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Key Information

Udyan Sagar, better known by his stage name Nucleya, is an Indian electronic music producer and DJ.[1][2][3][4]

Career

[edit]

In 1998, Udyan co-founded Bandish Projekt with Mayur Narvekar and Mehirr Nath Choppra.[5] In 2007, Udyan left Bandish Projekt after working with Mayur for about 12 years, and rebuilt himself as "Nucleya". After leaving Bandish Projekt his career struggled quite a bit initially. He drew inspiration from South Indian film music[6] and Indian street music,[7] and released his first EP Koocha Monster in 2013. In 2015, Nucleya released his debut album, Bass Rani, at a Ganpati visarjan on the streets of Mumbai.[8] In the following year, he released another album Raja Baja. 2019 marked the release of "Tota Myna".

In 2021, he released an EP titled Baaraat in collaboration with Ritviz. The four track EP was accompanied by a series of NFT.[9][10]

Nucleya, in collaboration with AIB, hosted and picked the winners of Bacardi House Party Sessions[11] in 2017. He has also been a judge on the Indian hip hop reality show MTV Hustle.[12] He has performed at EDC Las Vegas and Mexico, the Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Sunburn Festival, Zomaland by Zomato, Vh1 Supersonic and YouTube Fanfest. He has opened for and performed with Skrillex, Major Lazer, DJ Snake and Krewella.

Personal life

[edit]

In 2008, he married his long-term girlfriend Smriti Choudhary. The couple currently live in Goa,[13] with their son Guri, who was born in 2011. Guri has featured on some of Nucleya's tracks as "Guri Gangsta".[14]

Discography

[edit]

Albums and EPs

[edit]
Year Album / EP Track Artist(s) Note(s)
2009 Pragat Pritam Pragat Pritam Nucleya
Pragat Pritam (Dub)
Beat 1
Beat 1 Beat 1 Nucleya
Beat 1 (Nuphlo Remix)
Beat 1 (Deaf Bass Twins Remix)
2010 Horn Ok Please Dum Maro Dum (Remix) Nucleya, MC JD & R. D. Burman Remixes of famous retro Bollywood songs
Chandan Sa Bandan (Remix) Nucleya & Kalyanji-Anandji
Boom Boom (Remix) Nucleya, Shivang & Biddu
Disco Dancer (Remix) Nucleya, Bappi Lahiri & Anuj Matthews
Mein Ek Chor (Remix) Nucleya & R. D. Burman
Raat Baki (Remix) Nucleya, Sound Avtar, Bappi Lahiri & Anuj Matthews
Aao Huzur (Remix) Nucleya & O. P. Nayyar
2011 Khandit Nayaka Khandit Nayaka (Original Mix) Nucleya
Khandit Nayaka (B.R.E.E.D. Remix)
Khandit Nayaka (Piyush Bhatnagar Remix)
Khandit Nayaka (iSIDE Remix)
2012 In My Heart Remixes In My Heart (David Hiller Remix) Nucleya
In My Heart (Dead Battery Remix)
In My Heart (Nucleya VIP Remix)
In My Heart (Oh Tebins! Remix)
In My Heart (Original Mix) Featured in the compilation "dimmSummer Presents: Sub Continental Bass"
2013 Koocha Monster Street Boy Nucleya
Bell Gaadi Nucleya ft. Chinna Ponnu & Relok
Akkad Bakkad Nucleya
Bangla Bass Nucleya ft. Mou Sultana & Brooklyn Shanti
Jamrock Nucleya
New Delhi Nuttah Nucleya ft. Delhi Sultanate
2015 Bass Rani Jungle Raja Nucleya ft. Divine
Laung Gawacha Nucleya ft. Avneet Khurmi
Bass Rani Nucleya Featured in the compilation "Billboard Presents Electric Asia, Vol. 1"[15]
Aaja Nucleya ft. Avneet Khurmi & Guri Gangsta
Chennai Bass Nucleya ft. Sivamani & Chinna Ponnu
Heer Nucleya ft. Shruti Pathak Remix of song released as part of The Dewarists - Season 4, Episode 6
Mumbai Dance Nucleya ft. Julius Sylvest & Gagan Mudgal
F**K Nucleya Nucleya
2016 Raja Baja Take Me There Nucleya ft. KAVYA Featured in the compilation "EDC Las Vegas 2017"[16]
Bhayanak Atma Nucleya ft. Gagan Mudgal
Scene Kya Hai Nucleya & DIVINE
Jind Mahi Nucleya ft. Avneet Khurmi
Bakar Bakar Nucleya Featured in the 2023 film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Lights Nucleya Featured in the compilation "EDC Mexico 2017"[17]
2019 Tota Myna Lori Nucleya ft. Vibha Saraf
Mirza Nucleya ft. Rashmeet Kaur & Raftaar
Sohneya Nucleya ft. Avneet Khurmi & Soltan
Mahiya Nucleya ft. Rashmeet Kaur & Whales
Out of Your Mind Nucleya ft. Shruti Haasan
Going to America Nucleya ft. Anirudh Ravichander & Anthony Daasan
2021 Baaraat Sathi Ritviz & Nucleya
Ari Ari
Roz
Baaraat
2023-2024 Chamkillah Jogi Goldie Sohel & Nucleya
Kobita Nucleya ft. Zubeen Garg & Puna
Kamli Nucleya ft. Mitika Kanwar & Da Fyer
Khoye Panchi Osho Jain & Nucleya
Lightyears Nucleya ft. Tsumyoki & Da Fyer
Narenge Narenge Nucleya & Benny Dayal
2026 Diggi Bumba Diggi Bumba Nucleya & Anu Malik [18]
Gup Chup Nucleya & RjDV
Death Roll Nucleya & Arya Dhayal
Jogan Nucleya & Gulshan Kumar
Kadhi Kadhi Nucleya & Dorwin John
Happy Mood Nucleya & Anthony Daasan
Nerenge Nerenge Nucleya & Benny Dayal
Sitaram Nucleya & Chirag Katti
Death Roll (VIP) Nucleya & Arya Dhayal
Bhayanak Atma (VIP) Nucleya & Gagan Mudgal

