As MufflerMan, Abhilash Thapliyal’s characters in the viral videos he creates are known and loved all over the country. A renowned voiceover artiste, Abhilash moved from lending only his voice to videos to being the face of them with online and TV videos. He will soon make his Bollywood debut with Makhna, starring Taapsee Pannu and Saqib Saleem. We ask him about his musical favourites:
One song you have on repeat on your iPod: Currently it’s Udta Punjab’s Ikk Kudi.
If you had to put together a soundtrack for your life, five songs that best describe your life would be: Tanha Dil by Shaan, Mumma from Dasvidaniya, Yun Hi Chala Chal from Swades, O Palanhare from Lagaan, and I’m the Best from Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
Is there a song you love to listen to when: You’re happy and upbeat? I prefer to sing than to listen to a song when happy!
You’re really low? Arziyaan from Delhi 6 and Yeh Honsla from Dor. They bring me back to my groove
You’re working out? The DJ at the gym decides that!
Music you loved as a kid or a teenager, and you’re now embarrassed by when you think back: Not really. Hawa Hawa (Hasan Jahangir) is still the coolest song.
You would describe your taste in music as: Every genre has its own charm. It completely depends on the mood and my state of mind. I can fall in love with the most insipid of songs if the day is like that.
Your favourite time or way to listen to music: While driving to work. That’s the only time I get to step back and just enjoy the music.
One band or musician that you would like to perform a private concert for you: Kailasa — their energy is infectious. I will make them play Bam Lahiri on repeat.
One live act you would love to see at least once in your life: While I’ve seen his concerts several times before, I wish I could have seen Jagjit Singh perform once again. I guess some dreams are just meant to be dreams.
