I've lived where different worlds meet. Music led to technology, spirituality to business, and creativity to unexpected places. This is that story.
This should take you around 8 mins to read. Let's begin.
1981 – 2002
I was born and raised in Pune. Growing up, there was a subtle influence of music in my house. My father used to tune into Ceylon Radio for Malayalam songs, and my mother would sing songs from her school days.
This spirit somehow translated into me banging vessels rhythmically. I then learned to play the tabla for eight years.
During this time, I was awestruck and inspired by my sister Preeti, as she was learning to become a Carnatic singer and Bharatanatyam dancer. She remains my inspiration for creating music to this day. I completed my education up to graduation in Pune and also studied graphic design here.
It's also here — DD Music, MTV, Channel V, bootleg cassettes and CDs, O.P. Nayyar, Lata Mangeshkar, Sa Re Ga Ma, A.R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva, Jatin-Lalit, Anu Malik, Lucky Ali, and the whole 90s pop superstars — that subliminally shaped my music tastes.
2002 – 2004
In pursuit of my passion for music, I picked up an assistant sound engineer's job at Music World in Pune. Seeing my hustle, an avid singer introduced me to the term sound engineering.
I then moved to Chennai to study sound engineering. My undying love for music and a little portfolio work earned me a spot in A.R. Rahman's team.
After working there for a while, homesickness brought me back to Pune. I struggled financially and emotionally. Taking on various odd jobs, I somehow sailed through. During this time, I released a self-produced album that, unfortunately, went unnoticed.
2005 – 2009
A job ad led me to the radio industry. I worked my way up from sound engineer to station and programming head for a radio network.
2009 was a significant year for me — I married my wonderful wife, Ashwini.
2009 – 2024
Throughout this period, I continued making music. My work caught the attention of Bejoy Nambiar and Lijo Jose Pelliserry, which prompted me to quit my radio job and venture into the film industry.
The early years were challenging, with phases of no work and limited income. I adapted by hosting creative workshops and starting an online business.
As my business grew, I focused on curating my film career. Good opportunities began coming my way. I worked on over 45 films in four languages, plus several short films and commercials.
In 2013, our lovely child Aathira was born, making life even more beautiful. From this point on, I intentionally slowed things down.
2024 – Present
I am currently on a long sabbatical as a music composer. My focus is entirely on my business, which has grown considerably and is something I love.
You'll now find me traveling and spending time with my family.
What the press has said
A handful of reviews from across the years.
“Sets the benchmark for being the rawest and most rooted.”
“For the third time in as many partnerships, Prashant Pillai delivers a winner — this is the best so far.”
“One of the most talented composers of the current generation.”
“Drifts away from clichéd sounds — distinct sounds and unusual song styles make his compositions unique.”
About Me and the Many Worlds
From the very beginning, I have loved creating — plans, art, music, businesses, events, and courses. I enjoy letting my curiosity lead me. When combined with my intuition and instinct, magic happens. These are some of the worlds that I swam deep and long enough to allow them to shape me as a creator.
Sound
Growing up with tabla, Hammerhead, Fruity Loops and Sound Forge. Self-taught music production. Over 1,000 pieces made before landing a spot on A.R. Rahman's team. Film composing for 45+ films across four languages.
Design
A childhood obsession with colors that grew into graphic design, web design, AutoCAD and branding. I design all my own visuals — logos, thumbnails, websites, and videos — to this day.
Marketing
Sparked by the Economic Times and Businessworld in college. Breaking down complex ideas into simple ones became my superpower — across teaching, guiding my team, and even parenting.
Business
An anonymous online business I deliberately kept separate from my music identity. Today: eight team members, 6,000+ customers worldwide, and a YouTube channel with over two million subscribers.
Spirituality
A search that began in difficult times — homesickness, betrayal, loss. Through books, mentors, journaling, and meditation, I found answers in 2020 that changed me from the inside out. My greatest spiritual teachers have been the women in my life: my wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and daughter. Of all my worlds, this one has grown the strongest.
It's a Beautiful Confluence
My whole career, personal and professional life has been driven by the confluence of all these worlds. It's a mish-mash of a little of everything. This blend has opened doors I never expected, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Each of these worlds is intertwined with family, a few friends, colleagues, profits, losses, successes, failures, and many experiences that have unfolded and continue to unfold.
I share these stories because they remind me where I came from and might help someone else find their own path through different worlds.