Singles and collaborations

[edit]
Year Track Artist(s) Note(s)
2010 Tonic (Nucleya Remix) MIDIval Punditz & Nucleya From the EP "Tonic Remixes" by MIDIval Punditz
2011 Electro Me Shivang & Nucleya
16 Athamita Kasi (Nucleya Remix) Ranidu & Nucleya From the album "Hinahenne Mung" by Ranidu
2014 Tamil Fever Nucleya & Benny Dayal Adapted for the song "Let's Nacho"
Little Lotto Alo Wala & Nucleya ft. MC Zulu
2016 Bacardi Drop Nucleya Anthem of Bacardi House Party Sessions
Memories Nucleya & Papon Released as part of The Dewarists - Season 5, Episode 5
2017 Dhoop Nucleya ft. Vibha Saraf
2019 Yaaron (Yari Version) Clinton Cerejo & Nucleya From the compilation "Yaari Jam" by Sony Music India
Good on You[19] Krewella & Nucleya From the album "zer0" by Krewella
2020 Thandi Hawa (Nucleya Remix) Ritviz & Nucleya From the EP "Thandi Hawa (Official Remixes)" by Ritviz
Vajantri Perk Pietrek & Nucleya
Jadi Buti Major Lazer & Nucleya ft. Rashmeet Kaur From the album "Music Is The Weapon (Reloaded)" by Major Lazer
Tere Bina Nucleya ft. Avneet Khurmi Released in collaboration with OnePlus to promote the BWZ Bass Edition earphones
2021 Jadi Buti (Nucleya VIP Remix) Major Lazer & Nucleya ft. Rashmeet Kaur From the album "Music Is The Weapon (Remixes)" by Major Lazer
Kanaa Nucleya, 2jaym & Sublahshini Released as part of Bacardi Sessions
Jaldi Aao Nucleya Released in collaboration with Netflix India to promote the show "Money Heist"
2024 Kobita Nucleya, Zubeen Garg

Film music

[edit]
Year Film Song Music Co-singer(s) Notes
2009 Short Kut Patli Galli (Remix) Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy Shankar Mahadevan, DJ Nasha
2016 Kapoor & Sons Let's Nacho Benny Dayal, Nucleya Benny Dayal, Badshah
2017 Mukkabaaz Paintra Nucleya DIVINE
Paintra (Extended Version)
2018 High Jack Behka Vibha Saraf, Nucleya Vibha Saraf
2020 Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai Nerugi Benny Dayal, Nucleya Benny Dayal
2023 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Bakar Bakar Nucleya Solo Hindi Dub

