In an exclusive interview, composer Prateek Rajagopal has revealed the pivotal role his collegemate, Adarsh Gourav, played in landing him his debut Hindi film, "Tu Yaa Main." Rajagopal, a versatile musician known for his work in Hollywood and his roots in the Mumbai metal scene, credits Gourav with connecting him to the film's director, Bejoy Nambiar.

"It all started with Adarsh," Rajagopal shared. "We were in college together, and he knew about my passion for music and my aspirations to compose for films. When he heard that Bejoy Nambiar was looking for a composer for 'Tu Yaa Main,' he immediately suggested that I meet him."

Rajagopal, who has collaborated with Grammy-nominated artists and whose musical style spans genres from orchestral writing to visceral metal, admitted that he was initially hesitant. "I had been focusing on my work in Los Angeles, and the thought of venturing into Bollywood seemed daunting. But Adarsh was persistent. He believed that my unique musical perspective would be a great fit for the film."

Following Gourav's advice, Rajagopal reached out to Nambiar and secured a meeting. "I remember being incredibly nervous," Rajagopal recalled. "Bejoy is a renowned director, and I was just starting out. But he was very encouraging and open to my ideas."

Rajagopal's diverse musical background, which includes experience in composing for ads, films, and even metal bands like Gutslit, proved to be an asset. "Bejoy was looking for a score that would blend different genres and create a unique sonic landscape for the film," Rajagopal explained. "My experience in various musical styles allowed me to offer him something different."

"Tu Yaa Main," marks a significant milestone in Rajagopal's career, who is a recent graduate of USC's Screen Scoring program. After spending time diving into composing for various media, Rajagopal moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to study at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. The film provided him with the opportunity to bring his diverse musical experiences to the Bollywood scene. He has also worked with Joseph Shirley and Ludwig Goransson in Hollywood.

Rajagopal's journey to becoming a composer wasn't always straightforward. Raised in Muscat, Oman, he initially considered a career in finance before dedicating himself to music. He played in several bands in Mumbai's metal scene and later honed his skills in composing and producing music.

Looking back, Rajagopal is grateful for Gourav's unwavering support. "Adarsh's belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue this opportunity," he said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without his encouragement." "Tu Yaa Main" is slated for release later this year, and Rajagopal's score is already generating buzz within the industry.