(September 29, 2025) Picture walking into a space where thousands of candles flicker like stars, turning grand halls and heritage venues into oceans of golden light. Timeless music, from Mozart and Vivaldi to A.R. Rahman, wraps around the audience, making each concert feel at once universal and deeply personal. This is Candlelight, an immersive concert series that has become a global sensation, now enchanting audiences in more than 150 cities across five continents. At the heart of its Indian journey is Aalok Gandhi, a New York–born musician who moved to Mumbai a few years ago for the love of traditional Indian music. Through his role as music curator of Candlelight India, Middle East and North Africa, he bridges Western classical traditions with India’s rich soundscape, shaping evenings that are as intimate as they are international.
“The key is striking a balance between familiarity and artistry,” the 32-year-old tells Global Indian. “In India, film music is deeply ingrained in our cultural identity. So we often program concerts around iconic film songs, but present them through classical arrangements. This creates a dual connection: nostalgia and recognition, alongside an engagement with India’s classical traditions.”
Candlelight’s magic in India
Brought to India by Live Your City, a brand under the American company Fever, Candlelight reimagines live music for today’s audience. Each performance features accomplished local musicians performing in landmark venues bathed in thousands of candles, creating a setting that is both immersive and welcoming. The repertoire spans centuries and styles which are masterpieces by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin that sit alongside fresh classical interpretations of hits from artists like Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran. By blending beloved classics with popular favourites, Candlelight invites both first-time listeners and seasoned music lovers into a unique experience that has already captivated millions worldwide.
Anchored in India
Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Aalok grew up in an environment shaped by cultural diversity. His early years were filled with music, joy, and an unusual level of energy. “I was extremely hyperactive, always marching to the beat of my own drum,” he recalls.
Though his parents were not professional musicians, his grandparents were remarkable singers who planted the first seeds of his musical journey. His maternal grandfather, in particular, nurtured his talents encouraging him to sing at family gatherings, karaoke nights, and cultural events. By the age of 15, Aalok began formal training in Hindustani classical music, a step that transformed childhood exposure into a serious pursuit. It was here that his artistic identity started to crystallize.
The turning point
The real turning point came during his college years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where Aalok joined Chai Town, a South Asian a cappella group known for fusing Bollywood melodies with Western pop and R&B.
With Chai Town, he discovered the transformative power of blending cultures musically. “That experience showed me the creative potential of bringing two seemingly different musical systems together,” he says.
When their cover of Man Mera by Gajendra Verma went viral, amassing over 1.8 million views, Aalok realized what his music meant to him. He adds, “Back in 2014, that felt monumental. The experience made me realize that people genuinely enjoyed my voice and performances, and that maybe music could be much more than a side passion, it could become a professional path.”
Training under a legend
The musician’s journey deepened when he came under the influence of Pandit Jasraj, one of Hindustani classical music’s greatest legends. At the maestro’s summer camp in Pennsylvania, Aalok immersed himself in 10-hour days of rigorous training.
He states, “One night, there was a karaoke session, and I somehow gathered the courage to sing in front of Panditji. He gave me heartfelt compliments, and that moment changed everything.” It gave him the conviction to eventually move to Mumbai from the United States, a decision that would define his career.
In 2016, what began as a wedding trip to Mumbai turned into a life-altering choice. Through serendipitous introductions, Aalok found himself connecting with musicians and industry insiders. On impulse, he stayed.
He adds, “What seemed crazy at the time turned into the best decision of my life,” he reflects. Over the past decade, Mumbai has become home, offering him a thriving ecosystem of collaborations, friendships, and artistic exploration.
Aalok Gandhi with Pandit Jasraj
Blending intimacy and tradition at Candlelight
In July 2024, Aalok joined Candlelight, the globally recognized immersive concert series that transforms iconic venues into intimate spaces lit by thousands of candles. His role: to shape the format for Indian audiences while upholding the series’ international standards.
Globally, Candlelight concerts often rely on string quartets and pianos. In India, the musician knew the approach needed a local heartbeat. He introduced the Indian classical trio format, pairing instruments like the sitar, sarangi, or bansuri with percussive and harmonic counterparts. This adaptation struck a chord. “It blended Candlelight’s intimacy with India’s cultural fabric,” he explains.
One of his most memorable curations was in Mumbai, featuring The Indian Jam Project led by Tushar Lall. The performance brought together film music, improvisations, jugalbandis, and classical elements, captivating a diverse audience.
Balancing programming has become his hallmark. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, Western tributes to Mozart or Vivaldi draw niche but passionate crowds. Meanwhile, concerts centered on Indian icons like A.R. Rahman, R.D. Burman, and Arijit Singh resonate deeply and widely. “Balancing both allows us to cater to different tastes while keeping Candlelight’s global identity intact,” he notes.
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Curating with authenticity
Though his expertise lies in Hindustani music, Aalok approaches Carnatic traditions with humility and collaboration. For Carnatic concerts, he relies on artists to guide repertoire and structure, ensuring authenticity.
“Trusting the artists and respecting regional contexts is key. I encourage them to guide the repertoire and structure because they are the true experts.” he says. This thoughtful localization ensures that a Carnatic program in Chennai feels as authentic as a Hindustani recital in Lucknow.
In the world of music with a global perspective
While growing up in the U.S. exposed him to diversity, Aalok insists it was his move to India that expanded his global perspective. He says, “Growing up in the U.S. gave me exposure to diversity, but it wasn’t the defining factor in shaping my global outlook. In fact, it was moving to India that broadened my perspective. Leaving the U.S. bubble helped me truly see how the world functions and gave me a more nuanced, global understanding of music and culture.”
This global lens shapes his work at Candlelight, where he blends international standards with local traditions to create experiences that resonate across borders.
Looking ahead, Aalok believes India is on the cusp of a live music renaissance. With international stars like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber already performing in India, the demand is set to grow. Alongside Bollywood and indie artists, he envisions a vibrant, multifaceted ecosystem. He predicts, “In the next decade, India will become a major global hub for live music.”
Vision for Candlelight India
His long-term vision is to expand beyond tributes and iconic soundtracks. “While beloved icons will always be central, I want to push boundaries into genres like Sufi, folk, and experimental music,” he says.
Already, he is curating a Sufi program in Delhi, a sign of Candlelight’s evolving repertoire under his leadership. His goal is to keep audiences intrigued while making every concert a celebration and an education in music.
Outside of Candlelight, Aalok remains deeply connected to his own music: composing, collaborating, and experimenting. He also enjoys video games, weightlifting, and staying active. Family, however, remains his anchor. “They’ve been my biggest support system throughout this journey,” he emphasizes.
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