I design buildings and music” says his Instagram bio. From college campus to now Instagram, Kshitij Anand’s voice has been echoing through the realms of social media. At 4,43,000 followers on Instagram, including the likes of Bollywood directors Karan Johar and Ayan Mukerji, Kshitij dreams of serenading the audience from a stage someday. In a tete-a-tete with t2, the 26-year-old Gurgaon-based self-taught musician talked about balancing music with a career in architecture, the power of social media and more.

You never received any formal training in music. When did you find your calling in the artistic pursuit?

It was during the break between school and college somewhere in 2014-15. I was exploring and doing covers as I had plenty of time. But what started off as an early adulthood hobby slowly transformed into a full-fledged passion when I held the mic in front of a wide audience at the orientation of my college, Sushant School of Art and Architecture in Gurgaon. I just sang a few lines and I felt everyone in the room was quite enjoying my singing. That broke my fear and I thought I should give it a shot. That’s how music came into my life. Later, I started collaborating with several bands and musicians in college. I picked up lessons from YouTube videos as well. So, the place where I went to become an architect did play a major role in my becoming a musician. After six to seven months of starting college, I picked up the guitar too. There, too, college has given me the opportunity to grow.

Tell us about your favourite genre of music.

My music revolves around Indie, Indie-pop and Bollywood. During my initial days, I was doing lots of covers of Arijit Singh’s songs. I am also romantically inclined. My first original song, the only one I have released so far, Tum se mila, also talks about love.

Your followers list on Instagram includes none other than Karan Johar and Ayan Mukerji. Did you expect such iconic figures to be your followers someday?

Whenever I release a cover or even when I released my original earlier this year, my motive is to reach all kinds of audiences. I don’t have a particular audience in my mind. The fact that two of India’s most sought-after directors follow me fills me with an immense sense of gratitude. I wanted to have an organic fan following, and now I feel I have achieved that goal to some extent.

Have you ever met them?

No. I have spoken to Karan Johar over Instagram messages a couple of times. It’s like when one puts up a story and someone replies and a connect is born.

Why did you choose Instagram for your growth?

I feel Instagram provides an instant feeling of achievement. People are real quick to react. My perspective is such is not the with YouTube. There it takes a lot of time to push your content and slowly build your profile. Here the reaction is much faster. At least in my case, Instagram has given me a solid fan base and a more authentic experience. I am on YouTube, and have my presence on Spotify, but Instagram is my root.

Do you have plans to join the film industry?

Honestly, I have never thought about it. For me, music has always more about been connecting with people. Right now, my focus is on growing my Instagram family. If a chance to sing for Bollywood came by, I would surely embrace it.

Who is your inspiration in Bollywood?

I am a huge fan of Arijit Singh. His voice texture and versatility are something I look up to. Another name is Atif Aslam. Ed Sheeran too.

As an independent artiste, what is your biggest challenge?

I think the most challenging part comes when you want to release your songs. With no connection whatsoever, marketing your music is a difficult task. I write and compose my own songs. I have my studio in the basement of my house in Gurgaon. I have a producer who does the editing for me. A lot of demotivation comes when you do not get the right kind of feedback. So, I would say there’s a lot of hustle we independent musicians go through. I won’t use the term struggle.

What is the most favourite cover you have done so far?

I have done over 1,500 covers to date. Abhi na jao chhod kar and Bade acche lagte hain are my all-time favourites. It’s not because they are trending. I relate to them.

You are an architect as well. How do you balance both?

There is hardly any time to go on vacations. I divide my time between these two. I have built my office and studio in the basement of my house, and that eases things out a little bit.

Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

Right now. I have nine-10 originals in the pipeline. I want to see myself more on the stage, doling out my original songs.