The Raj Kaul Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Sharni (Time Productions) joins Raj Kaul for his first ever interview on The Pursuit of Musical Excellence.

In this powerful conversation, Sharni opens up about his Handsworth roots, family influences, and the journey that shaped him into one of the UK Bhangra scene’s most respected producers. From learning dhol as a kid to recording with legends like DCS, Kanwar Grewal, Moneyspinner, and Tru-Skool, Sharni shares stories of Birmingham’s golden era, his studio philosophy, and why respect and preparation matter more than ever.

He also reflects on what musical excellence means to him today — balancing tradition, authenticity, and community with the modern realities of music.

Follow Sharni: @timeproductionsmusic
Follow Raj: @rajkaulofficial

In this episode of The Raj Kaul Podcast, Raj sits down with Chirag Rao – a UK-based Bollywood and jazz singer with a remarkable journey. From growing up between London and Nashville to training under legendary maestros in Mumbai, Chirag shares how his unique upbringing shaped his artistry.

The conversation dives into:

• His family’s musical legacy and early influences 🎶

• Training in Mumbai with renowned gurus and the challenges of Indian classical learning 🇮🇳

• The evolution of Bollywood music from Rafi and Kishore Kumar to Arijit Singh 🎤

• Fusing Bollywood and Jazz in his "Bollywood Brat Pack" project 🎷

• Insights on practice, discipline, and the true meaning of musical excellence

If you love Bollywood classics, Indian classical music, jazz fusion, or inspiring artist journeys, this episode is packed with wisdom, nostalgia, and performance insights.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with world-class musicians and creators.

In this vibrant Punjabi episode of the Raj Kaul Podcast, we welcome the soulful and incredibly talented Sharmila to the mic. Switching from English to Punjabi, this episode is packed with raw vocals, heartfelt conversations, and cultural humour that celebrates Punjabi identity and musical heritage.

🎤 Sharmila opens up about his musical journey, drops some vocals live on the mic, and shares his thoughts on music, life in the UK, and the love for his roots. From spontaneous shayari to rich traditional singing, this episode is a tribute to Punjabi virsa (heritage).

💬 Topics include:

• Sharmila's early inspirations

• Singing live with raw desi energy

• Thoughts on Punjabi language, culture & faith

• Raj’s reflections and closing messages

✨ Whether you're Punjabi or just love good music and real talk, this one's for you.

🔁 Don’t forget to leave a review, follow the podcast, and tag us when you share on Instagram or TikTok!

In this episode of The Raj Kaul Podcast, British Indian alt-rock artist Maya Lakhani joins Raj Kaul to discuss her journey in the music industry. From fronting school rock bands to becoming a self-taught solo artist, Maya shares how she embraced her passion for rock music and built her career independently. She reflects on her experience performing at Glastonbury, the challenges of self-producing music, and the importance of representation in the rock genre. Maya also offers valuable insights for aspiring musicians and talks about her upcoming projects.

Tune in to hear her story, her influences, and what’s next for her music!

In this episode of The Raj Kaul Podcast, we sit down with Sodhivine, also known as Naanak Sodhi—a Canadian-based music producer and composer celebrated for his innovative Indian fusion music. Sodhivine shares his journey from composing scores for films to creating genre-blending tracks that merge traditional Indian melodies with Western influences.

We delve into his dual life as a product manager at Google and a musician, exploring how his engineering and tech background influences his meticulous approach to music production. From his experiences with Bell Media to insights on AI’s role in music, Sodhivine offers invaluable advice for aspiring musicians.

Join us for a deep dive into the art of clean mixes, the evolution of Indian fusion, and the challenges of marketing music in the modern age. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Sodhivine!

In this episode of The Raj Kaul Podcast, host Raj Kaul sits down with the legendary DJ Swami, also known as Diamond Duggal, a pioneering producer, musician, and mentor in the music industry. Diamond shares his journey from growing up in Handsworth, Birmingham, to producing Apache Indian’s early hits, touring with Boyzone and Robbie Williams, and shaping the evolution of Punjabi and fusion music.

Throughout the conversation, he discusses the challenges of maintaining passion in the music industry, the importance of authenticity, and how blending cultures and sounds has been central to his work. He also explores the changing landscape of Punjabi music, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the significance of staying true to one’s artistic identity.

Packed with insights for aspiring artists and music lovers alike, this episode offers a deep dive into the mind of one of the industry's most influential figures.

Listen now and share your thoughts—should there be a Part 2?

In this special episode, Raj Kaul sits down with his wife and manager, Ruby Kaul, for an open and candid conversation about the highs and lows of building a music career. From the struggles of securing gigs and dealing with industry challenges to the story behind their track Saah, Raj and Ruby reflect on their journey together. They dive into the realities of being an independent artist, managing finances, and balancing family life with the demands of the music industry. Tune in for an insightful and entertaining discussion filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and a glimpse into what’s next for Raj’s music career.

In this inspiring episode, Raj Kaul sits down with the multi-talented Dipps Bhamrah, a musician, producer, and BBC Asian Network presenter. From his roots in a legendary musical family to his insights on evolving the Punjabi music scene, Dipps shares his journey of passion, persistence, and creative innovation. Discover his unique perspective on embracing technology in live performances, the sacrifices required to pursue musical excellence, and his advice for aspiring artists. This episode is a masterclass in commitment and evolution within the music industry. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration.

In this episode, Raj Kaul sits down with Gus Campbell, aka Gussie G, a multi-talented musician and third-generation artist from Birmingham. Gus shares his incredible journey from playing bass in the iconic Bhangra band Satrang to remixing chart-topping garage tracks with the B15 Project. Together, they delve into the evolution of British Bhangra, the challenges faced by live bands in a changing music scene, and Gus’s foray into sync licensing and DJing.

Tune in for insights into music’s golden eras, the impact of AI on artistry, and what it takes to achieve musical excellence in an ever-evolving industry. This conversation is packed with inspiring stories, valuable advice for aspiring musicians, and a celebration of cross-cultural creativity. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of The Raj Kaul Podcast, Raj Kaul sits down with multi-talented musician and producer Pali Mathru. Known for his innovative fusion of funk, R&B, and traditional Punjabi music, Pali shares his journey from self-taught guitarist to a sought-after performer and music producer. Discover how he transitioned from weddings to crafting unique tracks, the influence of legends like Prince and Michael Jackson on his sound, and his approach to creating fresh, organic music. Whether you're an aspiring musician or simply a lover of great music, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for pushing creative boundaries while staying true to your roots.