Young music composer Ankit Gupta, popularly known as Ankiie, has carved a distinctive path in the Indian music industry, blending regional roots with contemporary global sounds. Hailing from Punjab, his journey from local studios to composing for major Bollywood projects exemplifies dedication, self-learning, and creative evolution. In a candid conversation, Ankiie reflected on his early beginnings, key influences, and the milestone of working on the much-anticipated Welcome to the Jungle.
Ankiie’s professional journey began at the tender age of 17 in Punjab. A family friend played a pivotal role by introducing him to a recording studio, sparking his interest in music production. “I started my professional journey in music when I was just seventeen years old in Punjab. I worked as a guitarist and co-composer for several music producers. Gradually, opportunities kept coming my way. I began with small assignments and, step by step, my career continued to grow,” he recalled.
With limited formal infrastructure for music production in Punjab at the time, Ankiie relied heavily on self-study, experimentation, and relentless practice. He mastered the guitar, underwent vocal training, and learned keyboards and piano. He strongly advocates for structured musical education. “I genuinely believe that learning music is extremely important because it gives you conceptual clarity and improves your ability to compose. Even Hindustani classical music, which many people don’t listen to regularly, helps develop musical understanding and sensibilities,” Ankiie emphasised.
His early influences were deeply rooted in Punjabi culture. The vibrant regional hip-hop scene, led by artists like Honey Singh, shaped his initial sensibilities. Over time, he expanded his horizons to Bollywood and international music. “Listening to Michael Jackson’s cassettes and tapes broadened my musical perspective and helped me develop my vocals,” he shared. This diverse palette has allowed him to create sounds that bridge traditional and modern elements.
One of Ankiie’s most significant breakthroughs came with his work on Welcome to the Jungle. He composed and produced music for the film, introducing a fresh fusion of Afrobeats and Tribal House with Bollywood influences. “One of my biggest milestones has been composing and producing music for Welcome To The Jungle, where I explored a fresh sound by blending Afrobeats and Tribal House music with Bollywood influences,” he said. The opportunity arose through Anand Raaj Anand and producer Firoz Nadiadwala, who recognised his unique sonic approach.
Ankiie’s background as a DJ helped him infuse these international rhythms effectively. “Ahmed Khan and Akshay Kumar also supported my work and appreciated the direction I took,” he added gratefully. The experience marked a major step in his transition from regional collaborations to mainstream Hindi cinema.
Working on a franchise with iconic songs like “Uncha Lamba Kad” from the original Welcome presented notable challenges. “The biggest challenge was creating something fresh and different while ensuring that the music still had a strong emotional and entertainment value,” Ankiie explained. In today’s digital age, where audiences consume vast amounts of content and often judge songs within seconds, crafting music with lasting impact requires both innovation and emotional depth.
Despite these pressures, Ankiie’s passion remains unwavering. His story reflects the evolving landscape of Indian music, where regional talent increasingly contributes to national and global narratives. From humble beginnings in Punjab studios to delivering a bold sonic identity for a major franchise, Ankiie’s trajectory highlights the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and creative risk-taking.
As Welcome to the Jungle prepares to entertain audiences, Ankit Gupta’s contribution stands as a testament to the power of blending cultural roots with forward-looking experimentation. His journey offers inspiration to aspiring musicians across India, demonstrating that with dedication and an open ear to diverse influences, meaningful opportunities can emerge even from modest beginnings.
On this note, Ankiie’s work reinforces the timeless truth that authentic music transcends boundaries and generations. As he continues to evolve as a composer, his blend of tradition and innovation promises to enrich the Bollywood soundscape in exciting new ways.
