In the sprawling suburbs of Noida, where dreams often compete with the humdrum of daily life, Vaibhav Chauhan found his calling early. Growing up in a modest village, surrounded by the cacophony of ambition and tradition, Chauhan nurtured a secret love for storytelling, music, and film. Decades later, he is now a rising star in the UK’s music and film industries, crafting a narrative that bridges two worlds while inspiring countless others.
Chauhan’s journey began with quiet defiance. “As a child, I always wanted to tell stories to the world,” he says, recalling how he immersed himself in films and melodies, despite the lack of artistic influence in his family. While his parents hoped for a conventional career path, Chauhan harbored a passion for the arts, keeping it hidden for years.
The turning point came when Chauhan joined the Bollywood horror-comedy 'Shootiyapa' as an assistant director. The experience didn’t just immerse him in filmmaking—it unveiled his musical talent. When an opportunity arose to pitch his music for the film’s title track, Chauhan grabbed it. His work impressed the team, cementing his belief that storytelling could take multiple forms. “That was when I realized I didn’t need to choose between music and filmmaking—they could coexist,” he shares.
His work on 'Shootiyapa' opened doors, including collaborations with South Indian cinema heavyweights like actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. These experiences taught him versatility, working across genres and regions to hone his craft. Yet Chauhan wasn’t content to stay in familiar territory. He envisioned a broader canvas for his creativity.
In 2021, Chauhan took a leap of faith and moved to London to pursue a Master’s in Film Directing at the Met Film School. The transition was seismic—he left behind a growing career in India to start anew in a city where he had no connections. “Coming to London was like starting from scratch,” he says. Financial constraints meant taking up freelance work, often for free, as he built his network and portfolio.
London’s vibrant yet unfamiliar music scene presented both challenges and opportunities. Chauhan began producing videos for local artists in exchange for studio time to work on his own music. His Hindi compositions, though rooted in a specific cultural context, resonated with audiences who didn’t understand the language.
“To enjoy music, you don’t need to understand the language—you just need to feel it,” he says, explaining how his music found an emotional connection with listeners. This openness to cross-cultural collaboration has become a hallmark of Chauhan’s work.
While music remains a central passion, Chauhan’s experiences in London have deepened his engagement with filmmaking. His time at Met Film School sharpened his storytelling skills, influencing the way he approaches music videos. “For me, every song is a story,” he explains. His dual roles as musician and filmmaker allow him to craft immersive audiovisual experiences that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.
From Delhi’s Mandi House theatre scene to the creative hubs of London, Chauhan’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding belief in his craft. He has not only bridged continents but also built a career that integrates his Indian roots with global sensibilities.
Chauhan’s story serves as a beacon for aspiring artists navigating their own challenges. His success is proof that one’s origins do not define their destiny. Instead, it is passion, persistence, and the courage to dream that shape a person’s path.
As Chauhan continues to evolve, weaving together the threads of music and film, his journey reminds us of the universal power of storytelling—and the boundless possibilities for those willing to chase their dreams.
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