Singer-Composer Dhiru (Dhirendra Mulkalwar) Speaks About His Latest Marathi Single Jevlis Ka? And More

The Marathi music scene is changing thanks to many songs going viral. And the makers are getting noticed. Singer-composer Dhiru is one such name. His recently released Marathi independent single in the Marathi pop space titled Jevlis Ka? is garnering praise.

Dhiru, whose full name is Dhirendra Mulkalwar, has worked for quite some time in music production with background scores of various acclaimed films like Uri, Article 15 and Toilet Ek Prem Katha. He also composed music for Tuesday, a short film screened at Cannes.

He speaks about his latest Marathi independent single Jevlis Ka? and more.

Excerpts from the Interview:

First and foremost, do tell us about your Marathi independent pop single.

Jevlis Ka? is more than just a song. It's an emotion, a playful yet heartfelt expression of love and care. The phrase is embedded deeply in our daily lives, something we hear from the people who matter most. That's what made it so special to me. I wanted to take this simple yet meaningful phrase and reimagine it in a way that feels fresh, modern, and universally relatable.

Sonically, the track blends retro funk, dance-pop and hyperpop influences while keeping its core distinctly Marathi. The phrase Jevlis Ka? had been stuck in my head for the longest time—I kept hearing it in a rhythmic, almost melodic way. That's when I realised it had the potential to be the heart of a song.

Building the song around this hook, I infused it with a retro funk groove and dance-pop energy to give it a youthful and dynamic feel. The biggest challenge was making the lyrics feel effortless and natural. And Akshay Shinde did a brilliant job of capturing that conversational charm.

From composition to production, the entire process was about balancing nostalgia and modernity—ensuring it felt new while staying true to its Marathi essence. In the end, Jevlis Ka? became what I envisioned: a fun, catchy, and heartfelt song that feels fresh and familiar.

What has the response been like?

The response has been overwhelming, especially seeing people who don't understand the language vibing to the track. Jevlis Ka? was created over a year ago. Since then, I have been playing it for different people — friends, colleagues, family, kids, elders, boys, and girls — to see how they reacted to it. Their excitement and energy made me realise that this song needed to be out in the world.

Now, after its release, I'm witnessing a similar response on a much wider scale from people I don't even know personally. The fact that the song transcends age, gender, and language barriers is truly special. It proves that music has its own way of connecting with people beyond just words.

Despite being from Maharashtra, why late to come up with any song in your native language?

Yes, Jevlis Ka? is my first independent Marathi release. I started composing new-age Marathi songs around four to five years ago. But Jevlis Ka? was created about a year ago. I was always confident that there was an audience for a new-age sonic palette in Marathi music. But the fact that no one else was exploring this space kept bothering me. That's when I decided to rediscover myself. I revisited my earlier musical influences and began composing songs deeply rooted in core Marathi culture.

Once the compositions felt right, I started producing them with a fresh, new-age sound infused with strong retro elements. This blend of nostalgia and modernity became the foundation of my sonic identity.

That being said, this isn’t my first Marathi composition. I previously composed a Marathi song for the film Make Up (2020) under the name Dhirendra Mulkalwar. However, Jevlis Ka? marks a new chapter as an independent artist, bringing my vision for futuristic-yet-rooted Marathi pop to life.

How has the journey been into being a music composer and producer?

As a kid, the first time I heard Kehna Hi Kya from the film Bombay, composed by the great A.R. Rahman. It completely blew my mind—especially the interlude with Tabla, dholak, and that aggressive slap bass. It felt like I was hearing something from another world. My elder brother, Viru, and I would crank up the volume whenever that song played on Doordarshan.

Music had always been a part of me—I remember banging on kitchen jars and boxes while my mother cooked, imagining that I was performing in a grand concert. Whenever I listen to A.R. Rahman or international artists like Bryan Adams, Backstreet Boys, MLTR, Ricky Martin, and classical giants like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, I dream of becoming a music director one day. A big part of shaping my musical taste was thanks to my elder brother, who exposed me to a variety of music.

Later, my guru, Late Rajeev Pilley Sir, played a huge role in refining that taste — not just by teaching me Indian classical music but also by introducing me to artists and bands like Eagles, Metallica, Boney M, and more. Over the years, I've been influenced by legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Kumar Gandharva, Kishori Tai Amonkar, Pink Floyd, Telefon Tel Aviv, Michael Jackson, James Brown, and many others.

When I finally started making music as a composer and producer, all these influences along with my guruji's training, played a role in shaping my sound. Technical skills are important in music composition. But having a refined taste in music is equally crucial.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to work with many brilliant directors, singers, lyricists, and audio engineers. I also consider myself lucky to have worked on several memorable ad films, National Award-winning films, Cannes-nominated films, and other internationally acclaimed projects. Every experience has helped shape the artist I am today, and the journey continues.

What’s it like working on projects like Uri, Article 15 and Toilet – Ek Prem Katha?

Working on these projects has been an incredible journey, with each film offering a distinct learning experience. Film music is more than just creating melodies—it's about enhancing emotions, building tension, and bringing depth to storytelling.

On Uri and Article 15, I learned the power of subtlety, how sonic textures can shape an audience’s perception, and how music can amplify the emotions of a scene. These projects required careful attention to detail—understanding when to hold back and when to create an impact.

Beyond the technical aspects, these experiences have reinforced my love for sound as a storytelling tool. Whether it's a high-intensity war film or an independent short film at Cannes, the common thread remains the same—the emotional connection with the audience. This philosophy is something I carry into every composition, whether it’s for film or my independent music.

Who do you aspire to be in the entertainment industry?

I truly believe that competition is a great motivator. It encourages artists to push their boundaries and strive for excellence. In many ways, it helps refine one's craft and ensures that we continuously evolve. If there were little to no competition, there might be a tendency to become complacent. It could ultimately impact the quality of one's work.

That being said, in the Marathi music space, there are very few artists currently exploring the sonic palette I am working with. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, I consider it a first-mover advantage, an opportunity to bring something fresh to the industry.

More than anything, my aspiration is not just personal success, but to contribute—however humbly—to the evolution of Marathi music. If, in any way, my work can inspire a shift, introduce new sounds, or encourage more artists to experiment, that would be deeply fulfilling for me.

What next from your end? Also, why should anyone hear Jevlis Ka?

If you're looking for a peppy track to groove to, a fun way to impress your crush or just a song to share with your loved ones as a sweet expression of care, Jevlis Ka? is the perfect pick! Whether on a long drive, vibing with friends, or just in the mood for something fresh and energetic, this song is meant to make you move and feel good.

As for what's next—2025 is a year of new possibilities and creative exploration. I have a lot of music in the works, bringing fresh sonic experiences while maintaining a sense of nostalgia with a futuristic edge. Beyond just music, I'm also focusing on crafting a more immersive experience through visual storytelling, collaborations, and innovative ways to connect with listeners.

Beyond releasing songs, I'm excited about collaborating with artists across different creative fields to bring unique projects to life. Most importantly, I want to connect with my audience in a deeper, more personal way. For me, this year is not just about making music—it's about building something meaningful, something that truly resonates.