Emerging from his village roots, Rahgir has created his own unique genre with his travel-inspired soulful music and straight-from-the-heart lyrics. An engineer-turned-musician, he found his passion for storytelling through songs, embracing a life of self-discovery that resonates deeply with his audience.

Sunil Kumar Gurjar, popularly known as Rahgir, is an emerging Folk Singer and Songwriter from Bikaner in Rajasthan.

Singer and performing artist Sunil says he adopted his stage name ‘Rahgir’ when he ventured into the world of music and songwriting. He shares that the decision to pick the name ‘Rahgir’ stemmed from his desire to keep his identity free from preconceived notions related to his background, ensuring that his audience connects with his music rather than his name.

Sunil Kumar wanted to be recognized for his songs, and not by societal labels. Additionally, he resonates deeply with the name "Rahgir," as it reflects his love for traveling and aligns perfectly with the essence of the songs he creates and performs.

Talking about his unique and innovative music genre, Rahgir explains that it is not something entirely new but rather a continuation of traditional folk music. He points out that old folk songs have always revolved around daily life, whether about family struggles, farming, or other real-life experiences. He further supports this by referencing the songs of Kabir, which were also deeply rooted in everyday situations. According to him, while other genres might lose relevance over time, music that reflects real-life experiences will always remain timeless, as it is grounded in reality.

Reflecting on his life, ‘Rahgir’ Sunil Kumar, shares that he pursued Engineering at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, graduating in 2014. It was during his college days when he began exploring his passion for writing, penning down 2-3 poems and a few songs, despite having no prior knowledge of singing or playing musical instruments. However, he had a vague sense of how his lyrics could be transformed into melodies, planting the early seeds of his musical career.

After graduating from college, Rahgir secured a job in Pune, where he found himself writing more songs. However, as time passed, he began to wonder what to do with his growing collection of songs and poems. He realized that while many people engage in writing, he wanted to take a different approach—something unique that would set him apart. This thought sparked his career toward not just writing but also performing his own music.

Singer & Songwriter Rahgir then discovered Country Music in English and noticed how artists performed while traveling, using minimal instruments and rhythm yet creating a powerful impact. He observed that most country songs were deeply content-driven, which boosted his confidence and inspired him to embrace the genre. Since he also loved traveling and writing songs, he saw an opportunity to merge his interests and passion, shaping his unique musical life.

Songwriter-Singer Rahgir initially planned to buy a guitar, learn to play it, and form a band as a side hustle,  where he would write the lyrics, play the guitar in the background, and have a singer perform the songs as he did not have much knowledge about rhythm and melody. However, as his musical aspirations grew, he decided to quit his job and fully commit to his passion. He learned to play the guitar from a friend, taking his first steps toward becoming an independent singer-songwriter.

Remembering his first performance, Rahgir shares that he used to frequently visit a tea café, where he would enjoy his cup of tea. One day, he came up with the idea of setting up a small gathering- a ‘Mehfil’ where he would present his talent, as he had already prepared 10 to 12 songs. He approached the café owner and proposed organizing a show, offering to perform without any fees.

Folk Singer Rahgir explains that, initially, he lacked the confidence to sing Bollywood songs but felt comfortable performing his own compositions. He believed that his original songs were unique and couldn’t be judged in the same way as popular Bollywood tracks.

When he performed at the café, the response was overwhelmingly positive—people appreciated his writing and encouraged him to improve his singing and instrument-playing skills to enhance his performance. Motivated by this feedback, he continued practicing and began performing at different locations, including open mic events in short 5-6 minute slots.

Those brief performances proved to be beneficial, as they allowed him to focus on just one or two songs at a time, giving him ample opportunity to refine his skills and build confidence. The positive reception at these events further fueled his determination to pursue music more seriously.

During his performances, he decided to sing his own compositions, acknowledging that there might be imperfections but believing that the essence of his music would still resonate with people. This mindset allowed him to embrace his artistic life with confidence and authenticity.

After some time, Rahgir embarked on a two-month trip, during which he gained invaluable experiences and had multiple opportunities to perform. He recalls that this trip not only enhanced his musical skills but also deepened his understanding of storytelling through songs.

Recalling his childhood, Singer Rahgir shares that he was born and raised in Nehron Ki Dhani, a small village near Khandela town in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. His original name is Sunil Kumar Gurjar and he spent his early childhood in the village itself, studying there until the 5th grade before continuing his education in Khandela town.

