Nestled in the heart of Lucknow, Makhan Da Ji recites his story. Now 75 years old, Makhan Da Ji still recalls his love for theater music just as it was yesterday. With such pure passion in his voice, Makhan Da Ji always has considered himself a “single-actor”; as in his passion for theater music is one along with his work for theater music. One could say that Makhan Da Ji prefers to be more of a recluse due to his small and tight-knit family, with one son and a couple of grandchildren, it’s easily said that Makhan Da Ji likes to lead a simpler and more solitary life. However don’t let this fool you, Makhan Da Ji is actually very social as well, especially when it comes to discussing his passion; theater music. Makhan Da Ji’s own father had organized Lucknow’s first theater, so one could say music is definitely in Makhan Da Ji’s blood. Makhan Da Ji himself left singing and acting after a bypass surgery in 2013. However, that did not deter him from keeping his love for theater music alive.

So now, he runs his own musical theater in which he says there are different types of music that are used, such as beat, symphony, and most importantly, instruments. Although Makhan Da Ji mainly puts emphasis on the euphonious sounds of the sitar and violin to maintain the uniqueness of music. Makhan Da Ji believes that music is as important as any other component in theater such as costume, dancing, and makeup. He says that music made its way into the world of drama later on, before music, drama was lifeless. Makhan Da Ji has a unique perspective on music, and it’s this very perspective that allows him to be respected. According to Makhan Da Ji, music isn’t different, it’s one entity. Sure, there’s folk and there’s rock, but after a point, it’s all music. Makhan Da Ji would all but disagree with the statement: Music is a universal language, because to him, it is. Music is a unifying force that helps people get a better understanding of each other, and through this, people from multitudes of backgrounds are able to connect with one another, and that is exactly what Makhan Da Ji is here for.