Music has always been my go-to for de-stressing and lifting my mood. But playing music is different - the joy multiplies because it’s not just about me anymore. It’s about sharing melodies and seeing others feel that same happiness.
My love affair with the piano began in 8th grade in my hometown of Akola, Maharashtra. I was fascinated by this "big-looking keyboard," but I barely knew how to play it. Eventually, I got my hands on a Casio SA-21, a fundamental keyboard for kids. That's where my journey started - experimenting, learning, and figuring things out on my own, especially since my first teacher’s knowledge of chords and arpeggios was limited.
The real breakthrough came during my engineering years. On an industrial visit to Cummins in Pune, while most of my classmates were focused on the site, I had a different mission: buying my dream keyboard. I had done my homework and mapped the route from Cummins to Ganesh Peth. When we finally had an hour of free time, I executed my plan with military precision. I left that shop with an 81-key Yamaha PSR-295, feeling like I’d just carried a treasure chest. That moment changed everything
From there, things took off. I began mastering chords, joined the college band, and performed at cultural fests and events - one memorable show being at KPIT Technologies in 2015. Over time, life’s responsibilities reduced my practice hours, but the passion never faded. Playing old classics is my comfort these days — though my son’s requests for the latest songs often leave me completely bowled over!
Performances come with their share of effort. The applause is sweet, but packing, carrying, and setting up the keyboard reminds me that passion isn’t only about glamorous moments. It's about commitment.
Still, my keyboard remains bedrock, no matter the years or responsibilities. Every time I sit down to play, it brings a fresh burst of energy and positivity. This passion will always stay alive for me - one key at a time.
