Akhil Sachdeva on being shy offstage but a lion in live shows
Synopsis
Akhil Sachdeva calls himself a 'lion' on stage but admits to being deeply shy and private offstage — a duality he embraces as his creative identity. The composer, fresh off contributing 'Piya Ghar Aaya - Homecoming' to Awarapan 2, says years of hard work have now earned him the freedom to follow his heart.
Key Takeaways
Akhil Sachdeva composed 'Piya Ghar Aaya - Homecoming' for Awarapan 2 , currently in cinemas.
He describes himself as a 'lion' on stage but a 'very private person' in everyday life.
Sachdeva says he operates in extremes — fully present or completely withdrawn — and sees no middle ground.
Awarapan 2 stars Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit from the 2007 original.
The original Awarapan was a box-office flop that later attained cult status for its music and performances.
Music composer Akhil Sachdeva says he transforms completely the moment he steps onto a stage — a stark contrast to the intensely private, introverted person he is in everyday life. Speaking after the release of Awarapan 2, in which he composed the song 'Piya Ghar Aaya - Homecoming', Sachdeva opened up about what he calls the two extremes of his personality.
The Stage Persona
'I'm not shy on stage. If you've seen me on stage, I'm the king. I perform like a lion,' Sachdeva said. The composer, known for his soulful work across Bollywood, described his relationship with live audiences as one of the few spaces where he feels entirely uninhibited. He added that he does not believe in half-measures — for him, it is either full presence or complete withdrawal.
The Private Man Behind the Music
'Otherwise, I'm a very private person. I don't socialise too much. I'm shy, that's my nature,' he said. Sachdeva framed this duality not as a contradiction but as a deliberate way of living. 'I think I don't live in mediocrity. I'm extreme. Either I'm here or there. Those two things work for me,' he explained. He added that after years of hard work, he now feels ready to follow his instincts more freely: 'Now it's time to do what's in my heart.'
On Working with Purity of Intent
Sachdeva also spoke about the ethos that drives his creative output. 'I'm a very pure person. I do things with a pure heart. I do it with love. I don't hurt anyone,' he said. He described listening to his inner voice as a core creative philosophy, saying he works 'with a lot of hearts' — a metaphor for emotional investment in every project he takes on.
About Awarapan 2
Awarapan 2 is a sequel to the 2007 film Awarapan, with Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit. The original film was considered a commercial underperformer on release but went on to acquire cult status over the years, largely on the strength of its music and Hashmi's performance. The sequel is currently running in cinemas, with Sachdeva's composition among its notable musical offerings.
Point of View
Not a flaw — a creative philosophy that may explain why his compositions tend toward emotional intensity rather than safe commercial formulas. In an industry that rewards constant visibility and networking, his deliberate withdrawal from socialising is a quiet act of counter-programming. Whether Awarapan 2 gives his music the audience it deserves will be the real test of that philosophy.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akhil Sachdeva and what is his connection to Awarapan 2?
Akhil Sachdeva is a Bollywood music composer who composed the song 'Piya Ghar Aaya - Homecoming' for Awarapan 2, the sequel to the 2007 cult film starring Emraan Hashmi. He is known for emotionally resonant compositions across Hindi cinema.
What did Akhil Sachdeva say about his stage persona?
Sachdeva described himself as a 'lion' on stage, saying he performs with full energy and confidence in front of live audiences. He contrasted this with his offstage personality, which he describes as shy and intensely private.
What is Awarapan 2 about?
Awarapan 2 is a sequel to the 2007 film Awarapan, with Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit. The original film gained cult status over the years despite a poor box-office run, largely due to its music and Hashmi's performance. The sequel is currently playing in cinemas.
Why did Akhil Sachdeva say he no longer holds back creatively?
Sachdeva said that after years of hard work, he now feels entitled to follow his instincts and do what is in his heart. He described himself as someone who works with 'purity of intent' and said he no longer wants to compromise on his creative vision.
How did the original Awarapan perform and why is it considered a cult film?
The original Awarapan was considered a commercial flop on its 2007 release but built a loyal following over the years. Its cult status is attributed to its music and Emraan Hashmi's performance as Shivam Pandit.
