Bhubaneswar: Gaurav Anand has emerged as a distinctive voice known for his unconventional style of compositions and unique lyrical choices. From the critically acclaimed "Daman" to the recent comedy-horror sensation "Bou Buttu Bhuta" that released during the Raja Festival on June 12, 2025, Anand's musical journey reflects an ambitious vision that extends far beyond regional boundaries.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ou4qNPABx/?utm_source=ig_web_button_native_share
The Philosophy Behind the Music
For Gaurav Anand, music transcends mere entertainment—it's both his life and livelihood, but more importantly, it's his emotional outlet. "Music is one medium where I am able to emote my emotions," reflects the composer, who describes himself as an ambivert finding his voice through melodies. This deeply personal connection to his craft manifests in every composition, where he treats each musical piece as a character advancing the film's narrative rather than serving as mere filler content.
His approach to composition is methodical yet intuitive. Anand delves deep into situational contexts, drawing inspiration from the very essence of each scene. "I treat every composition as a character of the film taking the story forward," he explains, emphasizing his commitment to storytelling through sound. This philosophy has been evident in his recent works, including multiple tracks for "Bou Buttu Bhuta" including "Oda Lage" and the film's theme music.
Bridging Traditional and Contemporary
What sets Anand apart in the competitive landscape of regional cinema music is his ability to retain melodic authenticity while infusing contemporary production techniques. His compositions for films like "Premam" (2022), "Hi Krushna!" (2022), and "Daman" (2022) showcase this delicate balance between preserving Odia musical heritage and embracing modern soundscapes.
"I mostly try to retain the melody infusing it with lyrical and production wonders keeping the story intact," Anand shares, highlighting his commitment to maintaining narrative coherence while experimenting with sonic possibilities. This approach ensures his music appeals to both "classy and massy" audiences—a testament to his understanding of diverse listener preferences in contemporary markets.
The International Vision
Anand's aspirations extend well beyond regional recognition. He envisions a future where Odia music commands international respect, and believes the foundation for this transformation is already being laid. "Creative collaborations, top-notch productions with good composition and lyrics is all you need to dream for international recognition," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in musical output.
His conviction stems from observing increasing awareness among audiences about both visual and musical aspects of cinema. "People are definitely being aware about all of these aspects both in the visual medium and musically as well," he notes, suggesting that sophisticated audience tastes are driving creators toward higher production standards.
The Craft Behind the Magic
Central to Anand's philosophy is his commitment to the technical aspects of music production. He ensures quality through innovative techniques in music production, mixing, and mastering, dedicating substantial time to crafting each song. "We give ample amount of time behind making one song," he emphasizes, describing how each musical journey is carefully crafted considering contemporary market demands while maintaining artistic integrity.
This meticulous approach has resulted in collaborations with industry professionals like Abhishek Panigrahi for background scores, creating comprehensive auditory experiences that complement visual storytelling.
Looking Forward
As Odia cinema continues evolving, Gaurav Anand represents a new generation of composers unafraid to dream big while staying rooted in regional authenticity. His belief that "the day isn't far where Odia music can widely be accepted internationally" reflects not just personal ambition but a broader movement within regional cinema toward global recognition.
With each composition, Anand continues building bridges between traditional Odia musical sensibilities and contemporary production values, creating a unique sound that could indeed carry Odia music to international stages. As he puts it, "The process has already started," and with visionaries like him leading the charge, Odia music's global moment may be closer than ever imagined.
