In a remarkable fusion of ancient devotion and cutting-edge technology, a doctor from Surat has harnessed artificial intelligence to create a unique musical offering for the digital age. Dr Hitesh Patel, a 56-year-old MD from Baben village in Surat district, has produced a full album of Gujarati devotional and folk music where AI handles everything from the vocals to the musical composition.
From Village Doctor to AI Music Pioneer
Dr Hitesh Patel embarked on this unusual project with a clear goal: to produce authentic Gujarati devotional music using the power of artificial intelligence. The result is 'Nirbandh Varso', an album containing 14 soulful tracks. While Dr Patel personally wrote all the lyrics, he entrusted the creative execution to AI models, generating both the vocal performances and the instrumental arrangements.
"It is often said that AI cannot feel, but my production, which I call Dr Hita – The Rebel Raga, proves otherwise," explained Dr Patel. He emphasized that the tracks offer an immersive 3D sound experience and possess a profound emotional depth, challenging the notion that AI art is sterile.
The Technical and Creative Challenge
The journey was not without its hurdles. Dr Patel spent the last couple of years experimenting with AI-generated music and visuals, learning to fine-tune models for optimal output. One of the biggest challenges was getting the AI to correctly pronounce less commonly used Gujarati words. To overcome this, he used multiple AI platforms, carefully selecting and blending outputs to achieve the desired authenticity.
"Along with writing new lyrics, I meticulously selected the instruments and set their volume levels for each track," he said. Producing songs entirely on a computer was a demanding process, but his persistence paid off. The album successfully blends traditional Gujarati forms like bhajans for Lord Shiva and Krishna, the folk Sanedo, and vibrant tribal Timli songs with contemporary, Gen Z-inspired beats and immersive 3D audio.
A Global Stage for Gujarati Tradition
The album's release marks a significant milestone. 'Nirbandh Varso' is now available on more than 150 global music platforms and mobile streaming applications, taking Gujarati devotional and folk music to an international audience. This digital distribution strategy ensures the sounds of Surat's traditions can be accessed anywhere in the world.
Encouraged by the positive response to his innovative project, Dr Patel is not stopping here. He is now exploring the possibilities of AI-based music production in other languages, aiming to replicate his successful model and blend technology with diverse musical heritages. His work stands as a testament to how regional art forms can find new expression and reach through modern tools.
