Raghu Dixit, over the years has become a house hold name in India and his persistent presence abroad has made him a staple part of the word music scene. Born on November 11, 1974, in Mysore,he grew up in a very conservative, traditional, South Indian family where listening to the Western music was banned. Even wearing jeans was not allowed, Western clothes were not allowed, watching English movies was not allowed, so Raghu learnt classical dance. It was only when he was 19 when he started listening to other music – Phil Collins, Wham and Michael Jackson, ‘Everlasting Love Songs’ CDs. He credits this upbringing for his genre of music- Folk and Fusion!
Raghu is a self-taught guitarist and singer.He was awarded thegold medal in Masters in Microbiology and is a proficient Indian classical dancer (Vidwat in Bharatanatyam). He was the founder-front man of his band Antaragni for more than eight years and currently of The Raghu Dixit Project. The Raghu Dixit Project has launched its debut album “Antaragni: The Fire Within” and is known for their Cheshire-cat smiles and their colorfully-attired ensemble that bounces up and down whilst playing their unique blend of traditional India music and Western folk rock.
Raghu has worked as a microbiologist in Belgium and as a technical writer for software IT firm in India. It was in Belgium that one of his colleagues sent his song to a local radio station and looking at the fantastic response they got, convinced him to get back and follow his passion.
It isn’t a surprise that his group’s costumes are traditionally unorthodox. They come to the stage dressed in bright dhotis and shirts.Before every song, Raghu explains the song to his audience, believing that to be an essential part of communicating his music. He has composed music for few movies. According to him, film music is a product of many people but when it comes to concerts, the onus is on the individual to make his/her kind of music. He had been a major contributor for the growth contemporary music today.
Raghu has played many shows all over the world including in the United States, the UK, Korea, Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and India.In 2010, he appeared on BBC TV’s Jools Holland show which led to one of his songs becoming an instant download hit, and from the year 2010 onwards, he has made several appearances at festivals in the UK and in Europe. In the early months of 2011, he gave a concert as part of London South Bank’s ‘Alchemy’ Festival. He has also visited the Andrew Marr Show to perform Waiting for a Miracle besides Raghu Dixit Session in radio 3 of BBC. He was a huge hit at the 2011, Glastonbury festival.
In April 2012, he has performed for Queen Elizabeth II of England and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, at a spectacular Diamond Jubilee Pageant marking 60 years since her accession to the throne in 1952.
Read Raghu Dixit Exclusive Interview with KYS.