

He describes his devices as his “children”: “I take care of them, I’m very possessive about them. The communication I share with them is sacred, very personal. If I’m bored with one, 43 others are waiting patiently.”

Sachar’s multi-instrumental movies – the place he shifts between completely different devices mid-performance – have additionally gained recognition. “Every instrument gives a different vibe. I’ve even done the same song across several instruments. Those got massive traction.”

His present private favorite is the saxophone. “I express myself best with it. It was also my major instrument during my Bachelor’s in Music,” he mentioned.

On working with Bhagyashree

One of his latest collaborations – with actor Bhagyashree Dassani – went viral, the place she sang Dil Deewana whereas he performed a number of devices in his studio. “Bhagyashree ma’am is amazing –– gracious, polite, loving. It didn’t feel like our first meeting. She sings very well, and it was an honour to do such an iconic track with her. We’re already planning a sequel reel,” Sachar instructed indianexpress.com.

He sees such collaborations as a “second innings” powered by social media. “These reels help me reach people who might have seen me years ago but lost touch. I can now control the showcase. It’s helped me reach musically inclined audiences who may not have known I play 40-plus instruments. The love I’ve received is phenomenal. I’d love to collaborate with Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal… they’re on my bucket list,” he mentioned.

Who conjures up him?

For every instrument he learns, Sachar seems to be as much as the legends in that style. “For soprano sax, I love Kenny G. For alto sax, Charlie Parker. For flute, Jethro Tull. In jazz-rock, I follow Dave Weckl and Incognito. R D Burman is a huge inspiration in Bollywood, and Rafi sahab, of course, for vocals. I challenge myself with every new instrument, and that keeps me going,” he mentioned.
Music, he mentioned, calls for full dedication: “This is not a 9-to-5 job. It has to be your whole and soul. Consistency is key in this field, failures far outnumber success. You have to do it for the love of the art, not the money. Though, money does follow.”

Bhagyashree penned a word for Raghav Sachar (Photo: Bhagyashree/Instagram Stories)

What’s a typical day like?

Even with a packed schedule of concert events, recordings and conferences, Sachar tries to find time for his household and apply. “I’m not able to practise all the instruments anymore. There’s just no time. In my student days, I used to practise for 12-14 hours. Now, I stay sharp by playing them during performances and recordings,” he mentioned.

His day by day routine begins at 6–6.30 am with his youngsters. “I drop them off for school, then head to the studio by 10 am and work through the day. No breaks. I get home by 6.30–7 pm, spend more time with my kids, and then with my wife. On travel days, the routine gets disrupted,” Sachar mentioned.

For him, unwinding is by being with “family, planning something with my wife and chilling with my kids”. “Cycling or going on a drive, or just being with them. It gives me a lot of joy. We love travelling a lot so it is fun to be around the kids. It is a lot of positivity and energy that keeps me going in the studio,” Sachar mentioned.

Fitness, psychological well being, and music

If not a musician, Sachar mentioned he might need been a golfer, or perhaps a Formula 3 driver. “I got an offer in Class 11 to join F3 racing, but my parents didn’t allow it. I love sports — golf, swimming, squash,” he mentioned.

He’s equally obsessed with bodily health: “Some instruments are physically demanding. I started experiencing aches and neck issues around 35–40. Now, I ensure I hit the gym or swim every day except Sundays when I get a massage to relax my muscles.”

Mentally, music retains him grounded. “Playing these instruments is meditative –– the focus it requires helps me stay positive. I’ve also become more content in my 40s. I don’t chase what I can’t control anymore.”

Why each little one, and grownup, ought to study an instrument

Learning an instrument, in line with Sachar, is like having a lifelong companion and stress-buster. “In the West, it’s mandatory for students to pick up an instrument. That’s a phenomenal practice. Unfortunately, in India, this isn’t common. Even casually learning an instrument relaxes you and teaches you how hard consistency and performance really are.”

Sachar can also be of the opinion that instrumental music doesn’t get its due compared to vocals. “India is vocally driven — everyone can hum or sing, so it feels accessible. But the moment you need to learn notation or technique, people tune out. Very few understand how difficult it is to master an instrument. It’s an out-of-body experience, unlike vocals, which feel more ‘in control’,” he mentioned.

One for the books

At one level, Sachar performed 17 devices in beneath a minute —“a glimpse of which,” he mentioned, “will be showcased on social media in a few weeks.”