Amit Nautiyal Podcast | Music, Dance, Career Choices, Family Expectations, Technology & Staying Focused
Every creative journey looks different from the outside.
People often see the final performance—the music, the stage and the recognition—but rarely see the years of experimentation, uncertainty and learning that come before it.
The conversation with Amit Nautiyal on The Socialens Talks explores exactly that side of a creative career.
Amit, who belongs to Kauri Garhwal and lives in Dehradun, has been associated with the creative field since around 2010. He initially worked in dance before gradually moving toward music. His journey includes dance, music, music production, questions about career direction, family expectations, technology, changing musical tastes and the challenges faced by young people today.
What makes this conversation particularly relevant is that it doesn’t present a creative career as an overnight success story.
Instead, Amit talks about focus, practice, patience, family relationships, addiction, technology and the importance of giving yourself enough time to become good at something.
From Kauri Garhwal to the Creative World
Amit Nautiyal’s creative journey began around 2010, initially through dance.
He explained that he belongs to Kauri Garhwal but lives in Dehradun, and that dance was his starting point in the creative field.
For Amit, dance was not simply about learning steps.
It was connected with performance, body language and the ability to express through movement.
But another influence was already present in his mind.
Michael Jackson.
Amit described himself as a big fan of Michael Jackson and said that he learned dance by watching his videos.
Michael Jackson also influenced Amit’s interest in singing because he was an artist who combined both singing and dancing.
That combination made Amit want to explore both areas.
Michael Jackson and the Beginning of a Bigger Dream
Amit’s interest in music developed partly because of his admiration for Michael Jackson.
He initially thought that learning music might be relatively simple. He recalled thinking that if he picked up a guitar, perhaps he would simply start playing it.
But he soon discovered that music was very different from dance.
Music required:
- Practice
- Technical understanding
- Scales
- Theory
- Time
- Patience
- Repeated learning
Dance was something he understood more naturally through body language.
Music required a different kind of learning.
He tried learning guitar and explored different places to understand music better.
Eventually, working with bands helped him understand music theory and the technical side of the field more clearly.
That experience gradually increased his interest in music.
When Dance and Music Became Two Different Directions
One of the most important discussions in the podcast is about focus.
Amit explained that there was a time when he was highly focused on dance.
He had achieved a level of mastery in dance and had also received recognition and awards.
Host Ashish Baniwal recalled seeing Amit perform around 2013, and at that time it appeared that dance could become his long-term professional path.
But as Amit became more involved in music, the direction of his career changed.
This created an interesting problem.
People who knew Amit as a dancer were surprised to see him working in music.
People who knew him as a musician were sometimes surprised to discover how seriously he had worked in dance.
Amit described this as creating confusion around his professional identity.
Focus on One Profession
Amit’s experience led him to an important observation.
A person can have multiple interests.
A person can learn multiple skills.
But professional focus can become difficult when someone tries to treat several different skills as equal professions at the same time.
His suggestion was not to stop learning other things.
Instead, he differentiated between hobbies and profession.
A hobby can be something you enjoy and continue developing.
But when you decide to make something your profession, it requires much deeper preparation and commitment.
This is especially relevant for young people who quickly turn a newly discovered interest into a career decision.
Learning guitar for a few months does not automatically mean someone understands the music profession.
Similarly, making a few videos does not automatically mean someone understands the demands of content creation.
The difference is between:
“I enjoy doing this”
and
“I am prepared to build my life around this.”
Hobby Se Profession Tak Ka Safar
Amit and Ashish discussed how young people sometimes make major career decisions after learning only a small part of a skill.
For example, someone may start learning guitar because it is enjoyable.
After some time, they may begin playing reasonably well.
But then comes a much bigger decision—whether to leave studies or another career path and make music the sole profession.
Amit’s point was that the creative industry looks very different from the outside compared with the reality inside it.
Every field has its own challenges.
Music has its challenges.
Dance has its challenges.
And professional success requires preparation before taking a major leap.
Why Music Became Amit’s “Plan B”
The concept of Plan B became an important part of Amit’s journey.
During his dance years, people would sometimes ask him:
“Aapka Plan B kya hai?”
Initially, Amit did not even understand the question.
For him, dance was the plan.
But over time, he began understanding that a professional career can change with age, circumstances and physical limitations.
He therefore began exploring singing and music production more seriously.
