Music can, often, be something that can tie people together, creating bonds where previously none existed. But what happens if instead of creating a bond, music is actually born from one? Therein lies the story behind Jalraj, a moniker used by the brothers, Jalaj and Rajat. What lies behind them is an interesting tale, one marked by pursuit of an accidental passion, a period where they almost gave up on their love for music and a driven resurgence in the face of complete uncertainty. It is a story punctuated not only by a familial bond but also a shared love for music, one that has led them to a point where they, finally, see the fruits of their own labour.
Born in Uttar Pradesh, the two brothers, on account of their father’s job, were raised around the country, spending a majority of their time in Himachal Pradesh, besides others. Coming from a family that stressed on the importance of attaining an educational degree, the two finished their Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering before serving a year out in the field. Music, incidentally, was a, quite literally, due to an accident. At some point in the past, Rajat managed to end up with a broken leg on his birthday. As a conciliatory gesture, their parents bought him a guitar upon his request. That marked the beginning of their musical journey.
Making music since 2011, Jalaj and Rajat state that not a single day has gone by where they did not stumble into an unforeseen challenge. The hardest phase for them, however, was when they were posted in different places. The YouTube channel they had started in 2015 had an uncertain future during that period. There even came a point where they considered giving up on making music, not just as a dedicated professional pursuit but also as a hobby. Those 4 years of uncertainty was, perhaps, the one point that truly questioned their dedication to music. However, at the end of it, both brothers just decided to go for it, quitting their jobs just before the lockdown in 2020 and dedicating all their time and effort to their YouTube channel. That, according to them, was the biggest leap of faith that they had taken.
And it was well worth the risk. Within 6 months of restarting their channel, Jalraj, as a musical duo, found recognition online. Their rendition of ‘Zara Zara Bahekta Hai’ gained massive traction. It currently sits at 55 million views and is still growing. Riding on the success and support they had received based on that cover, they were approached by Indie Music Label, in collaboration with whom they produced their debut song ‘Sunn Zara’. Those two songs marked a foundational point in their journey, one that helped them gain the recognition and support they have today.
“Success and failure go hand in hand, not just in music but in life as well.”
Jalaj and Rajat (Jalraj)
Even so, their journey, so far, has not been one without its own set of challenges. Leaving aside the initial period of uncertainty, the duo assert that failure, in fact, is part of every song they work on. The success, or the concept of it, only comes in when they finish the track after having faced and overcome the obstacles and challenges that each song brings. For Jalraj, success and failure are not mutually exclusive. Each endeavour brings its own set of challenges, the idea of success only comes with being able to face that challenge. And, Jalraj, as a duo, has been able to face each and every one of these challenges all due to their one true passion, that of making music.
It is in pursuit of their passion that they have been able to spread positivity and reach out and touch people’s lives in a manner that they, otherwise, would not have been able to. Indeed, their own success is founded on a single minded drive, shared by two individuals, to make music. They have followed their passion, yes. However, as the brothers reassert, they have done so in the face of everything that has been thrown at them. With each step, they have been patient and persevered where they could have failed. To others wishing to follow their own dreams and passion, they would advise the same. Patience and Perseverance. After all, someone did once say good things come to those who wait. And, for Jalraj, this is merely the beginning of everything good.