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Recipient Outcome Ref(s)
2016 Global Indian Music Awards Best Electronica Single Alo Wala & Nucleya ft. MC Zulu – Little Lotto Won [20]
Nucleya ft. DIVINE – Jungle Raja Won
2017 Mirchi Music Awards Critics' Choice Album of The Year Kapoor & Sons Nominated [21]
Filmfare Award Best Music Album Kapoor & Sons Nominated [22]
MTV Europe Music Awards Best Indian Act Nucleya Nominated [23]

Documentaries

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nucleya

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nucleya, born Udyan Sagar on 7 December 1979 in , , , is an influential Indian (EDM) producer and DJ renowned for pioneering the "desi bass" genre, which innovatively blends traditional Indian folk rhythms and instrumentation with heavy basslines and modern electronic production. Sagar's musical journey began in the late when, at age 16, he started producing music and co-founded the experimental electronic group Projekt with Mayur Narvekar and Mehirr Nath Choppra in , , releasing several that explored fusion sounds before parting ways in 2007. That same year, he launched his solo project as Nucleya, initially self-producing tracks on basic equipment in , where he honed his signature style amid the city's burgeoning club scene at venues like Raasta in . Nucleya's breakthrough came with the 2013 EP Koocha Monster, followed by critically acclaimed full-length albums Bass Rani (2015) and Raja Baja (2016), the latter launching with a massive concert at Mumbai's NSCI Stadium attended by over 12,000 fans and spawning an 18-city Indian tour that reached nearly 200,000 people. His includes over 14 singles, EPs, and albums, alongside high-profile collaborations such as the 2021 album Baaraat with singer and remixes for . Notable hits like "Tamil Fever," "Let's Nacho," and "Laung Gawacha" have dominated Indian charts and festivals, earning him the 2016 Global Indian Music Academy Award for Best Electronica Single for "Jungle Raaja" from Bass Rani, as well as nominations from Mirchi Music Awards, , and . Throughout his career, Nucleya has elevated Indian EDM on the global stage, opening for international acts like , , and in India, and headlining at prestigious events such as , Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Lille 3000, and Electron Festival alongside and . Based in since relocating from , he continues to produce new music, including recent collaborations like "KANAA" and ongoing performances as of 2025, with announced plans from 2021 for his own label to support emerging artists blending cultural elements with electronic sounds.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Udyan Sagar, professionally known as Nucleya, was born on December 7, 1979, in , , . His relocated to , , shortly thereafter, where he spent the majority of his childhood and formative years. This move to Ahmedabad shaped his early environment, immersing him in the vibrant cultural backdrop of the city, which later influenced his musical explorations. Nucleya grew up in a musically inclined household, with his parents fostering an appreciation for traditional Indian sounds from a young age. His father, in particular, was an avid music enthusiast, ensuring that recordings of maestro Ghulam Ali—such as the track "Yeh Dil Yeh Pagal Dil Mera"—and classic Bollywood film songs like "Surmayi Akhiyon Mein" from Sadma (1983) frequently filled their home. These auditory experiences during his school years, around the 5th or 6th grade, provided his first meaningful encounters with melody and rhythm, laying the groundwork for his future career in electronic music production. His family structure included supportive parents and an elder brother, Nitin, who played a protective role during his , as highlighted in personal accounts from his . While Nucleya has described himself as somewhat introverted in his youth, the familial emphasis on and creativity encouraged his budding interest in audio experimentation, even as he navigated typical childhood pursuits. This balanced upbringing in , away from the spotlight, allowed him to develop a deep-rooted connection to Indian sonic elements that would define his signature style.

Initial musical interests and education

His initial exposure to music stemmed from his family environment, where his father, an avid enthusiast of film scores, frequently played works by composers such as Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and Madan Mohan. This auditory backdrop instilled an early appreciation for melodic structures and rhythms in Sagar, laying the groundwork for his later fusions of traditional and electronic elements. During his school days in , Sagar's passion for music production ignited when his father gifted him his first computer, enabling him to experiment with electronic sounds independently. Self-taught through , he began creating tracks, drawing initial inspiration from the nascent electronic scene and forming connections with like-minded peers. A pivotal influence came from London-based DJ Mukul Patel, a school acquaintance who introduced him to the movement, including artists like , State of Bengal, and , broadening his sonic palette beyond local traditions. Sagar pursued his general education in , attending local schools and college, where he lacked formal music training but actively applied his skills by forming his first band, Private Soch-alya—a playful on a "thinking place"—around the mid-1990s. This group evolved into Projekt in 1997, co-founded with Mayur Narvekar and Mehir Nath Chopra, marking his structured entry into by blending Indian classical elements with beats. His development remained largely autodidactic, fueled by personal curiosity and the limited but vibrant underground scene in during the late 1990s.

