People often talk about the simplicity and humility of those who live in the mountains. Deep Lal and his group embody that very essence. With heartfelt warmth, Deep Lal invited us to his village and arranged for our locations, which were beyond words—simply beautiful. As the Beas River flowed gently next to The Nirvana property, we began setting up. That day, amidst unexpected heavy rains, we asked the group to settle under a sheltered spot.
Deep Lal, proudly referring to himself as Harijan (people of God), shared how music brings him closer to the divine. A musician himself, Deep understands the importance of supporting other artists. He believes that uplifting fellow musicians is a responsibility—one of the simplest ways to make a difference on humanitarian grounds.
At 33, Deep Lal has written and composed over 300 songs. His journey with music began in his school days when he actively participated in music-related activities and competitions. With pride, he showed us pictures of his accolades and medals, won at both school and national levels.
He fondly recollects memories of his childhood when mornings were dedicated to school and evenings were spent working on the family farm. Deep’s versatility shines through—he excels not just in music but also in acting and dancing. After completing his Master’s degree in Music from Shimla University in 2007, he ventured into business. In 2009, he started a tent and DJ equipment service alongside filmmaking. Deep’s songs often reflect his deep religious beliefs, as well as the small yet profound quirks of daily life.
Deep Lal and his group are masters of Kulvi Nati, the traditional folk dance of Himachal Pradesh. They have performed on several prestigious platforms, including international events. One of their most memorable performances was at the home of Karan Singh, the brother of Raja Maheshwar Singh, who personally invited them for celebrations.
Deep credits much of his inspiration to Mr. S.D. Kashyap, a renowned folk performer in Himachal Pradesh. His group dreams of making their way into Bollywood to share Himachal Pradesh’s culture and traditions with audiences across the globe.
The group is strengthened by two key members—Sukhram and Kiran Joshi, both equally passionate about music.
- Sukhram is a powerhouse of talent, blessed with one of the most melodious voices in Himachal Pradesh. Despite losing 75% of his eyesight due to a medical condition, Sukhram remains unstoppable. Recently, he completed a professional course in music at Sutradhar Kala Sangam and recorded an album titled “Bashkoli Dhamaka” with Deep Lal’s support. Sukhram’s dedication to refining his art and contributing to society is truly inspiring. Despite the challenges he faces, his unwavering passion for music motivates him to improve every single day.
- Kiran Joshi, the youngest member of the group, has been singing since he was 11 years old. Currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree, Kiran is brimming with potential and ambition. Deep Lal, who has known Kiran since childhood, admires his dedication to songwriting and music. Kiran often writes songs that highlight social issues, hoping to create positive change through his music.
The instruments used by Deep Lal and his group add a distinct flavor to their performances. They incorporate everyday objects in creative ways, such as a copper plate filled with rice, played rhythmically with a stick, alongside traditional instruments like the dholak and anklets. This unconventional use of simple items demonstrates their ingenuity and deep-rooted connection to their culture.
Deep Lal and his group represent the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s musical heritage. Their dedication to Kulvi Nati and folk music not only entertains but also preserves their cultural identity. Through their performances, they carry forward the legacy of their ancestors while simultaneously creating new music that resonates with the issues of modern times.
Their journey is one of resilience, creativity, and hope. While they aim to bring Himachal’s music to larger platforms, their ultimate goal is to promote unity, culture, and social awareness through their art.
As the rains poured down that day, the group’s music—filled with rhythm and soul—transcended the weather, connecting us all to something timeless and deeply human. Deep Lal and his group remind us that music, at its core, is not just entertainment—it is a way of life, a way to uplift, and a way to unite communities.
