Chetan Rao expresses his thought on music, “Music is a vast ocean, rich in depth and wide in scope,” This thought captures the expansive nature of music and the endless journey of discovery it offers. In films, the heartbeat goes beyond performances; it thrives in the skill of the technical team. A great film is like a symphony, where the emotions of the actors connect harmoniously with the camera’s view and the sounds of music and background scores.
Hailing from Bengaluru, Chetan Rao channels this artistic synergy. Though he graduated with an engineering degree from RV College, the call of music was too strong to resist. His studies at Middlesex University in Chennai, along with training in Hindustani music under Sangita Katti, prepared him well for the world of film music.
Early in his career, Chetan had the amazing chance to work with Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman as an assistant music director, showcasing his growing talent. “The best part about music is its ability to transcend boundaries,” he says. He embodies this philosophy as a vocalist in Sempre Libera, Rahman’s renowned opera group. As a freelance music director and singer, Chetan has made a mark in both Kannada and Hindi cinema.
A highlight of his career came in 2017 when he composed two songs for Monsoon Shootout, produced by the well-known Guneet Monga and directed by Anurag Kashyap. The film received praise at the Cannes Film Festival for its gripping story and evocative soundtrack.
In Kannada cinema, Chetan shines as the background music director for Dheekshit Shetty’s KTM. His latest track, 'Sarvaswa', was released on September 20 and features lyrics by Arjun Kishore Chandra, who also directed the music video. This collaboration follows Arjun's success with the hit song 'Ninna Gungalli,' creating excitement for what’s next.
Currently, Chetan is busy composing for an untitled film starring Nirup Bhandari and directing music for two more Kannada films, including Sita Circle Sri Krishnan Mane, which are expected to be released later this year.
Beyond the film industry, Chetan’s musical journey has taken him around the globe, from the lively streets of the US to vibrant stages in Dubai and the UK. As a co-founder and director of Origin East Music, an audio production company, he also lends his talents to short films, documentaries, and advertisements for major brands like Twitter, Himalaya, and Ponds.
Chetan Rao is not just a music director buts a storyteller through sound. “Every note is a brushstroke on the canvas of emotion,” he says, reminding us that music, like the ocean, is vast and ever-evolving.