He shares that his life was similar to that of many other 90s-born children in rural areas, filled with carefree days spent roaming the fields, working on farms, and tending to goats. These experiences deeply connected him to the simplicity of village life, which later influenced his music and storytelling.

Reminiscing about his childhood, Rahgir describes it as a good and carefree time. He notes that technology was not as advanced back then, and electricity was scarce—with availability alternating weekly between daytime and night time. However, despite those limitations, he recalls a relaxed and peaceful environment, where life never felt too difficult.

Music Performer Rahgir shares that he had a supportive family, where his father, a retired Army officer, and his mother, a homemaker, provided him with everything he needed. His childhood was filled with love and warmth. Although he didn't have much exposure to music during those early years, he still found ways to listen to songs through a tape recorder and CDs, which planted the seeds of his future passion for songwriting and music.

Rahgir further reflects on the societal stigmas surrounding music and career choices. He points out how singing and music are often confined to a certain standard and only considered viable as a profession under specific conditions.

He also highlights another prevalent mindset—that a student's academic performance dictates their career path. According to this belief, academically bright students should pursue science, average students should opt for commerce, and those considered less capable are directed toward the arts. Since he was a good student, his parents encouraged him to take the science stream, which eventually led him to pursue engineering.

Singer Rahgir admits that his childhood experiences have profoundly shaped him into the person he is today, which is evident in his songs and lyrics. He believes that his humble and down-to-earth writing style is a direct result of his upbringing in the village.

Rahgir emphasizes that both the lifestyle and education he received in the village played a crucial role in his artistic life. He explains that if he had grown up in a city, his songs about village life wouldn’t carry the same depth, realism, and emotional connection. He firmly believes that one cannot authentically write about a life they haven’t truly lived.

Sharing his thoughts on the modern concept of going viral,  Rahgir shares that the concept of viral videos is quite tricky. He elaborates that while people often say, "Keep going, and you will find success," he never fully grasped what success meant, as he never initially aspired to become a singer or songwriter.

Drawing from his own experience, he explains that when he was in the village, his only goal was to complete his studies with good marks and secure a stable job. He pursued engineering, found employment, and only after that did he start exploring his passion for writing and singing songs. His path was not pre-planned but rather a natural progression driven by curiosity and creativity.

Rahgir believes that success is not a fixed destination but rather a personal thing with different meanings for everyone. When people tell him he will succeed, he believes he is already successful because he is doing what he truly loves.

He elaborates that if his heart tells him to go to Bikaner, perform there, and sing specific songs, he has the freedom to do so. For him, success lies in the ability to follow his passion while also making a good living from it. He acknowledges that not many people get the opportunity to do what they love and earn from it, making his path all the more fulfilling.

Songwriter Rahgir describes the trend of going viral as just a game of numbers. While he is happy that his recent success brought him more followers, something every artist hopes for, he values it more for the freedom it has given him. He shares that earlier, he had to work in a call center and do content writing to manage his expenses. However, after going viral, he has gained more recognition, allowing him to book well-paying shows and focus entirely on his passion for music and travel.

He further shares that, while he enjoys performing live among people, he recognizes the importance of social media in today's world. Although his true passion lies in engaging directly with an audience, he understands that social media helps him reach a wider audience and stay relevant. To keep up with trends and adapt to the evolving music industry, he actively shares his work online, even though his heart remains with live performances.

With financial stability now on his side, Rahgir finds himself with the creative freedom to focus on his art rather than worrying about expenses. He acknowledges the impact of a growing audience; earlier, when his posts received only 500 to 1,000 views, it sometimes affected his confidence and motivation. Now, with a larger following, he puts more thought into his content, which enhances his creativity and brainstorming process. He concludes by saying that he was happy before going viral and remains happy now, just a little more than before.

When asked about his COVID experience, Rahgir shares that as someone who loves to travel and explore, the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging period for him. Seeing the entire world come to a halt made him feel insignificant in comparison. The feeling of being stuck in one place, coupled with the constant stream of negative news about deaths within social circles, made the time deeply depressing. Although he had always been optimistic about life, even he felt the weight of the situation. However, he managed to cope by keeping himself busy and avoiding overthinking, which helped him navigate through the difficult times.

