When Shankuraj Konwar, the multifaceted singer, songwriter, and composer from Assam, India, was gearing up 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: Ghost Protocol, where the actor scaled the Burj Khalifa. Konwar shared with City Times, 'Dubai always reminds me of Tom Cruise and that incredible stunt.' His fascination with the scene's creation by the Mission Impossible writers is evident, drawing inspiration from Prince’s Purple Rain.
Unlike typical tourists, Konwar doesn't prioritize Dubai's landmarks for social media content. His journey is unique; after leaving his mechanical engineering career in 2016, he pursued music, captivating the youth in his state with his melodic compositions. His YouTube presence is marked by artistic visuals rather than flashy videos, showcasing his EDM-influenced rhythms and profound lyrics. In a world dominated by fleeting content, Konwar's dedication to quality music resonates deeply with the youth.
His musical journey began with Project Baartalaap, a concept he co-created, which translates to 'conversation' in Assamese. After moving to Mumbai for further studies, he participated in numerous jam sessions. An event for individuals with disabilities in 2016 profoundly impacted him, leading to the birth of Project Baartalaap, aiming to communicate through music and art. The project has since gained millions of views on YouTube, surprising even Konwar, who never intended to set trends but simply connect with an audience.
Inspired by the success of Project Baartalaap, Konwar now aspires to elevate Assamese contemporary 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 celebrated across India.
Assamese music stands out in India as it isn't overshadowed by film music, thanks to the rich non-film musical heritage, influenced heavily by icons like Bhupen Hazarika and his brother Jayanta Hazarika. Konwar's own music has been featured in popular web series like Panchayat, further highlighting the unique appeal of Assamese non-film music.
In 2020, just before the pandemic, 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 the love anthem 'Alakananda' with the help of his friend Maitrayee. The song, crafted secretly during the lockdown, became a sensation in Assam, symbolizing the power of love and music.
