Dhruv Goel, a Berklee College of Music alum, reflects on his journey from India to becoming a film composer, blending diverse musical influences in his work, including the recent film *Her Song*.
Dhruv Goel, an accomplished film composer and music producer based in Los Angeles, has made significant strides in the music industry, particularly with his recent work on *Her Song*, a French-language film featuring Indian actor Kalki Koechlin. Goel, a Berklee College of Music alum, is part of the Grammy-nominated album *Shuruaat* and has collaborated with numerous leading South Asian artists.
During the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival in Silicon Valley, Goel spoke with Ankita M. Kumar of *India Currents* about his artistic journey, his educational background, and how he navigates cultural barriers in his music. The interview has been edited for clarity.
Goel began his musical journey in Lucknow and New Delhi, India, where he grew up in a family that appreciated music, even if no one was a professional musician. He started learning Indian classical music at a young age, with his first performance occurring when he was just five years old. His family’s encouragement played a crucial role in his development as an artist.
“I studied Dhrupad, a form of Indian classical music, for many years with Pandit Nirmalya Dey,” Goel shared. “He taught me the Dagarvani tradition, which is older than the Khayal style of music in North Indian classical music.”
As he progressed through school and college, Goel formed a band that performed across India. Inspired by renowned composers such as A. R. Rahman, John Powell, and Hans Zimmer, he aspired to study film music and produce songs professionally. This ambition led him to apply to the Berklee College of Music, where he received a scholarship that supported his studies in jazz, film scoring, and electronic music production.
“At Berklee, I discovered my Indian-ness in a new way,” he explained. “Being surrounded by diverse cultures helped me embrace my roots more fully than I had in my teenage years.”
Goel became a founding member of the Berklee Indian Ensemble, which later received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music in 2023. He noted that his time at Berklee allowed him to explore writing music in Hindi and Urdu, influenced by the multilingual environment of his peers.
“I feel like I’m a big mash-up of old Bollywood and Indian classical music, combined with my interests in electronic music production techniques and world jazz sounds,” he said. “I’m comfortable creating music that reflects my aesthetic without trying to emulate others.”
Goel’s collaboration on *Her Song* marked a significant step in his career, as he composed music for a film set in a French village. He explained how he approached the project, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and collaboration with director John M. Keller.
“When I moved to Los Angeles, I worked as an assistant composer with Hans Zimmer, which was a dream come true,” Goel recalled. “However, I realized I wanted to express my own voice rather than conform to a specific sound.”
The journey to create the score for *Her Song* began when Goel met Keller and the production team at a screening of another film he had scored. They appreciated his work and invited him to collaborate on *Her Song*.
“John and I connected over our non-conformist approaches to music,” Goel said. “He didn’t want a traditional French score, and we decided to embrace the film’s global nature.”
Goel incorporated a variety of instruments, including Brazilian and Afghan elements, to reflect the film’s diverse characters. “We aimed to capture the energy and mood of the film rather than strictly adhere to a specific cultural sound,” he explained.
One notable scene in the film features a sudden shift in music that captures the essence of a writer’s mind. Goel described how the collaborative process with Keller allowed them to explore different musical motifs to convey the character’s emotional journey.
“Film is such a collaborative art form,” Goel stated. “The best pieces of art often come from open conversations and a willingness to experiment.”
As the discussion turned to his choice of working on an indie film, Goel reflected on his artistic growth. “I’ve done feature films before, but this was my first narrative drama. I’m drawn to strong, powerful stories that resonate with me,” he said.
Producer Marine Assaiante noted the importance of finding the right collaborators in the industry. “It’s crucial to work with people who are open to feedback and collaboration,” she said.
Goel emphasized the importance of separating personal identity from artistic critique. “I learned from A. R. Rahman that feedback on my music isn’t a reflection of me as a person,” he shared. “Maturity as an artist involves understanding different perspectives.”
As the conversation concluded, Goel offered advice to aspiring musicians. “Follow what you love and create something unique,” he encouraged. “The world today allows for independent distribution, so if your work resonates, it can catch fire without needing big studios.”
Dhruv Goel’s journey from India to becoming a prominent film composer illustrates the power of embracing one’s roots while exploring new artistic horizons. His work on *Her Song* exemplifies a commitment to authenticity and collaboration in an ever-evolving musical landscape, according to *India Currents*.