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Dhiru is redefining Marathi pop, one groove at a time. In this exclusive interview, the composer behind viral hits like Gulabi Sadi and Taambdi Chaamdi talks about his latest genre-blending anthem Jevlis Ka?, blending retro funk, hyperpop, and Marathi soul into a fresh sound.
Composer Dhiru talks about his new Marathi pop anthem Jevlis Ka?, blending funk, hyperpop, and folk influences.
If there’s one universal love language in Maharashtra, it’s food. And nothing encapsulates that love better than the phrase Jevlis Ka?—a question so simple, yet packed with warmth, care, and an unspoken promise of comfort. But leave it to Dhiru to take this everyday Marathi expression and spin it into a genre-blending, groove-packed anthem that fuses retro funk, hyperpop, and the unmistakable Marathi soul.
From arranging background scores for hard-hitting films like Uri and Article 15 to redefining Marathi pop, Dhiru is proving that independent music in regional languages is more alive than ever. With Jevlis Ka?, he seamlessly bridges nostalgia with innovation, making Marathi music not just culturally rich, but irresistibly cool.
In this exclusive interview, Dhiru takes us through the sonic and cultural journey of Jevlis Ka?, why Marathi pop is ready for a global stage, and what’s next in his ever-evolving musical universe. And while we’re at it—Jevlis Ka? If not, you might want to grab a plate before diving into this conversation!
Here are the excerpts:
The phrase ‘Jevlis Ka?’ is such a simple yet powerful expression of care. What was the moment or experience that first inspired you to turn it into a song?
The phrase Jevlis Ka? had been stuck in my head for the longest time—I kept hearing it in a rhythmic, almost melodic way. That’s when I knew it had the potential to be the heart of a song. It’s such a simple, everyday phrase, but it carries warmth and care, making it instantly relatable.
You mentioned wanting to create something young and conversational without feeling forced. How did you strike that balance while composing the melody and lyrics for ‘Jevlis Ka’?
I built the song around the hook ‘Jevlis Ka’, blending a retro funk groove with 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.
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.
Marathi music has such a rich legacy. How did you approach blending traditional Marathi sensibilities with modern hyperpop and retro funk influences in this track?
Marathi music has a deep and diverse history, from the timeless Abhangs of Sant Dnyaneshwar to Sant Tukadoji Maharaj to the rich traditions of Natyasangeet, Tamasha, Povada, Dandaar, and Gondal. 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. That idea truly inspires me.
With Jevlis Ka?, I 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. Just as these musical traditions evolved with their times, I see my work as a reflection of the contemporary era. Since we are now more connected globally than ever before, our sonic influences naturally expand beyond regional boundaries. The music we consume, the cultures we engage with, and our lifestyles are all global, and I wanted Jevlis Ka? to embody that blend—staying rooted in Marathi identity while embracing a modern, international sound.
Funk has always been one of my favorite genres—the sheer groove it carries is irresistible, making anyone want to move or tap their feet. With Jevlis Ka?, I wanted to capture that energy while blending nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary twist. That’s why I combined disco’s retro vibe with the futuristic playfulness of hyperpop, creating a sound that feels both familiar and exciting.
The song naturally took on a bubblegum pop vibe, not just in its melodies and lyrics but also in its overall aesthetic—including the album artwork, which has a fun, cotton-candy, bubble-gummy feel. I love how 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, creating a sound that feels both rooted and forward-thinking.
How does ‘Jevlis Ka’ represent the next step in your evolution as an independent artist?
It’s an incredibly exciting time for Marathi music. We’re witnessing a shift where artists are blending genres, breaking conventional structures, and embracing a fresh, global perspective while maintaining their cultural essence. Marathi music has always been diverse, but with independent musicians now having the space to experiment through digital platforms, this diversity is becoming even more pronounced and accessible.
I see Jevlis Ka? as a distinct addition to this movement—a song that is playful yet futuristic, modern yet deeply rooted in Marathi sensibilities. Over time, music has become increasingly borderless. Listeners today don’t just consume music from one language or region; they gravitate toward sounds that resonate emotionally and sonically. In other regional industries, such as Punjabi and Hindi, this evolution has already taken shape, where their music seamlessly integrates global influences.
For me, Jevlis Ka? came from a very personal space. I felt that if we wanted Marathi music to capture the attention of the urban youth—who make up a substantial part of Maharashtra’s population—we needed to give them something that feels both familiar and exciting. Marathi music already has a strong legacy, and we take immense pride in our traditional and classical roots. But as someone who listens to a wide variety of music, I wanted to hear something in Marathi that carried the same global energy I find in other genres. Jevlis Ka? is, in many ways, the song I wanted to listen to myself—something fresh, dynamic, and effortlessly relatable.
You’ve worked extensively on background scores for award-winning films. How does the creative approach differ when composing an independent single like ‘Jevlis Ka’ compared to a film project?
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. 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.”
Hyperpop, retro funk, and dance-pop aren’t traditionally associated with Marathi music. What challenges did you face while experimenting with these genres, and how did you overcome them?
I wouldn’t say I faced any real challenges when it came to composing the melody, because music itself doesn’t rely on language—it’s an muscial idea first and foremost. Where the real challenge hit was in the lyrics. Funk music thrives on staccato rhythms and tight, syncopated phrases, and the melody drives with an undeniable rhythmic energy. Fitting words into such short, punchy musical phrases was a hefty task. But, this is where Akshay truly excelled—his ability to craft lyrics that flawlessly matched the rhythm while maintaining the energy and essence of the song was nothing short of masterful.
