My journey from being a doctor to musician

Hi! I am a doctor who recently turned full-time musician. A curious as ever aquarian, one who literally lives by the tagline: ‘Focused to break the shackles of a stereotypical life!’ Well, that’s me!

While working as a Cardio-vascular Radiologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Delhi), I found my inner calling in music 7 years ago. Till then, life had given me everything I wanted- a beautiful family, settled job, respect amongst peers and colleagues, and an opportunity to care for the diseased at a premier healthcare institute.

And then, winds of change started blowing and steered me in another direction. Though I was an amateur singer and guitarist in early years of college, the constant pressure of studies, then residency, job and family slowly took bits of music out of me! It came to the point that I felt stuck in a rut, so to speak. At the age of 41, the moment of awakening came by accident. I was sitting by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, during a visit for a medical conference. I started writing a song, and couldn’t stop myself!. Upon returning to India, I picked up my dusty old guitar, changed the rusted strings, and began strumming. Watching countless youtube videos and online lessons, I slowly worked on my music, upgraded to better instruments and set up a small home studio.

In the April of 2013, I secretly made a decision to myself- I would eventually leave my job and pursue music completely. I didn’t have a deadline in mind, but the end-point was clear. During the 6 years before I retired, I collaborated with other musicians, founded several bands (including the current “The Joerocks Collective”), and set up a youtube channel. All this while, I was honing my skills in guitars, vocals, music composition and production on my own, as I didn’t have the luxury to enrol for classes due to my schedule. I even used to practise vocals while driving to and from work!

And, it wasn’t easy. My family obviously had apprehensions about my future. They were even more concerned when I finally retired last year (as Professor, and having worked for 20 years!). And I do thank them for this, since this kept me grounded. It made me plan well financially, so that I could pursue my dreams unhindered.

Well, its been a soul satisfying journey so far. I feel blessed to have performed live in and around the city, and having my music featured on TV and Radio (the last release, “Kahe Ghabraye”, went viral on social media and was included in “Mann Ki Baat”). However, my greatest joy has come from giving back through music and not just medicine. Besides being a mentor to budding musicians of all ages from all walks of life, I co-founded AIIMS Kala Sangam, the cultural epicentre at my institute.

#music #industry #inspiration