Darshan Raval Celebrates Valentine's Day with Special Vadodara Concert and Reflects on Personal and Professional Milestones
Singer Darshan Raval, who performed in Vadodara on Valentine's Day, described the concert as "extra special" due to a heartfelt personal reason. Darshan, who married Dharal Surelia in January last year, expressed his joy at having his wife attend the live show for the first time since their wedding. "Now on Valentine's Day, I have to take my wife along, right! It was the first time after our wedding that she could attend a live concert of mine. I couldn't have celebrated the day in a better way," he shared, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
A Nostalgic Connection to Vadodara
Known for hits like "Taarifein," "Chogada," and "Kamariya," Darshan revealed a deep bond with Vadodara, where his performance journey began. "I thoroughly enjoyed performing in Vadodara after a long time because I share a special connection with the city. Even before I participated in India's Raw Star, I used to come here with my band for a college-level competition hosted by MSU. It was the first competition I participated in with my band, so my journey as a performer started here," he explained. He fondly recalls those early days every time he performs in the city and takes pride in his love-themed songs, citing "Tere Hawaale" by Pritam Chakraborty as a favorite and "Taarifein" as particularly close to his heart.
The Rise of Indie Music in India
Darshan expressed happiness over the growth of independent music in India, noting a significant shift in the industry. "Earlier, when I said I wanted to do my own music, people would laugh and ask, 'That is fine, but what have you sung in Bollywood?' Today, non-film songs are ruling the charts, and Bollywood songs often struggle to make it to the top 10, which are made by the public. Nobody asks those questions now, and there has been a complete shift," he stated. He highlighted that indie music has become mainstream, with artists enjoying immense popularity and high concert demand without relying on Bollywood. "People no longer ask me about Bollywood songs; they just ask, 'When is your new song coming?' It's a big change, and new artists are doing amazing work," he added.
Upgrading Concerts and Future Plans
With the increasing number of concerts in the country, Darshan emphasized the need for artists to continuously improve their performances. "As artists, we have to constantly try and upgrade our concerts. I always try to ensure that even after listeners leave, the performance stays with them. This year will be very special for my fans because, whether it's concerts or new songs, there are exciting announcements in store," he revealed. Despite hectic schedules and constant travel, he finds that any discomfort vanishes on stage, maintaining the same excitement as his first live show.
Perspectives on AI and Marriage Life
When asked about the impact of artificial intelligence on music, Darshan offered a cautious view. "At this point, AI seems to be a useful tool for musicians, and it has made lives easier. But these are early days, and we have to wait and watch for the long-term impact," he said. On a personal note, celebrating his first wedding anniversary last month, he shared insights into his married life. "I had no idea that life would be so beautiful after marriage. Dharal and I have been best friends for 13 years, and we still share the same equation. I keep telling her it feels like just a month since our wedding. I'm grateful to have a supportive partner who has been with me through ups and downs. We celebrate little things and love listening to music together; it's very comforting and brings me peace," he expressed warmly.
