Fluency of the hands, unique sound and plethora of practice are what give rise to a star guitarist. From bonfires and concerts to chilling in cafés, guitarists are the heart of every musical performance. Much known for his musical talents, is another rising star in the world of music, Punit Lotia. We bring to you, the life story of a professional guitarist, a musician, a traveler and a man driven by his dreams.
Early life!
Born in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai and raised in the same city, Punit was an average boy since his childhood. During the completion of his last year of intermediate school from a private institution, he had to go through immense hardships of life. He was only 16 when his father was diagnosed with partial paralysis. It was not just a difficult phase for him mentally, but left the family of 5 members in distress too. But Punit’s perseverance was built on a firm foundation. He, along with his mother, took up odd jobs to maintain a good living. It was during this time that he joined a music class to learn guitar as a hobby. Who knew, an activity taken up as a hobby would soon turn into passion and the dream of his life.
Punit’s first second-hand guitar was bought from his first salary that he earned after delivering goods for a month or two. The same guitar is a souvenir of those days to him today. After just a few months of practicing guitar, he got the opportunities to share the stage with his teacher, Mr Deepak Bhaing. Later, he started his own music classes, which have been active for 12 years now. His first great and the most memorable achievement was his own music band, “The Bombay Tribe”, whose foundations were laid by Lotia himself, along with his two very talented students in 2015. The band throve for 2 years, won several music competitions, made tours to Goa, performed in the cafés of Goa, created unforgettable memories with each other and after those 2 years, they all went on their individual paths.
Lotia is currently a part of one of the greatest musical projects in the country, “Ekam Satt: Mission for Nation”. The project aims to connect with the Armed Forces and provide them with the best of entertainment. He has performed at over 18 locations, traveling around the many states of the country as well as abroad, including Indonesia, Bali and Dubai. So far, he has performed in more than 50 concerts as a part of the project. Traveling to places with the team has added amusement to the adventures of his life. But in the graph of his life, his mother, brother and his better half, Meera have been the constant line of support.
In 2019, Lotia met Manish Kulkarni, his current guru, his greatest inspiration of his life and career. The practicalities of the world of music, along with life lessons, were taught by his guru. Quoting Lotia’s words, “It’s important to know what to do and what not to do”; those differences were taught to him by his guru himself.
His message!
Punit believes that for every artist, practicing his skills is the only way to success. He states that one cannot achieve all that one desires merely overnight. It requires years of hardwork, skill refinement and perseverance to fulfil the dreams. The more you dedicate yourself to music, the more will music dedicate itself to you. One should be the competitor to self rather than comparing self with the others. Punit’s journey is certainly an inspiration among the youth, which reflects that it requires a blend of hardwork, perseverance and passion to reach up to the skies.
