When Shankuraj Konwar, a multifaceted singer, songwriter, and composer from Assam, India, set out for a spring festival in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa was not his sole focus. Upon his first arrival, the towering structure naturally caught his eye, but his thoughts also wandered to Tom Cruise’s daring stunt in Mission Impossible: The Ghost Protocol, where the actor famously scaled the Burj Khalifa. Konwar shared with City Times, 'Dubai always reminds me of Tom Cruise and that incredible stunt in Burj Khalifa.' His fascination with the scene is fueled by his admiration for Prince’s Purple Rain and the creative minds behind Mission Impossible.
Unlike typical visitors, Konwar doesn’t prioritize Dubai’s landmarks for social media content. His journey is unique; he left his career as a mechanical engineer in 2016 to pursue music, captivating the youth in his state with his melodic symphonies. On YouTube, his presence is marked by artistic visuals rather than flashy videos, showcasing his EDM-influenced rhythms and soulful voice, which resonate deeply with the youth amidst the fleeting attention spans of the digital age.
Konwar’s musical journey is documented under Project Baartalaap, a concept he and his friends developed. After quitting his job, he pursued a Master’s at Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, where he engaged in numerous jam sessions. An event for people with disabilities in 2016 profoundly impacted him, leading to the creation of Project Baartalaap, which focuses on expressing thoughts through music, poetry, and art. This unique approach has earned millions of views on YouTube, though Konwar insists their goal was never to chase trends but to connect with an audience.
Inspired by the success of Project Baartalaap, Konwar aims to elevate contemporary Assamese music to a national level, drawing inspiration from K-pop’s global reach. He admires how Korean music, despite language barriers, has been embraced worldwide for its melodies. Konwar dreams of a day when Assamese music is widely appreciated across India.
In Assam, the musical landscape is distinct, with a rich heritage of non-film music, largely influenced by icons like Bhupen Hazarika and his brother Jayanta Hazarika. This heritage sets Assamese music apart from the Bollywood-dominated scenes in other Indian states.
In 2020, Konwar’s life took a romantic turn during a festival in Majuli, Assam, where he met Alakananda, who later became his muse. During the lockdown, their long-distance relationship flourished, inspiring Konwar to create a love anthem titled 'Alakananda.' The song, crafted secretly during the lockdown, became a sensation in Assam, resonating with millions and solidifying Konwar’s status as a beloved artist.