Professional career

Formation and work with Bandish Projekt

Nucleya, whose real name is Udyan Sagar, co-founded the electronic music act in 1998 alongside Mayur Narvekar and Mehir Nath Chopra. The group emerged during the nascent stages of India's electronic music scene, aiming to fuse traditional Indian musical elements with contemporary . Bandish Projekt drew its name from "bandish," a term in referring to a fixed melodic composition, reflecting the act's emphasis on integrating classical structures into modern beats. As a core member, Sagar contributed significantly to the production and performance aspects of , focusing on rhythms infused with Indian folk and classical influences such as and samples. The trio's sound pioneered a subgenre of electronica, blending urban folk vocals, pacy basslines, and traditional to create high-energy tracks that appealed to both underground club audiences and fusion enthusiasts. Early works like their exploratory singles and live sets established Bandish Projekt as innovators in India's bass-heavy electronic landscape, often performing at independent events and building a through organic grassroots promotion. During his decade-long tenure with the group, Sagar's role evolved from collaborator to key sonic architect, experimenting with hybrid beats that laid the groundwork for his later solo explorations in . Bandish Projekt's output during this period, including remixes and original compositions, highlighted Sagar's affinity for layering South Asian melodic motifs over electronic percussion, influencing subsequent EDM acts. By 2008, amid creative shifts toward more street-oriented folk integrations, Sagar departed Bandish Projekt to pursue his solo project under the moniker Nucleya, marking the end of his direct involvement while Narvekar continued the act. This transition allowed Sagar to refine a bass-heavy style, building on the foundational fusion techniques developed within the group.

Transition to solo career

In 2008, Udyan Sagar, known professionally as Nucleya, transitioned from his collaborative work with Projekt to pursuing a solo career under the Nucleya moniker. Having co-founded Projekt in 1998 alongside Mayur Narvekar and Mehir Nath Chopra, Sagar sought greater creative freedom to experiment with diverse genres and sounds, particularly those incorporating Indian folk elements and bass-heavy electronic production. This shift marked a deliberate move away from the group's electronic fusion with influences, allowing Sagar to explore a more energetic, street-oriented approach in his solo endeavors. The early years of Nucleya's solo phase were marked by significant challenges, including a lack of gigs and financial instability that left Sagar on the verge of abandoning music altogether. With ample studio time but no immediate professional opportunities, he focused on developing his signature sound by sampling everyday Indian street noises and remixing popular film tracks to introduce novel electronic interpretations to audiences. Supported by his wife, Smriti, during this uncertain period, Sagar persisted until securing a manager, which facilitated initial tours and helped rebuild momentum. This foundational experimentation culminated in the release of Nucleya's debut EP, Koocha Monster, in , which solidified his presence in the Indian scene and paved the way for broader recognition. The EP's success underscored the viability of his solo vision, blending traditional Indian rhythms with modern , and marked the end of the transitional struggles toward a sustainable independent career.

Breakthrough releases and mainstream success

Nucleya's transition to mainstream recognition began with the 2013 release of his debut solo EP, Koocha Monster, which featured six tracks fusing Indian folk elements, street sounds, and heavy bass drops. Standout single "Akkad Bakkad," incorporating South Indian rhythms, garnered significant attention and established his signature "desi bass" style as a fresh force in Indian electronic music. The EP's innovative approach to blending regional percussion with global bass influences helped position Nucleya as an emerging leader in the niche, paving the way for broader appeal. The 2015 album Bass Rani represented a pivotal , released innovatively during Mumbai's Ganpati Visarjan atop a decorated to immerse fans in the festivities. Offered as a free digital download via , the seven-track project quickly amassed millions of streams, with the title track becoming a anthem that celebrated Indian street through pulsating bass and local vocal samples. This unorthodox launch strategy amplified its viral spread, boosting Nucleya's profile and drawing crowds to his live sets across urban and rural venues. Building on this momentum, the 2016 EP Raja Baja extended Nucleya's fusion aesthetic with more diverse regional motifs, including Punjabi and Rajasthani elements, further cementing his innovative sound. To promote it, he launched the Bass Yatra tour, an 18-city run featuring 30 performances that reached over 200,000 attendees, from stadiums to intimate college gigs, showcasing his ability to connect with diverse audiences. His mainstream breakthrough deepened that year with the Bollywood track "Let's Nacho" for , a high-energy collaboration with and Badshah that recreated his earlier "Tamil Fever" and contributed to the film's acclaimed soundtrack, earning nominations for Best Music Album at the and Mirchi Music Awards. This exposure introduced his to non-EDM listeners, enhancing his status as a crossover .