Folk Singer Rahgir considers the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic as an unexpected blessing in disguise for him. Before the lockdown, he constantly struggled with the question of where to settle. Living in a rented flat in Pune, he found it difficult to sustain himself solely through his music, as paying rent and managing other expenses became a challenge. Seeking a more affordable lifestyle, he moved to Udaipur and stayed with his friend Sushil Hooda. However, after some time, he considered relocating to Bikaner. Just as he was about to make the move, the lockdown was imposed, forcing him to return to his village—a turn of events that ultimately reshaped his path to success.

After returning home, Singer Rahgir felt the relief of not having to worry about rent and other living expenses. This newfound financial ease allowed him to focus entirely on honing his skills and building his presence on social media. With more time at his disposal, he dedicated himself to writing songs and creating content, which later contributed to his viral success. Looking back, he describes this period as a much-needed phase of mental stability and self-growth that played a crucial role in shaping his artistic life.

Rahgir further explains that folk music often becomes region-specific, such as Rajasthani Folk or Punjabi Folk, which makes it difficult for him to categorize his own genre. Whenever someone asks, he finds it challenging to define his music under a single label. He emphasizes that his songs vary much in style and character because he never received formal training that might have set guidelines or boundaries. Instead, he has created music purely based on his understanding, instincts, and experiences, making each composition unique in its own way.

He explains that his songwriting is deeply rooted in personal experiences and observations from his travels and life. He believes that he can only write about what he has genuinely lived through, as adding random elements would not create an authentic connection. His songs resonate with people because they are drawn from real emotions and relatable moments. This is why he keeps his lyrics simple and heartfelt—so they can directly connect with listeners.

Rahgir further elaborates that, at our core, all humans are the same. It is only our individual experiences that shape our external differences. To illustrate this, he shares a simple example: if both he and another person see a cute dog on the road, they would feel the same joy, just as they would both feel sadness upon seeing an animal hurt in an accident. The only variation might be in how long each person dwells on the feeling, but the fundamental emotional response remains the same.

Besides traveling and singing, Rahgir Sunil Kumar Gurjar enjoys reading books and watching movies. He has a deep appreciation for well-crafted films with strong scripts and compelling content, regardless of language or genre—whether it’s English, French, or Hindi. Lately, he has also taken an interest in sketching and is actively learning the skill.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Rahgir values spending quality time with his friends. He finds joy in dancing, playing, and simply unwinding in his village, embracing the carefree moments that keep him connected to his roots.

Recalling some cherished moments, Rahgir shares that he is fortunate to be filled with good and positive memories. One incident that stands out took place during a trip to Bikaner when he performed at Indra’s Café. The café owner had invited his family and friends, including some elderly individuals with remarkable personalities. As Rahgir performed, they listened intently, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of warmth and appreciation.

After the performance, he had the opportunity to interact with the audience. During the conversation, he mentioned that his father served in the army. One of the elderly gentlemen, upon hearing this, became visibly delighted and revealed that he had also served in the 6th regiment as a colonel. To Rahgir’s surprise, the man further shared that his father had been his junior in the army, making the moment even more special and deeply personal.

The guest took Rahgir’s father's number from him and made a call, leading to an emotional moment for his father. The guest conveyed his appreciation for Rahgir’s work and assured his father that his son was doing well. It was a touching and unforgettable experience for Rahgir as well.

He emphasizes that such gestures of encouragement go a long way in reassuring parents, especially when their children choose unconventional career paths. Moments like these strengthen the bond between dreams and family support, making the process even more meaningful.

Sunil Kumar Gurjar Rahgir imparts advice for young aspirants, humbly stating that while he may not be a big personality, his experience over the past 4–5 years has taught him valuable lessons. One key insight he offers is about the early struggles of gaining recognition.

He shares that in the beginning, many artists and creators ask their friends to share their work, but apart from a few close friends, most people won’t do it. Instead of getting discouraged, he advises focusing on proving oneself over time. Once an artist establishes credibility and impact, there will be no need to ask for support, friends and audiences will share the work on their own.

Singer Rahgir further advises young aspirants to prioritize performing live and gaining experience among people rather than solely focusing on social media. While he acknowledges the importance of online presence, he stresses that real-world performances create lasting connections that don’t fade away.

