Every song is a story; I am just trying to tell it right: Taaruk Raina

As Taaruk Raina geared up for his live concert in Hyderabad, he found himself returning not just to a city, but to a memory — one filled with night-time walks, the aroma of biryani, and spontaneous guitar hunts through quiet lanes.

“I first came here last year while shooting Mismatched Season 3, and those days left a lasting impression. From the warm people to the charm of the city itself, Hyderabad instantly felt like home,” he shared. In a conversation with Hyderabad Times before taking to the stage, he spoke about what keeps him grounded, what drives his art, and why this city holds a special place in his heart.‘music has always been a part of me’Raina’s journey as a singer started early.

“I’ve been singing since I was six-years-old — in school bands, in churches during college. Music has always been a part of me.” But while singing came naturally, songwriting was something he had to build from the ground up. “There’s a structure, a rhythm, a way to tell a story through melody and lyrics. I’ve been working on it for over a decade now, trying to improve bit by bit. I’m still learning, and I hope I never stop.

As long as there’s growth, I’m happy.”

That personal evolution reflects in his discography, which includes tracks like Kho Gaye, Narazi, Kaise Banu, Kalleyan, Sukoon, Lost and Found, and Majboor — songs that often explore themes of searching and self-discovery. “There are moments when you feel completely sure about one part of life but utterly lost in another. It’s that back-and-forth that really inspires me. For me, it’s about searching — for connection, for that sense of joy that brings people together.

And I truly believe music is the most powerful way to do that.”

‘Hyderabad instantly felt like home’During his time filming in Hyderabad, Raina stayed near Hi-Tech City and often explored the city on foot — a habit he says helps him stay grounded. “I needed a guitar to stay sane, and I ended up finding one after wandering through several lanes. That little adventure is something I won’t forget,” he recalls, with a laugh. From that solo mission to indulging in hearty meals, the city left a lasting impression on him.

“My time in Hyderabad was filled with fun, music, and, of course, endless biryani.

I absolutely fell in love with the haleem here,” he adds.‘Having seen so many lows, I’ve come to appreciate the highs more deeply’Before becoming a familiar face on OTT platforms and the music scene, Raina spent over a decade working his way up in Mumbai. His acting credits include films like Sharmaji Namkeen and series such as The Waking of a Nation and The Broken News.

“There were years when I didn’t have the means, or the work. So now, I don’t want to let anything go. It’s not fear — it’s just reality. Everything is temporary, especially in this industry,” he says.

Reflecting on the nature of showbiz, he adds, “The process of making art and the business of art are very different. One day you’re relevant, the next you’re not. But having seen the lows, I’ve come to appreciate the highs more deeply — and learned to handle the downs with perspective.”- Divya Shree