Recent activities and tours (2020s)

In the early 2020s, Nucleya's activities were significantly impacted by the , leading to a shift toward virtual performances and studio work. He participated in online events such as the Zoom Holi Fest in March 2020 alongside artists like , adapting to the restrictions on live gatherings. Pre-pandemic, he had performed at international events like Holi Masti in on March 13, 2020. By late 2020, the music industry increasingly relied on live-streaming, with Nucleya contributing to this trend through digital concerts that helped sustain artist-audience connections during lockdowns. In , Nucleya focused on collaborative releases, notably the EP Baaraat with , a four-track project with releases starting in August 2021, exploring themes of union and celebration through electronic and folk fusion. The EP's launch included India's first nationwide album rollout event on September 25 in , accompanied by over 60 NFT releases to engage fans digitally. He also appeared at major festivals like Sunburn , marking a gradual return to live stages amid easing restrictions. Post-2021, Nucleya resumed extensive touring in 2022 with the "On Tour" series, launched by Laqshya Event Capital, beginning August 27 at 's Nesco Center and extending to multiple cities, emphasizing high-energy bass performances. He headlined Sunburn Arena on August 15 at The Westin in , drawing large crowds for Independence Day celebrations. International gigs included a concert on October 15 at a major venue. However, he openly discussed experiencing burnout during this period, describing it as a turbulent phase that prompted reflection on his creative process. By 2023, Nucleya balanced tours with new music, performing at the Off the Roof event at in February, showcasing innovative rooftop setups. He took the stage at IIFA Rocks during the and Oasis Festival, blending his signature sound with Bollywood elements. A December show in further solidified his global presence. In 2024, his seventh studio album Chamkillah was released, featuring tracks like "Lightyears" with and Da Fyer, marking a fusion of Punjabi influences and electronic production as a culmination of ongoing projects. Live appearances included festival sets at events like TMTM and Tour, alongside university fests such as VIT AP's Vitopia and KIIT Fest. Entering 2025, Nucleya continued his momentum with the single "Dance Like Dynamite" featuring Ella, released on October 20, emphasizing upbeat electronic vibes. He performed a headline slot at Sunburn Union in Bangalore on 8. Earlier in the year, he mentored at The Bootcamp Goa electronic music camp in March, and in August gave an reflecting on his as a pioneer of Indian EDM. On , he shared a video playing Assam artist Zubeen Garg's song, hinting at potential collaborations.

Musical style and influences

Genre fusion and signature sound

Nucleya's signature sound, often termed "desi bass," represents a pioneering fusion of Indian folk, street, and classical elements with global electronic genres such as , , trap, and . This blend creates frenetic, bass-heavy tracks that incorporate traditional Indian instruments like the alongside high-energy electronic beats, resulting in a style that is unabashedly rooted in Indian while appealing internationally. Central to this sound is Nucleya's use of unconventional sampling techniques, where he records and manipulates "weird sounds," street noises, dialogues, news clips, and regional vocal cuts—such as Haryanvi vocals—to craft unique melodies and rhythms. He programs these into virtual instruments playable via , layering them over drum patterns and heavy bass drops to produce infectious, culturally resonant anthems. For instance, in tracks like "Street Boy" from the 2013 Koocha Monster EP, he integrates urban Indian samples with influences, while "Bass Rani" (2015) exemplifies the merger of folk motifs and electronic production. This genre fusion extends to broader influences, including 1970s-80s Bollywood film music and personal recordings like his son's voice in "Aaja," which add quirky, relatable layers to the electronic framework. Nucleya has described his approach as starting with Indian-inspired elements at its core, then evolving them through problem-solving in production to ensure emotional depth and global accessibility. As a trailblazer, Nucleya's bass has spawned a subgenre that has influenced a wave of Indian producers, establishing a distinct lexicon of tailored to desi aesthetics and moving beyond traditional EDM boundaries.

