There is a quiet vulnerability for any artist while revisiting past creations, especially when life has significantly reshuffled their perception of the world. Bengaluru-based musician Konarak Reddy intimately knows this feeling, and his journey through cancer has reshaped not only his life but his entire approach to music. One of his songs, ‘Look For Me In The Stars,’ originally a generic farewell melody, has taken on a profound new significance.
Last April, Konarak and his family were in Germany, where he had just scored music for a play. Eager to return to their farm near Bengaluru, which hosts creative residencies and workshops, their plans were suddenly disrupted. Konarak began to experience uncomfortable symptoms, which upon their return to Bengaluru were diagnosed as colorectal cancer. The family’s worst fears were confirmed by the oncologist.
“The treatment involved two phases: firstly, I underwent chemotherapy for a few months. Then came the radiation, a grueling series of 32 sessions,” Konarak shared over the phone from Bengaluru. “Thankfully, after this combined treatment, tests showed the tumour was gone, likely destroyed by the radiation.”
Despite this seemingly succinct description, the journey was far from minor; it was one of the most challenging times in Konarak’s 69 years of life. It affected not just him but his entire family. “The three of us, my wife, daughter, and I, became a team. We faced it together for a whole year,” he said, reflecting on the difficult period.
In the face of adversity, Konarak found solace and distraction in his art. His wife, Kirtana, understanding his need for something to focus on, suggested that he prepare for a concert. Initially, the idea seemed overwhelming; neuropathy (nerve damage) from his treatment made playing music difficult. However, the music began to pull him back. He started composing once again, creating visuals with AI, and rediscovering the joy of playing music.
Konarak’s remarkable resilience led to his first post-cancer performance last December at Unboxing BLR, followed by another concert in March at Jagriti. But it is his upcoming concert, Bangalore 1974, which celebrates half a century of his journey in music, that holds enormous significance. ‘Look For Me In The Stars’ will be the centerpiece—a song that has found new life and meaning through Konarak’s experiences.
Strangely enough, Konarak also expresses a sense of gratitude towards his cancer. It has reshaped his relationship with music entirely. Gone are the days when he chased stadium gigs, large crowds, and technical perfection. Now, he and his wife are more excited about simpler, more intimate performances. “We’re keen on travelling to beautiful, hidden corners of the country and playing for close-knit audiences. Maybe in Srirangapatna on the riverbank, under the stars, without any fancy setup. That’s what excites us,” he explained.
For Konarak, music has become a deeply spiritual practice. “It’s become more intimate, more personal. As you grow with any art form, you get closer to it and more deeply involved.
. That’s where I am now, completely immersed in the process,” he stated. He now sees himself as a conduit, channeling emotions and creating spaces for shared experiences. “The audience isn’t just there to listen—they’re an active part of the experience. We’re all connected, sharing something special. As a performer, I’m just channeling something universal. The audience picks up on that, creating this beautiful space where we can all relate,” he articulated.
Konarak believes that this spiritual connection is what differentiates humans from Artificial Intelligence (AI), despite his acknowledgment of AI’s potential benefits. At 69, he doesn’t consider himself a luddite; for the Bangalore 1974 concert, he has incorporated AI tools like Midjourney to create images. “It’s a powerful tool,” he acknowledged. “All that orchestration, composing, adding lines and drama—the repetitive tasks can be a real grind. AI can help with those. But the heart of being a musician, an artist, is that connection with something beyond, a spiritual element you reach for,” he added.
Having a rich background that spans from classical guitar to rock and Indian music, Konarak recognizes the indelible mark these influences have left on his work. However, he appreciates the fundamental differences between Indian and Western music. “One thrives on melody, the other on harmony,” he explained. He warns that forceful fusion could dilute both forms.
Konarak’s 50-year career has endowed him with an extensive musical vocabulary, allowing him to intuitively draw upon a wealth of knowledge and past explorations. “Now, when I want to play something new, I don’t have to start from scratch,” he said. This approach grants him the freedom to weave techniques from his vast musical arsenal with ease.
The upcoming concert is not just a celebration of Konarak’s longevity and his survival from cancer; it is also a beacon of inspiration to others. “This whole experience has been a powerful teacher. It’s shown me the importance of focusing on what truly matters: my art and my family,” he emphasized.
To other artists facing severe health conditions, Konarak offers words of encouragement: “If you have a dream, a calling, chase it with everything you’ve got. But do it with respect, kindness, and awareness of the interconnectedness of all things. We’re all here for a reason: doing good in the world. So, keep going. Keep breathing. Keep creating. Because the world needs your light.”
Bangalore 1974, Celebrating 50 Years of Konarak Reddy’s Music, part of the Guitar Book of Revelations Concert Series, is in collaboration with BLR Hubba. The event is scheduled for May 29, starting at 7 pm, at the Bangalore International Centre.
