Dubai Rock Artist Nikhil Uzgare Goes Solo with Moody Hindi Song ‘Inteha’
The frontman of rock band Point of View is now the first Indian-origin artist singing in Hindi on the Universal Music MENA roster
Dubai-based artist Nikhil Uzgare. Photo: Munem Qureshi
Dubai-based singer, composer and guitarist Nikhil Uzgare establishes his solo artistry with blazing modern rock on his debut single “Inteha,” which released last month.
Previously known for his work with U.A.E. rock band Point of View (who’ve opened for the likes of Guns N’ Roses and even toured with ace guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal), Uzgare also makes his major label leap with “Inteha,” signing with Universal Music Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as their first ever Hindi artist. Uzgare told Gulf News about the deal, “My job is to prove to them that [original] Hindi music does have an audience. My job is also to fly the flag of Indian original Hindi music high and be its face for the Middle East.”
Walking the line between Eighties and Nineties nostalgia and modern electronic flourishes, “Inteha” is as moody as it gets. To helm production duties, Uzgare worked with Neeraj Shridhar (from pop group Bombay Vikings), who also mixed and mastered the track. The duo first worked together in 2017, when Shridhar helmed the music for Hindi movie Irada, getting Uzgare on board to sing the hard rock-leaning title track. For “Inteha,” Uzgare also called on Point Of View guitarist Royden Mascarenhas, plus bassist Jack Daniel, keyboardist Jonathan Ramgopal and drummer Abhijeet Padhi.
A somewhat pained, melancholic track that still digs into a memorable chorus and a blazing guitar solo, a press release describes the song as one for the present scenarios. “[The song’s] meaning and essence is reflective of our current time, the pandemic and all the associated challenges life has brought along. The song displays a pop rock feel, with the guitars driving the emotions accordingly,” the release states.
“Inteha” marks the first of eight more releases coming up this year. In addition to setting up a Patreon account, the seasoned rocker says he’s “excited to deliver and kick 2021 into overdrive.”
Watch the video for “Inteha” below. Stream/download the song here.