He suggests against becoming overly dependent on social media, citing the example of TikTok, which was abruptly banned, leaving many creators without a platform. In contrast, a physical audience remains because of the personal bond formed through live performances. Performing in front of people also provides valuable insights—helping artists recognize their mistakes, refine their craft, and even gain inspiration for new songs when audiences sing along.

Rahgir also encourages aspiring artists to keep studying and reading books from different genres and their favorite writers. He believes that books offer valuable lessons by showcasing the mistakes others have made, allowing readers to learn and grow.

He further explains that success takes time, and if someone is pursuing art solely for fame and money, they might end up feeling frustrated and exhausted if they don’t achieve their desired results even after years of effort. However, if they genuinely enjoy the process, success will come naturally. And even if it doesn’t bring the expected outcome, there will be no regrets because they followed their passion and did what they truly wanted to do.

Musing on his own journey, Rahgir shares that for the past 4-5 years, he has traveled extensively, often taking local buses and general-class train compartments to reach different places for performances. Despite the challenges and discomfort of his travels, he finds that the moment he begins singing for people, all the struggles fade away. The joy of performing and connecting with his audience makes every hardship worthwhile.

He further adds that having true friends is essential, especially those who stand by you during struggles and inspire you to keep moving forward. He emphasizes the importance of building meaningful connections and investing time in the right people, as they play a crucial role in personal and professional growth.

Rahgir observes that in today's world, people are increasingly drawn to imaginative stories and fairy tales because they offer an escape from people’s busy and exhausting lives. He believes that as people become more overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, they seek content that provides comfort and a sense of relief. However, he also highlights the significance of songs rooted in reality, as they create a sense of belonging. Such songs remind listeners that they are not alone in their struggles, fostering a connection with others who share similar experiences.

Rahgir shares that when he sings, his audience experiences a blend of different flavors and genres, which makes his music unique. He describes his style as neither entirely new nor completely traditional, but rather a fusion of both. He firmly believes that this genre will never fade away because it resonates deeply with people and their everyday lives. Despite never receiving formal training in singing or rhythm, he has still managed to perform in various places and gain recognition. He attributes this success to the genuine connection people feel with his music, proving that authenticity and relatability matter more than technical perfection.

Rahgir acknowledges that in the next 5–10 years, he might evolve and create even better work. At the same time, other artists and musicians performing in the same genre, who are currently not well-known, may rise to prominence. He recognizes that virality is unpredictable, and someone else might gain attention and share similar insights as him. However, he sees this as a positive sign, believing that this genre has great potential for growth. He points out that bands like Kabir Café and independent artists performing in local trains are already part of this movement, and in the future, it could become a widespread trend.

Talking about his goals, Rahgir shares that they have evolved over time. As a child, he aspired to be like Shah Rukh Khan. Later, his goal shifted to securing a good job. He acknowledges that ambitions change with experiences, but there are certain aspirations he holds dear. He dreams of exploring different cultures, traveling across India and different countries, immersing himself in the diverse folk traditions of each region. His aim is to learn and perform various folk songs so that if he ever meets someone from a particular state, he can sing in their language—whether it be Bengali, Rajasthani, or any other. This, he believes, will strengthen connections and deepen his understanding of India’s musical heritage.

Apart from his music, Rahgir also has a passion for writing and aspires to publish more of his novels. One of his books, Aahil, has already been published. He emphasizes that, beyond success or recognition, his primary goal is to stay true to himself. He hopes that no matter what the future holds—whether he faces challenges or reaches greater heights—he remains grounded. His aim is to maintain his current sense of calm and authenticity, ensuring that neither failure nor fame changes who he is at his core.

Rahgir acknowledges that the present times are tough, especially when it comes to mental stress and loneliness. He dedicates a song to those struggling, offering reassurance that no matter how difficult things get, they will endure.

Through his lyrics:

"जिस तरफ बत्ती दिखे, उस तरफ हो लो भाई रे, वहाँ जो पहले दिखे, उसके गले लग रो लो भाई रे……."

……. he conveys the importance of sharing one's struggles. He emphasizes that even if one doesn't directly interact with someone, simply expressing emotions can help lighten the burden. His message is simple—no one is truly alone, and sometimes, just knowing that others understand can provide comfort.

Singer Sunil Kumar Gurjar Rahgir's pursuit to become a soulful musician proves that true success lies in passion, perseverance, and touching hearts through music.