You spoke about the rise of digital platforms empowering independent artists. Do you see this as a turning point for Marathi pop to gain more global recognition?
Absolutely. The rise of digital platforms has changed the way independent artists connect with their audience. We no longer have to rely on traditional gatekeepers—streaming services, social media, and independent distribution have made it possible for music in any language to reach listeners across the world.
For Marathi music, this is a great time. Artists now have the freedom to try new things, mix different styles, and tell stories in their own way. With digital platforms, these songs can now reach the right audience, no matter where they are. It has become much easier for fresh and unique music to find its place, and that’s really exciting. I feel grateful to be creating music in this space, where there are so many opportunities to bring something new to listeners.
Regional music industries like Punjabi and Tamil have embraced global trends while staying rooted. What do you think it will take for Marathi music to achieve a similar mainstream crossover?
Whenever I see an Indian song gaining global recognition, I feel truly proud. As an Indian, we come from a culture rich in music, art, and traditions. We have so much creativity to share with the world, and I believe our music can connect with people everywhere.
Marathi music has always embraced experimentation and innovation. While there was a phase where this spirit seemed to slow down, I truly believe we are witnessing a resurgence. Artists like Ajay-Atul, AV Prafullachandra, Kratex, Sambata, Rocksun, Nihar Shembekar, and Sanju Rathod are leading this wave, pushing boundaries and redefining the Marathi soundscape.
Their incredible contributions have already expanded the possibilities within Marathi music, making it an exciting time for new artists to explore fresh ideas. 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.
Do you believe Marathi pop can carve out its own niche in the indie music scene nationwide, much like how K-pop and Latin pop have transcended language barriers?
Music transcends language—it speaks first through rhythm, then melody, and finally, lyrics. As humans, we instinctively connect with the groove & melody before understanding the words, which is why we can enjoy Spanish or Korean music without knowing the language. The key lies in crafting a sound that feels universally resonant yet proudly carries the essence of its roots. When we blend a sonically global appeal with a distinctive regional flavor, we create something truly unique. And when the lyrics amplify that essence, the result isn’t just a song—it’s a rich, immersive experience, a dish so flavorful that anyone, anywhere, can savor it.
From working under your full name Dhirendra Mulkalwar to now embracing the moniker ‘Dhiru,’ does this rebranding reflect a shift in your artistic identity?
Dhirendra Mulkalwar is my legal name, the one that echoed through school roll calls and official documents. But Dhiru—that’s what my family and closest friends have always called me. It’s warm, familiar, and feels like home. When I started working on commissioned projects—ads, jingles, and film scores—my full name naturally found its way onto the credits. But when it came to making my own independent music, especially in Marathi, I wanted to embrace something more personal. Dhiru felt right—it’s not just a name, it’s a reflection of who I am at my core.
Looking back at your journey—from scoring for films like ‘Uri’ and ‘Article 15’ to now headlining your own independent singles—what has been the most rewarding moment so far?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on such remarkable and celebrated films and collaborate with visionary filmmakers. Seeing my name on the big screen is a feeling that never gets old, and I cherish every moment of it. I’d love to continue that journey, but at the same time, there’s something deeply special about creating and releasing my own music—especially in my mother tongue. Bringing fresh sounds to Marathi music and, in my own small way, contributing to its evolving landscape is a dream come true. If I can play even a tiny role in shaping this new wave of Marathi music, that would be one of the most rewarding moments of my journey.
If you could collaborate with any artist—Indian or international—for your next independent project, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with many talented folk artists, especially Zhadi Patti folk artists, as I come from that region and deeply cherish its rich cultural heritage. It would be a dream to bring that sound to a global platform and share its beauty with the world.
Internationally, I admire artists like The Weeknd, Daft Punk, and Bruno Mars—the list is endless! Their artistry and innovation inspire me, and the thought of blending my sound with theirs is something I truly hope to explore one day.
‘Jevlis Ka’ has a playful yet futuristic vibe. Can we expect more genre-defying experiments from you in future releases?
Absolutely! In fact, I have a couple of exciting songs lined up for release this year, each bringing a fresh sonic experience and exploring new genres. I love pushing boundaries and blending unexpected sounds, so you can definitely expect more genre-defying experiments in the near future. I can’t wait to share this musical journey with you!
What’s your vision for the future of Marathi pop? Do you see it evolving into a mainstream genre, or do you believe it will retain its indie charm?
I truly believe Marathi pop has the potential to become a mainstream genre. Maharashtra has one of the largest urban populations, with a generation that has grown up exposed to international music and diverse global sounds. The success of recent sold-out concerts by international artists is a testament to this evolving taste.
Personally, I always wished to hear more contemporary pop music in Marathi, but for years, there wasn’t much happening in that space. As a musician, I thought—why not create the music I want to listen to? And I believe many young, urban Marathi listeners feel the same way. This new wave of Marathi pop is just beginning, and I’m excited to be part of its journey.
Finally, what’s the one message you hope listeners take away after hearing ‘Jevlis Ka’? And what more do you have in the pipeline?
Jevlis Ka? is a reminder that love and care don’t always need grand gestures or elaborate words. Sometimes, a simple question like Jevlis Ka? carries all the warmth, affection, and concern we have for someone. In our everyday lives, we may not always express our emotions openly, but these small moments of care speak volumes. If we recognize this, even the little disagreements and daily stresses might just fade away.
As for what’s next, I have some really exciting songs in the pipeline—each one promising a fresh and immersive sonic journey. I can’t wait to share them with you.