Key influences and evolution

Nucleya's musical style has been profoundly shaped by his early exposure to Bollywood film music from the late and , which provided a foundational blend of melody and rhythm during his formative years. Additionally, the British-Indian artist emerged as a key influence during his time with Bandish Projekt, inspiring explorations in global electronic fusion with Indian classical elements. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, as part of Projekt, Nucleya focused on fusing with , adhering to a singular stylistic framework for nearly a . This period laid the groundwork for his technical proficiency in electronic production but limited his experimentation, prompting a shift around 2008 when he launched his solo project. Seeking greater creative freedom, he gravitated toward for its potent basslines and drum patterns, which allowed him to break from the band's constraints and infuse heavier, more visceral electronic sounds. A pivotal evolution occurred when Nucleya began sampling Indian street sounds—such as everyday dialogues, news clips, and urban rhythms—which he described as the moment he "found my sound." This approach crystallized in his 2013 debut EP Koocha Monster, marking his transition to a signature fusion of electronic bass music with Indian folk and street elements, including influences from South Indian traditions like Tamil percussion and broader genres such as moombahton, trap, and reggae. Prior to this, his work had spanned experimental electronic, house, and Bollywood remixes, driven by a desire to avoid stylistic stagnation, but the street-inspired sampling elevated his music to a more accessible, culturally resonant level. By the mid-2010s, albums like Bass Rani (2015) and Raja Baja (2016) exemplified this matured sound, emphasizing heavy bass drops layered with non-clichéd Indian motifs to appeal across regional divides in . This evolution not only propelled him from local farmhouse gigs to international festivals such as and EDC Las Vegas but also redefined electronic music in by prioritizing relatable, street-rooted fusion over Western EDM trends alone. In the 2020s, Nucleya's style continued to evolve through collaborations and new releases, blending his signature bass with fresh experimental elements. The 2020 album Baaraat with merged bass-heavy production with indie-pop and classical influences, while his seventh studio album Chamkillah () represented a culmination of past and present projects, incorporating traditional Indian , sounds, and global electronic trends to push creative boundaries.

Personal life

Residence and family

Nucleya, whose real name is Udyan Sagar, resides in , , where he has made his home since around 2015. The coastal state provides a serene backdrop that helps him maintain a balanced amid his demanding touring schedule, allowing time for creation at home. He is married to Smriti Choudhary, a graphic designer known professionally as Airphish, who has collaborated with him on projects such as artwork for his releases and visuals for tracks like "Jadi Buti." The couple shares household responsibilities to support each other's careers, emphasizing mutual understanding in managing professional commitments alongside family duties. Nucleya and Smriti have a named , whose voice was sampled in the track "Aaja" from his debut EP Koocha Monster. As a , he prioritizes quality time with , including school routines and reading sessions, and takes extended breaks—up to six months annually—from touring to be with his family. He has described his as a profound source of learning about love and life, viewing family as his emotional anchor that keeps him grounded.

Philanthropy and interests

Nucleya has engaged in philanthropic activities primarily through his music performances, including a notable appearance at the 2017 charity concert "Karma" in , organized by and Sunburn Arena alongside artists like and Anish Sood. All proceeds from the event supported , an Indian NGO dedicated to protecting and promoting child rights by addressing issues such as , , and protection from exploitation. In his personal interests, Nucleya prioritizes family time and creative experimentation, often dedicating half the year to traveling and bonding with his loved ones away from the demands of touring. He favors serene environments over the high-energy party culture typical of the EDM scene, describing himself as more introverted in private life. His hobbies revolve around music exploration, including sampling everyday Indian sounds like street noises and dialogues for his productions, as well as listening to qawwali masters such as Ghulam Ali Khan and , and vintage Bollywood tracks from composers like Kalyanji-Anandji and Madan Mohan—influenced by his father's record collection.

