Musician and composer Dhiru, in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, opens up about his latest independent Marathi track, Jevlis Ka?, a playful yet heartfelt fusion of retro funk, dance-pop and hyperpop. He shares insights from his time learning under Charlie Puth, the evolving landscape of Marathi music, and why he believes regional sounds can transcend language barriers
Tejal Sinha
Marathi music has seen a fresh wave of innovation in recent years, with artists blending traditional roots with global sounds. One such artist leading this evolution is Dhiru (formerly known as Dhirendra Mulkalwar), a seasoned music composer and sound designer who has worked on films like Uri-The Surgical Strike and Article 15. Now, stepping into the indie music scene, he presents Jevlis Ka?, a track that transforms a simple everyday Marathi phrase into a dynamic, danceable pop anthem.
In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Dhiru takes us through his journey with Jevlis Ka?, the inspiration behind the track, and his vision for Marathi music on a global stage.
For Dhiru, Jevlis Ka? is more than just a song—it’s a feeling, a playful yet heartfelt expression of love and care. The phrase itself, meaning “Have you eaten?” is something we hear daily, often from the people who matter most to us. “With this track, I wanted to take something so deeply ingrained in our culture and reimagine it in a way that feels modern, fresh and universally relatable,” he explains. Sonically, the song blends retro funk, dance-pop and hyperpop influences while remaining distinctly Marathi at its core. “The track carries a vibrant, youthful energy—something instantly infectious yet comforting, much like the phrase Jevlis Ka? itself.”
Dhiru has long been composing contemporary Marathi music, always striving to blend global influences with the richness of the language. A particularly transformative experience came when he attended a course with international pop artist Charlie Puth.
“I had the opportunity to collaborate with 30 talented music producers from across the world. As part of the program, we were each required to create two songs and I made a conscious decision to write and compose in Marathi while ensuring that the production carried a truly international appeal,” he recalls.
However, due to his commitments to film and web series scores, it took him until 2025 to finally release his own independent music. Fortunately, the timing coincided with the success of recent indie Marathi hits like Gulabi Sadi and Taamdi Chaamdi, proving that audiences were eager to embrace new sounds in Marathi music. “The success of these songs reaffirmed that there is a vibrant audience open to fresh sonic directions in Marathi pop,” Dhiru says. “It is truly exciting to contribute to this evolving landscape and to share my own artistic perspective with listeners.” With songs like Gulabi Sadi and Taamdi Chaamdi gaining traction beyond Marathi-speaking audiences, there’s a clear indication that regional music can transcend language barriers. “Music is an emotion before it is a language,” Dhiru asserts. “A great melody, an engaging rhythm, and a strong sense of identity can make a song resonate with listeners far beyond its linguistic boundaries.” Citing examples from Punjabi music’s global rise, Tamil and Telugu tracks making waves internationally, and even K-pop’s universal appeal, Dhiru believes Marathi music has the same potential. “If we continue to innovate while preserving our authenticity, our sounds will travel far beyond Maharashtra, connecting with people purely through musical energy and emotion.”
The idea for Jevlis Ka? had been lingering in Dhiru’s mind for a long time. “I kept hearing the phrase in a rhythmic, almost melodic way. That’s when I knew it had the potential to be the heart of a song.”
He built the song around this hook, infusing it with a retro funk groove and dance-pop energy to give it a fresh and modern feel. “The biggest challenge was making the lyrics feel effortless and natural and Akshay Shinde did a brilliant job of capturing that conversational charm,” he adds. From composition to production, the process was about striking the right balance—keeping it youthful and dynamic while staying true to its Marathi essence. “In the end, Jevlis Ka? became exactly what I envisioned: a fun, catchy and heartfelt song that feels both new and familiar.”
Dhiru’s love for funk played a major role in shaping the sound of Jevlis Ka?. “The sheer groove of funk is irresistible—it makes anyone want to move or tap their feet,” he explains.
For this song, he wanted to capture that energy while blending nostalgia with a futuristic, contemporary twist. “That’s why I combined disco’s retro vibe with the playfulness of hyperpop, creating a sound that feels both familiar and exciting.” The song naturally took on a bubblegum pop vibe, which also extended to its visual aesthetics, including the album artwork. “Music can act as a time capsule, carrying elements of nostalgia while embracing contemporary sounds. That’s what Jevlis Ka? represents—a blend of familiar warmth and refreshing newness.”
Having worked extensively on film scores, Dhiru acknowledges the stark difference between composing for films and creating independent music. “Film music exists to serve a narrative—it’s a collaborative process where every note is shaped by the story, the characters, and the director’s vision,” he says.
Independent music, however, is boundless. “It’s entirely personal, which is both liberating and daunting. With Jevlis Ka?, I had no external framework guiding me; I had to create my own world from scratch. This freedom allows for immense creativity, but it also demands a level of self-discipline—to know when to refine, when to experiment, and most importantly, when to stop and say, ‘This is it.’”
Dhiru draws inspiration from Marathi music’s deep history, from ‘Abhangs’ and ‘Natyasangeet’ to ‘Tamasha’ and ‘Povadas’. “If we look closely, all these folk forms have one thing in common—they reflect the language and spirit of the common people in their respective eras,” he notes.
With Jevlis Ka?, he wanted to bring that essence into today’s world. “My approach is not to replace tradition but to build upon it—creating a sound that feels fresh while still carrying a sense of familiarity.”
Dhiru is optimistic about Marathi music’s future. “Artists like Ajay-Atul, AV Prafullachandra, Kratex, Sambata, Rocksun, Nihar Shembekar and Sanju Rathod are pushing boundaries and redefining the Marathi soundscape,” he says.
“With audiences becoming more open to diverse sounds and the accessibility of global influences, the space for creative experimentation is growing. This evolution is paving the way for a bold, contemporary Marathi music scene that stays true to its roots while embracing new sonic landscapes.” At its core, Jevlis Ka? is about simplicity. “Even though it’s just a small phrase, it carries warmth and care, forming the foundation of deeper relationships with our loved ones,” Dhiru reflects. By blending familiar emotions with a fresh, modern sound, Jevlis Ka? creates a sense of nostalgia while still feeling exciting and new. “I believe it’s this simplicity and authenticity that strike an emotional chord with people,” he says.
As Dhiru embarks on this new chapter in independent music, he remains committed to his artistic vision—staying true to Marathi identity while embracing the limitless possibilities of sound. Jevlis Ka? is just the beginning, and if this track is any indication, his journey in indie pop is one to watch.
