Bhargav Choudhury, an accomplished guitarist and music producer originally from Guwahati in northeast India, now makes his home in Los Angeles. He grew up immersed in music, introduced to Western rock at an early age by his brother, and has since built a career that bridges continents and styles. In Los Angeles, he’s become known for combining Indian roots with a modern rock sensibility, creating a sound that reflects traditions and his own creative identity. From school-room practice in India to professional stages in the U.S., his journey shows how perseverance and a cross-cultural vision can drive a global musical career.
Bhargav’s passion started young. In middle school, he picked up a guitar after hearing a friend play the opening riff of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water”, an experience he recalled as pure joy. He began practicing daily, absorbing everything from classic rock to jazz and world music, and steadily developed his own world in music under the influence of his idols. Over the years, that avid, fearless work ethic paid off: he built a distinctive playing style and tone that he believes “stands out” from the crowd. Bhargav often noted that the universality of music has driven him. “The world of music unites all of us,” he said, allowing anyone to dream big and grow fearlessly.
Choudhury’s career highlights are wide-ranging. In 2017, he earned national notice by winning the U.S. Ibanez Flying Finger guitar contest, judged by rock virtuoso Paul Gilbert. That same year, he performed at the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in Las Vegas. He also brought his compositions to the screen: Bhargav co-wrote the title track and background score for Alma Matters, a Netflix documentary released worldwide. In the realm of live performance, he helped make history by leading a rock halftime show at a University of Louisville NCAA basketball game, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a rock band and a college marching ensemble. Each of these achievements underscores his ability to blend studio craft with exciting public performances.
On stage, Bhargav’s resume continues to grow. In 2024, he headlined a four-night rock residency at Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel, and he’s toured internationally, including a solo instrumental tour across several Indian states. He has shared bills with top-tier musicians: for example, he performed alongside guitar legend Steve Vai at the Big Mama Jama Jamathon and appeared with bass great Victor Wooten at the 2023 NAMM show. Locally in Los Angeles, he’s stayed busy too, from a 2019 acoustic residency at Downtown Disney to benefit concerts for the Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund. Throughout these gigs and residencies, Bhargav has also worked extensively as a session guitarist and collaborator with numerous local bands in LA studios, helping sustain a vibrant creative community around him.
Offstage, Choudhury is equally active in music production and mentorship. He describes himself as an “artist-first” producer, blending hands-on creativity with modern technology (including AI-assisted workflows) to turn rough ideas into finished songs. In practice, this means working quickly to develop demos, guiding emerging artists through recording and branding, and crafting clear release strategies, all while preserving each artist’s authenticity. This practical, collaborative approach has earned Bhargav a reputation as a thought leader among creators. As he said, he’s always sharing “practical methods that help other creators level up fast,” whether in the studio or the classroom. Bhargav even teaches guitar at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, reinforcing his role as both performer and educator.
Consistency is Bhargav’s watchword. “The most important factor behind my success has been consistency and a genuine passion for music,” he said. He lives by that principle daily. In interviews, he emphasized simple, disciplined rules: practice the basics, show up for every opportunity, and invest in both one’s craft and character. His personal motto, revealed even on his PR materials, is “Built, Not Given”, reflecting his belief that hard work and self-improvement, not handed advantages, create success. He also values identity and risk-taking; lessons he’s learned include “your identity is your advantage” and “don’t wait for permission”. In Bhargav’s own words, he is driven by the idea that “music can change your life,” a reminder of why he continues to push boundaries and grow.
Bhargav’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. Moving from India to Los Angeles required overcoming visa hurdles, financial pressures, and culture shock. He arrived with no network in a highly competitive city, and on top of that, he faced the usual industry challenges, rejection, irregular work, and the need to constantly prove himself. He credits perseverance and routine for getting through those times. “I got past it by staying disciplined, improving my craft every day, building real relationships, and treating every opportunity, no matter how small, like it mattered, he said. Over time, that consistency created momentum: recording jobs led to stage gigs, and small audiences gradually turned into larger followings.
Looking ahead, Choudhury has big ambitions. He envisions headlining arena tours with his band and running a production company that releases records with major artists. He’s also planning to build his dream recording studio in Los Angeles to serve as a home base for creative collaboration. These goals align with his long-term vision of staying at the forefront of music creation, both playing guitar and producing.
For those who want to follow Bhargav’s journey, he is active on social media. You can connect with him on Instagram under the handle @bargav_music to see updates on his latest projects and performances. Fans and fellow musicians often engage there with behind-the-scenes clips of studio sessions and live shows.
Bhargav Choudhury’s story ultimately illustrates the power of international creativity and persistence. By embracing his cultural roots and blending them with the disciplines of rock performance, he has built a career that transcends borders. His experience offers an inspiring message: with consistent effort, disciplined practice, and faith in one’s identity, musicians from anywhere can make an impact on the global stage. As Bhargav’s journey shows, dedication and passion can transform a humble beginning in Guwahati into a legacy in the U.S. music scene.