Discography

Studio albums and EPs

Nucleya's discography of studio albums and EPs emphasizes his signature fusion of Indian folk rhythms, desi percussion, and heavy electronic bass, often featuring collaborations with vocalists and producers to create immersive soundscapes. His breakthrough into original productions came with the Koocha Monster EP in 2013, a four-track release that introduced gritty, street-inspired beats drawing from Mumbai's urban energy, establishing his reputation for innovative bass music. This was followed by the Koocha Monster Remix EP later that year, which expanded on the originals with contributions from international artists. In 2015, Nucleya debuted his first full-length studio album, Bass Rani, comprising 10 tracks that blend traditional Indian instruments like the and with trap and elements. The album was innovatively launched during a Ganpati visarjan in , where it was performed live from a moving truck and made available for free download, drawing massive crowds and over a million streams in its initial weeks. Key tracks like "Bass Rani" and "Mumbai Dance" feat. Julius Sylvest highlighted his ability to merge cultural festivities with high-energy . The 2016 studio album Raja Baja built on this momentum with six original tracks, including "Jind Mahi" feat. Avneet Khurmi and "Bhayanak Atma" feat. Gagan , exploring themes of love and mischief through pulsating basslines and Punjabi influences; it was released via a historic event at Mumbai's . Subsequent EPs further diversified his output. Tota (2019), a six-track EP, featured high-profile collaborations such as "Mirza" with and Rashmeet Kaur, incorporating hip-hop flows over folk-infused beats to capture playful, narrative-driven vibes. The following year, the four-track Baaraat EP (2021), co-produced with , integrated experimental electronic textures with traditional wedding motifs in songs like "Sathi" and "Ari Ari," and was uniquely tied to a series of NFTs for fan engagement. Nucleya's most recent major release, the 2024 EP Chamkillah, synthesizes elements from his earlier works with fresh explorations, including tracks like "KOBITA" feat. Goldie Sohel, PUNA, and , and "lightyears" feat. and Da Fyer, emphasizing personal growth and sonic experimentation across its five tracks: Jogi (feat. Goldie Sohel), KAMLI (feat. Mitika Kanwar), KOBITA, Khoye Panchi, and lightyears.
TitleTypeRelease YearNotable Tracks/Features
Koocha MonsterEP2013Original bass-heavy tracks inspired by urban
Koocha Monster RemixEP2013Remixes by international artists
Bass RaniStudio Album2015"Bass Rani," "Mumbai Dance" feat. Julius Sylvest (10 tracks)
Raja BajaStudio Album2016"Jind Mahi" feat. Avneet Khurmi (6 tracks)
Tota MynaEP2019"Mirza" feat. & Rashmeet Kaur (6 tracks)
Baaraat (with )EP2021"Sathi," "Ari Ari" (4 tracks)
ChamkillahEP2024"KOBITA" feat. Goldie Sohel et al. (5 tracks)

Singles and collaborations

Nucleya's discography includes a wide array of singles that showcase his signature fusion of electronic beats with Indian folk and classical elements, often released independently or as part of soundtracks. His early singles, such as "Tamil Fever" featuring vocalist Benny Dayal in 2014, marked his entry into mainstream Indian music scenes, particularly in the South, with its infectious bass-heavy remix style drawing from Tamil influences. This track appeared on various compilations and helped establish his reputation for genre-blending productions. A pivotal moment came in 2016 with "Let's Nacho," a collaboration with rapper Badshah and singer for the film soundtrack, which topped charts and amassed millions of streams due to its high-energy party vibe and Bollywood integration. This single exemplified Nucleya's ability to bridge electronic music with commercial , leading to broader recognition. Similarly, his 2015 single "Laung Gawacha" featuring Avneet Khurmi from the Bass Rani album became a staple, revitalizing a traditional Punjabi folk song through heavy bass drops and electronic production. Nucleya's international collaborations have elevated his global profile, starting with "Good On You" alongside American duo in 2019, a track from their album Zer0 that fused desi trap elements with EDM, premiered live during a joint performance in . In 2020, he teamed up with [Major Lazer](/page/Major Lazer) on "Jadi Buti" featuring , part of the Music Is the Weapon album, which celebrated Indian herbal culture through pulsating bass and lyrics by , marking a significant milestone for Indian bass music. These partnerships highlighted Nucleya's role in globalizing Indian electronic sounds. Domestic collaborations continued to thrive, as seen in "Sathi" with electronic artist in 2021, the from their Baaraat EP, blending acoustic folk with bass-heavy to explore themes of companionship and garnered widespread streaming success. In recent years, Nucleya has focused on standalone singles and EPs, including the 2024 Chamkillah EP with tracks like "KAMLI" featuring Mitika Kanwar and "lightyears" with Da Fyer, emphasizing experimental bass and vocal harmonies rooted in Indian traditions. By 2025, releases such as "Blow," "Fever," and "Dance Like Dynamite" with Ella maintained his momentum, prioritizing raw energy and club-ready drops while incorporating contemporary vocalists. These works underscore his evolution toward more concise, impact-driven outputs amid a growing international fanbase.
YearTitleCollaborators/NotesSource
2014Tamil FeverCompilation appearance, South Indian hit
2015Laung GawachaAvneet KhurmiFrom Bass Rani album, folk-EDM fusion
2016Let's NachoBadshah, Kapoor & Sons soundtrack, chart-topper
2019Good On YouFrom Zer0 album, international EDM collab
2020Jadi Buti, Rashmeet KaurFrom Music Is the Weapon, global bass track
2021SathiLead from Baaraat EP, folk-electronic blend
2024Chamkillah (EP)Mitika Kanwar, Da FyerExperimental bass with Indian vocals
2025BlowSoloClub-oriented single

