An internet sensation, singer Danny has marched along in his musical journey

From humming along with his mother to becoming a viral sensation, Danny’s musical journey reflects the beauty of natural progression and the power of passion. His story is not one of instant fame, but rather showcases perseverance, self-learning and embracing opportunities that come one’s way. When asked about the origins of his musical journey, Danny recalls, “I don’t remember exactly when I started singing, but I recall that as a kid, when my mom used to cook, she would sing and I would croon along with her. That’s how it all began.”

Big break with Ve Haaniyaan

If that’s about his early memories of singing, his first professional break came unexpectedly, “Ve Haaniyaan is the first time I was approached to sing for such a platform.” It was a simple beginning, but it marked the start of something much larger, a journey that has now introduced him to audiences worldwide.

When it comes to this viral hit, Danny reflects on the spontaneous nature of its creation. “If we look at it, there wasn’t really a defined process,” he says. The song’s journey began with a written piece by Sagar and when it was first created, it was meant for a soap opera. “It first reached Avi, who called me to record a dummy version because it was supposed to be telecast in a daily soap that evening. After two-three months, someone told me that my song was trending in a couple of places even before its official release. When it was finally released and became popular, it felt like a blessing to see my song flourishing like that.” The overwhelming response from listeners and celebrities alike was something Danny had never anticipated, but it became a defining moment in his career. This was followed by the title track for Medal and Mere Bina.

Stuff dreams are made of

Even before Ve Haaniyaan, Danny was popular, thanks to his live performances, which have been a crucial part of his musical journey. From his college days, where he performed in clubs and pubs for fun, to now, where he’s connecting with larger audiences, Danny believes that live performances offer a unique form of interaction. “Performing live allows you to talk about your songs, get real-time reactions and create a special connection with the audience. It’s a next-level experience when people appreciate your music, sing along and show their love.”

The impact of social media on Danny’s career cannot be overstated. His song Ve Haaniyaan has been featured in over 9.2 million posts and reels on Instagram, showcasing the power of these platforms in shaping an artiste’s career. “Social media is amazing—I’ve seen and experienced its power firsthand. I went to bed with my dreams and when I woke up the next day, I had taken a step towards success. It was an incredible experience,” Danny reflects.

With years of live performances under his belt, Danny is no stranger to the energy exchange that happens between an artiste and the crowd. This energy, he says, is an essential part of his performance, fuelling him to give his best every time he steps on stage.

About the difference between composing for a film and a personal project, Danny explains, “When it comes to singles, the process is often directionless and unorganised. We create freely and see in the end whether it sounds good or not. However, for a movie or a specific situation, you have to tune your mind to what kind of lyrics, composition, progression and chords would fit the context. The entire process becomes specific and follows certain restrictions. In contrast, making singles allows for a freer, more creative approach.”

Musical versatility

This balance between structure and freedom in his creative process allows Danny to explore his musical versatility, whether in a film or a more personal project.

Danny’s foray into lyric-writing and composing was an unexpected yet rewarding turn in his career. “Over time, I realised that I could write lyrics and even compose music,” he shares. What started as a necessity, when he couldn’t find a writer for a project, turned into a passion. There’s a lot that has been crafted with care and will be out this year. I hope people love it.”

Collaboration has been another vital aspect of Danny’s growth as an artiste. His recent single Teri Akhiyan, created with the label DM, has been well received. “Collaboration is an amazing opportunity for an artiste because it allows you to add new elements to your style and broaden your creative vision,” he shares.

Looking ahead, Danny is excited about the projects lined up, including his contribution to Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s YouTube venture, Dreamiyata. With a song set to release soon, he’s focused on expanding his artistic range and sharing his work with the world.