I have created a brand for local music: Uzgare

When rock singer Nikhil 'Nik' Uzgare left his hometown (Mumbai) more than a decade back for a quiet holiday in Dubai, little did he know he was undertaking a life-changing trip. No sooner had he landed here, he was offered a job, which he initially turned down. However, on insistence, and after much persuasion by his prospective boss, the singer-guitarist decided to accept the offer and come to Dubai.
He worked with the company for two years, but his passion for music and showbiz took him to new horizons. Soon he set up his own events company Hook, Line and Sinker to fully immerse himself in the business of entertainment. However, his yearning to create a platform for local music talent persisted. And a short while later, he set up Rock Nation, a brand that would promote local music and musicians. It's been eight years since, and Nikhil and his brand have now become a force to reckon with in local music circles.
The singer says, he single-handedly pioneered (with a little help from friends) a platform for local musicians to showcase their talent and also create an audience. Rock Nation is known to bring to the stage talent that would have otherwise fizzled out without a trace. Along the way, Nikhil also founded and is fronting the Dubai rock band Point of View who have to their credit a debut album launched by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Bumblefoot. And that's not all there is to Nikhil's versatility, the rocker put another feather in his 'talent cap' when he sang his first Bollywood track for the upcoming flick, Iraada. The singer says the track is being promoted as the first ever progressive rock track in a mainstream Bollywood movie. We talk to the rocker to know more.
What made you set up your base in Dubai?
Dubai offered a better infrastructure and standard of living, besides it's just two-and-a-half hours away from my hometown Mumbai. It all started when I came to Dubai on a visit. Someone offered me a job. I didn't take it and went back. The chap followed up on me. I gave it a thought and said why not? And here I am running my own company Hook Line And Sinker.
How do you rate talent here?
There's lots of good talent here, but it needs to be nurtured. The lack of stiff competition and honest reviewing has created a very low benchmark for talent in Dubai. Everyone is well connected here. Having said that, there is a lot of untapped talent sitting around. It's just that these people are not well connected, and connections do matter a lot.
What about Arabic music. Who's your fave artist?
As a musician, a good Arabic tune always draws my attention. I love Khaled. Didi and Aisha. Of late I've been listening to rapper Malikah. She reminds me of an Arabic version of Rage Against The Machine.
What has been your greatest achievement in Dubai?
Honestly, quite a few. On the business front, I created a strong and respected brand for local music and musicians called Rock Nation. And that too against much opposition from naysayers who told me 'it won't work here because there is no future for music business here'. I've invested passionately, and worked hard on the brand for the last eight years, and today, Rock Nation is a respected brand in the music community. Over the years, the brand has managed to gather visibility with corporates. This in turn has helped me to push local music into the public view. Since then, many new promoters have come into the scene, but I am proud to say that we are the pioneers. On the personal front, my band Point Of View is my passion. My band mates and me have invested a lot of time and money in this project. It's been 10 years since we formed and we are still around. Then there was our association with former Guns N Roses guitarist Ron Bumblefoot Thal and his approval of our debut album.
What's been the most nostalgic moment in your career?
Can't ever forget this one. It happened when we (Point of View) released our debut album in 2012. We had actually gone to see Guns N Roses perform in Abu Dhabi a few weeks back when I accidentally connected online with GNR guitar player, Ron Bumblefoot Thal during the concert. He liked our music, and guess what? He returned to Dubai not to just be a part of our album (Revolutionize the Revolutionary) launch but also to tour with us. For the first time, I met a star who was right up there, but down to earth. It was a huge revelation for me.
Which has been your most memorable gig?
So many. But if I have to pick one, it has to be the Jam Up gig in Bahrain with Ron Bumblefoot Thal. Our band had travelled to Bahrain for the first time. I had no idea what to expect from the music community there. The fact that they were willing to pay to listen to our music showed they appreciated and respected our music. It was a bit of a shocker to us. We are not used to such treatment in Dubai. Not that music lovers in Dubai are not good enough. It's just that, there was no genre disparity. No requests for free guest passes. People paid upto Dhs250 to the show. Some of them even declined guest passes. And what made it even more memorable was that about 100 people paid Dhs300 each to watch a two-hour workshop by Bumblefoot and our guitarist Royden Mascarenhas.
How did Bollywood happen?
I've sung the title track for the upcoming Bollywood flick Iraada (starring Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi). It's being sold in India as the first progressive rock track in a mainstream film. Credit goes to Neeraj Sridhar of Bombay Vikings for spotting my talent and offering me the song.
Does rock music have a good following in Dubai?
Absolutely. Barasti may become a major rock concert venue someday, you never know.
 
The rocker takes the Proust test 
What are your sweetest memories of Dubai?
When Point Of View won the Timeout Award for Best Music Act in Dubai 2013. I almost fell off my chair when it was announced. 
What is your motto?
Live everyday like it's your last.
One thing you most deplore in yourself?
I tend to use my heart over my head. 
What do you most dislike about yourself?
The fact that I used to be called Mr. Flat Stomach. I was a sportsman back in the day.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
When people tell me that I have great hair (ha ha!)
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Finding happiness in imperfection. 
Who is your role model?
My grandfather Harishchandra Uzgare. He taught me to be fearless, ethical and honest. You know before he passed away, he told people what he wanted written on his grave stone (Here lies an honest man). 
When and where have you been the happiest?
When I was in school, and at John Wilson College in Mumbai where I was introduced to rock music. Meeting my guitar idol back then (Sarat who is from Manipur) - I met him 23 years later in Dubai, and when my daughter Samaia was born.
One living person you admire the most?
Anyone who respects and treats animals well.
Any regrets in life?
Not really. I am learning everyday and I am grateful for what life has given me.
 michael@khaleejtimes.com