Asmith Devraj. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 19: Dreaming big and following his aspirations of a musical career, young guitarist Asmith Devraj has proved his worth at various platforms. The Bhubaneswar boy, who is established in Mumbai now, is all set to perform in his hometown next month at a music concert.

Devraj had decided to become an artiste right from the time he was a teenager. Hence, his tryst with music began at the age of 14.

“It was a video of Elvis Presley that inspired me to take up music. One of my cousins used to play the guitar and I loved it so much that I immediately started taking classes for the same,” he said.

Trained under Bidyut Roy, at the age of 15 he got a chance to play with eminent musician Don Philip of I Will Still Love You fame from Britney Spears’ first album.

“He (Don Philip) was here for a charity event wherein he needed guitarists to record a Christmas carol album. It was the most exciting experience of my life working with him and getting to learn so much. Moreover, it felt great to know that the album was launched in Australia,” said Devraj.

Devraj has been a major part of many recording sessions in Bhubaneswar, Calcutta, Bangalore and Mumbai. “Accompanying former Orissa chief minister Giridhar Gomang, a wonderful musician, for an Austrian cultural project in 2000 was a wonderful experience,” said the young musician.

Devraj also took training in acting for one year under Eric Hudson, a film and theatre director from Great Britain, and continued his advanced level training of guitar (jazz) from music maestro Carlton Kitto.

A commerce graduate from Utkal University, Devraj has worked for many advertisements and jingles in Mumbai where he has been living since 2007. At present, he is looking forward to performing at a rock event in his city next month.

“I’m really excited about the concert that will be held in Bhubaneswar. I will be back in my city to perform after a long time,” he said.

Devraj is also ready with an album, which will release soon, and he has even signed a film (as an actor) by a director from Bengal.