TV stars display their melodious side

Shooting for a daily soap can get monotonous. During such times, it's not uncommon to see television actors catching up with the latest in music or watching films. A few of them also utilise the time to do riyaaz and play their favourite musical instruments.
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SIMPLE KAUL: I started learning music at the age of 10 at my mother's insistence. I used to learn music on the harmonica and tanpura.The sound of tanpura is the most beautiful I've ever heard. The riyaaz goes to a different level when you sing with it. I play the instruments for an hour every day . I am positive, focussed and peace-loving and these instruments reflect my personality.

ANKIT GERA: I started playing the guitar four years ago. When I was a beginner, I used to practice at least seven to eight hours a day. I was always attracted to its sound and style. I play my guitar between shots; it calms me. I have various applications on my phone related to the instrument, too.

SHIVIN NARANG: I have always been attracted to the guitar and wished to learn it. The opportunity came knocking at my door four months back, when the rockstar track was introduced on my show Ek Veer Ki Ardaas...Veera. That's when I started learning it online. I practice twice a week at home. I also take lessons from a music teacher whenever I get a day off. I love playing Jo Bhi Main Kehna Chahu (Rockstar). Playing the guitar is not only a stress-buster, but it is also romantic.
SANDEEP ANAND: My family had moved to Ujjain when I was 12. There is an ashram there, where the saints from Sindh reside. I was so fascinated by them that I aspired to become a saint, and lived there for almost three years. I wanted to learn the harmonium, but was not good at it. My guruji told me to start playing the tabla as he felt that I have artistic fingers. I soon started liking the rhythm and the feel. I would be on it for almost five hours in the beginning. Now, I don't get much time, but when ever I am not shooting, I call my friends over for a tabla jam session.
RITHVIK DHANJANI: I started learning the flute a couple of months ago. I am taking online training for it, just like I learnt the other instruments. I do my riyaaz whenever I get time, because I need to play it fluently. I am so crazy about it that I rehearse in between the shots as well. I developed a liking for it while shooting the music-special episode of a show. The story revolved around a flute player, and the way he played it made me fall in love with it. It sounds so romantic, soothing and soulful and I am a sucker for romance.

RAQESH VASHISHT: I play the sitar and the flute. I have always been curious about these instruments right from the time I was in school, where I used to head the band. I learnt the instruments on my own over the years. I love to play the National Anthem and old Bollywood songs like Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kaha Ho Tum (Patita) and the flute piece from Hero. I play two instruments because they are soothing to the ears. The flute and the sitar are the most melodious among musi cal instruments. Now, I play once or twice a week depending upon my shoot, especially when I seek solitude and introspection.
ANKITA BHARGAVA: Ever since I started learning Hindustani classical music, I play the harmonium during riyaaz. I learnt it online, and later from a guru. Also, when Pt Birju Maharaj (a family friend) comes home, he plays the harmonium and sings for us. I don't get enough time as I should due to work and travelling, but I plan to get regular with it. I think the harmonium has a lot of depth, and that's what someone said about me a while back. Besides, it's Hindustani, which is why I like it even more.
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DISHANK ARORA: I randomly started playing the bongo at a friend's place a year ago. I have not learnt it yet, but am inclined to. I play it whenever I get time because it has a good rhythm.
SIDDHARTH BHARADWAJ: My grandfather, a professional violinist, taught me to play the violin as a kid. But when I broke a few of his instruments, I was barred from touching it. Since then, I have always been interested in music and various instruments. I picked the guitar as it looks cool and goes well with my personality. I learnt it from my friends. I love to sing, but am not trained to attempt it professionally.I love to strum O O Jaanejana (Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya) all the time on it as it's my favourite track.
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