Rising Against the Odds: Abhishek Kumar’s Making of an Indian Idol Top 16 Contestant

With a soul-stirring rendition of “Dil ki Tapish” on Indian Idol Season 16 audition, Abhishek Kumar captivated everyone, judges and viewers alike. Shreya Ghoshal’s heartfelt wish that every dream on his wishlist should come true, and Badshah’s encouragement to fulfill every aspiration through the Indian Idol platform, set the stage for a remarkable moment. Abhishek’s breathtaking performance earned him the platinum mic, rocketing him straight into the Top 16. This feat of our music teacher also creates a proud moment for Artium, where passion and talent find their wings. Next, in the Premier, he won our hearts by singing “Tadap Tadap” and mesmerised Shreya Ghosal, and made her sing along. Later, he stole our hearts and brought tears to the judges’ eyes by singing his version of “Naina” from Dangal.

Before the world saw his always ‘smiling face’ and watched him sing on the big stage and fall in love with his impeccable voice, he quietly devoted 2023 to a different path, pursuing a Master’s in Music at Delhi University. This chapter of focused dedication laid the deep foundation for the singer we admire today, proving that behind every spotlight lies relentless passion and commitment, shaping a perfect artist. 

When he joined Artium Academy in the same year, everything shifted a bit for him. It secured his future with a stable, respectable income, removing the financial guesswork from his path of chasing his dreams. 

Thank you, Abhishek! We cherish supporting you on your journey and are proud to be part of your success story.

The mentorship and intensive training he received from Ananth Vaidyanathan were the defining elements.

Abhishek says that “this wasn’t just about my career; it was about framing my character as a musician. Ananth Sir helped me grow exponentially, not only as a formidable artist but as a person ready to lead the way.”

At present, he teaches Popular Hindi music and Hindustani Classical to Global music learners at Artium Academy. He approaches every music lesson with unwavering dedication, actively helping cultivate the next generation of musical stars. Today, we’re deeply grateful to have him as a part of us and to power his rise.

Let’s hear it out from him:

The Sound of Home: From Childhood Days to His Musical Achievements

You look at him now, a free-flowing, effortless, melodious singing captures the stage, but you must first trace the jagged path he climbed. He belongs from Bihar but was born and raised in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. His childhood was defined by silent, hard-hitting odds and struggles. This scarcity was not a weakness; it became a singular, burning source of determination. 

You see him driven not just by ambition, but by the fierce intention to achieve his dreams and finally give his parents the comfortable life they deserved. However, even in that struggle, he was never alone, counting himself blessed to be surrounded by supportive people who acted as steady mentors or gurus during the difficult years. 

Abhishek started learning music at the tender age of 3 or 4, inspired by his Mama ji, Sri Pankaj Sanwariya, a devoted bhajan singer. Watching him sing with such passion, he found his first spark of love for music, a flame that would guide him through every Taal and Laya that he would master.

It was against this backdrop that his musical destiny began. The crucial first step for learning music, he took under his Guru, Shri Balkrishna Singh, in his hometown. The commitment deepened and became absolute. By the time he reached 14 or 15, he began dedicated training under his second mentor, Shri Pankaj Dubey.

Then, in 2019, he made a calculated leap. He moved to the heart of the country, Delhi, where he began learning from his third Guru, Dr. Avinash Kumar, a Hindustani classical vocalist from the renowned Kirana Gharana. This progression from hometown lessons to the discipline of a master is the story of an artist being built.

He often reflects, “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from such remarkable gurus at every stage of my journey. Their wisdom not only strengthened my musical foundation but also opened my heart to the beauty and depth of diverse musical styles, enriching my performance.”

What Ignited Abhishek Kumar’s Passion for Music?

In his childhood home, every member shared one collective passion: an immense, heartfelt admiration for Sonu Nigam’s voice. The air was constantly filled with the sound of classics—Dil, Jaan, Deewana, Mausam, and many more, albums that defined his young life. He didn’t just listen; he lived under the gaze of his idol, with Sonu Nigam’s posters plastered across their very walls. 

It was more than just fandom; it was destiny finding its voice, demanding to be heard. Watching and listening to that icon, a clear, irresistible ambition ignited within him: he didn’t just want to sing, he wanted to perform. Sonu Nigam, his biggest and defining inspiration, is admired by his entire family.

You see that his musical education is both deep and wide. He also stands in awe of the sheer versatility displayed by titans like Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh, Ustad Rashid Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Hariharan. He studies their singing techniques because they represent the ability to capture every emotion and every corner of the musical ecosystem.

The Role Of A Musical Instrument In His Life 

He enjoys playing the guitar; it helps him to develop a musical connection. Playing a musical instrument is the extension of his mind, the forge where new melodies are hammered out in the heat of inspiration. He turns to it when he composes, using its resonance to instantly capture and articulate the unique rhythms forming in his head.

Yet, you observe a deeper hunger in his artistic gaze. While the guitar is the pulse, he also plays the piano. He loves to play the piano, recognizing the comprehensive understanding it offers, and he wishes to learn the instrument in the future.

He also enjoys singing songs that let him experiment and create new musical ideas. He loves collaborating with other musicians and exploring fresh possibilities through jamming sessions.

Here’s to what Abhishek wants to say to his Artium students and all the music learners out in the world:

Once a Student, Now a Teacher and a Performer: Stepping Boldly Into His Dreams

When we asked Abhishek What is your source of power and confidence? How do you manage nerves when performing on a big stage?

He replied, saying that “I pray to Hanuman ji before every performance. My main source of confidence is my riyaaz, which keeps me grounded. The love and blessings I receive from people give me additional strength.”

He grew up deeply immersed in music, listening to popular Hindi songs and the energetic tracks of Master Saleem. But then, a pivotal moment arrived. His Guru, Shri Pankaj Dubey, introduced him to the world of Ustad Rashid Khan, Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan, and the ghazals of Hariharan. He instantly fell in love with the elegance of Khayal and Ghazal singing, driving him to dedicate himself to learning Indian classical music.

His biggest dream is to be counted among the great singers of India, a voice loved and respected by all. He possesses an absolute, consuming passion for his talent, vowing to keep learning, practicing, and performing for the rest of his life, because, for him, music is not just what he does; it is what keeps him alive.

This is what he has to say to all the music learners out there in the world: “Always remember the love that made you start learning music. Let that joy guide your journey. Enjoy every step and keep growing with dedication.”

Quick Tips for our Artium Learners

• Stay focused at all times
• Stay dedicated to your passion for learning music
• Never stop your Riyaaz or practice
• Keep taking more online music classes with your teacher/mentor to remain consistent
• Be curious and keep asking questions related to music theory