Film scores and soundtracks

Nucleya has contributed to several Indian and international film soundtracks, blending his signature desi-bass electronic style with cinematic narratives, often infusing folk elements and high-energy beats into songs that enhance dramatic or celebratory scenes. His work in began with remixes and evolved into full compositions, showcasing collaborations with vocalists and other producers to create culturally resonant tracks. In 2009, Nucleya provided a remix of "Patli Galli" for the comedy film Short Kut: The Con Is On, directed by , marking one of his early forays into Bollywood soundtracks alongside DJ Nasha. The track's upbeat electronic remix complemented the film's lighthearted tone. For the 2016 family drama , directed by , Nucleya composed the high-energy party anthem "Let's Nacho," featuring vocals by and Badshah. The song, with its fusion of Punjabi rhythms and EDM drops, became a chart-topper and a pivotal sequence in the film, highlighting themes of reconciliation through dance. Nucleya's most extensive film contribution came with the 2018 sports drama , directed by , where he composed multiple tracks for the original motion picture soundtrack, including the intense rap-infused "Paintra" with DIVINE and the EDM version of "" alongside Rachita Arora and . These songs underscored the film's themes of caste discrimination and boxing resilience, with Nucleya's bass-heavy production amplifying the raw emotional undercurrents. The soundtrack album, released under his name, received praise for its innovative blend of hip-hop, folk, and electronic elements. In 2021, Nucleya collaborated on the score for Sherni, a thriller directed by Amit Masurkar, providing music alongside Mayur Narvekar and Projekt's Mehrr Nath Choppra. His contributions added atmospheric electronic textures to the film's exploration of and gender dynamics in rural . Extending his reach internationally, Nucleya composed "Bakar Bakar" for the 2023 animated superhero film , directed by , , and Justin K. Thompson. The track, performed by him, featured in the Mumbattan sequence, incorporating Indian bass sounds to represent Pavitr Prabhakar's cultural background and earning acclaim for bridging music with global pop culture.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Nucleya has received recognition for his contributions to electronic and fusion music, particularly through his album Bass Rani and film soundtracks. His track "Jungle Raja" featuring Divine earned him a win at the Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) Awards. In 2017, Nucleya was nominated for Best Music Album at the for his work on the soundtrack of , shared with composers , , , and singer . He also received a nomination in the same category at the 9th Mirchi Music Awards for the album. That year, Nucleya was nominated for Best Indian Act at the , competing against , Parekh & Singh, Yatharth, and . As a judge on the series The , Nucleya was involved in a production nominated for an International Emmy Award in the Non-Scripted Entertainment category in 2019.
YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2016Global Indian Music Academy AwardsBest Electronica Single"Jungle Raja" (feat. Divine) from Bass RaniWon
2017Filmfare AwardsBest Music AlbumKapoor & SonsNominated
2017Mirchi Music AwardsAlbum of the YearKapoor & SonsNominated
2017MTV Europe Music AwardsBest Indian ActN/ANominated
2019International Emmy AwardsNon-Scripted Entertainment (as judge)The RemixNominated

Documentaries and media appearances

In 2017, Nucleya was the subject of the documentary short Ride to the Roots, produced by Media House and directed by Misha Ghose. The film follows his return to , where he relocated as a child, for a reunion with his parents and a homecoming performance, exploring his evolution from a member of the electronic duo Projekt to a leading figure in Indian bass music. It premiered on on August 21, 2017, and highlights themes of personal reinvention and cultural roots. Nucleya has made several notable television appearances, often as a judge or performer on shows. In 2018, he served as a judge on the reality series The Remix, alongside singer and composer , where contestants remixed Bollywood tracks; the show premiered on March 9, 2018, and emphasized innovative electronic and fusion elements in Indian music. He also judged the inaugural season of MTV India's hip-hop reality show in 2019, joining rappers and to mentor aspiring artists in battles for India's top hip-hop talent; the series debuted on August 9, 2019, and showcased Nucleya's insights into blending electronic production with rap. Earlier, Nucleya featured prominently on The Dewarists, an international music collaboration series. In season 4, episode 6 (2015), he collaborated with singer in Phuket, , to create the track "Heer," fusing electronic beats with Punjabi folk influences. He returned in season 5, episode 5 (2016), partnering with Assamese folk artist Papon on "Memories," which drew from personal storytelling and acoustic-electronic fusion.

References

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