He explained the difference in a simple way:
Dance depends heavily on physical energy.
Music depends heavily on mental and creative energy.
This became one of the reasons music increasingly made sense to him as another long-term professional direction.
From Singing to Music Production
Amit’s journey did not stop at singing.
He also became interested in music production and software.
He travelled to places including Rishikesh to learn more and worked around people who helped him understand music production.
This exposed him to the technical side of creating music.
The journey therefore moved from:
Dance → Singing → Music → Music Production
rather than being a single sudden career change.
A. R. Rahman and Lucky Ali: Two Different Musical Inspirations
When Amit spoke about his musical influences, two names particularly stood out.
A. R. Rahman
Amit appreciated A. R. Rahman’s approach to musical arrangement and progression.
He discussed how Rahman’s compositions can move through different musical progressions instead of simply repeating the same structure.
For Amit, that depth in musical construction was something worth learning from.
Lucky Ali
Amit also expressed admiration for Lucky Ali.
What attracted him was not simply the popularity of the songs, but their meaning and emotional quality.
The conversation moved into a broader discussion about older music and why certain songs continue to stay with listeners years later.
What Happened to Meaningful Lyrics?
The conversation then became a discussion about changing music trends.
Amit and Ashish compared older songs with some current commercial music.
Their discussion focused on the perception that many older songs had:
- stronger lyrical meaning
- storytelling
- emotional depth
- memorable messages
while some contemporary songs are increasingly designed around short, catchy phrases.
The point was not that every modern song lacks meaning.
Rather, the conversation questioned how commercial trends and audience behaviour have influenced songwriting.
Have Reels Changed Our Attention Span?
One of the strongest sections of the podcast deals with short-form content.
Amit connected the popularity of reels with the way people increasingly expect entertainment almost instantly.
Earlier, people could wait through a long joke before reaching its punchline.
Today, if a short video does not immediately hold someone’s attention, they can simply swipe to the next one.
That constant switching may encourage people to seek immediate stimulation.
Amit also pointed out that songs themselves have become shorter and that repetition can make particular lines stay in people’s minds.
The broader question is:
Are we becoming less patient because everything is designed to entertain us immediately?
The Five-Second Advertisement Example
Amit shared an everyday example that illustrates his point.
While playing a game with a child, a five-second advertisement appeared.
The child became frustrated even with that short interruption.
Amit used the incident to illustrate how accustomed people—especially children—can become to immediate entertainment and uninterrupted stimulation.
The conversation then moved from entertainment to something more serious:
mobile and technology addiction.
Children and Mobile Addiction
Amit described an example involving a very young child.
He said that when the phone was taken away, the child would become extremely upset and difficult to calm.
But once the phone was returned, the child could become calm almost immediately.
He used this as an example of how strongly screens can become associated with comfort and emotional regulation.
The podcast does not present technology as something that must simply be rejected.
Instead, the discussion focuses on limits and responsible use.
Technology can be useful.
But excessive dependence can become a problem.
Teachers, Parents and Changing Childhood
The conversation also explored the changing relationship between children, parents and teachers.
Amit and Ashish discussed how teachers once had a different level of authority in children’s lives.
Today, parents may react strongly if a teacher corrects their child.
This creates a complicated situation where teachers, parents and children may have different expectations from each other.
The larger issue raised was not about bringing back harsh discipline.
It was about finding a healthier balance between:
- Discipline
- Respect
- Communication
- Parental support
- Children’s independence
Moral Values and “My Life, My Rules”
Another discussion centred on changing social behaviour.
Amit and Ashish talked about how older generations often had stronger community interaction.
If children were playing somewhere in a village and an older person saw them, that person could inform their family.
Today, children may increasingly view such interference as unnecessary.
This led to the phrase:
“My life, my rules.”
But the conversation also questioned whether unlimited freedom without responsibility can create problems.
The message was essentially about limits.
Whether it is:
- mobile use
- television
- social media
- personal freedom
- entertainment
excess can become harmful.
Addiction: Amit’s Strongest Warning
Amit gave a particularly clear message to people working in music, dance or other creative careers:
Stay away from addiction.
He explained that substance use may initially create a temporary feeling of being “high,” but the later consequences can be much more damaging.
He also observed that some artists may turn toward substances when they feel unsuccessful or emotionally low.
His advice was to avoid using addiction as a response to career disappointment.
This was one of the clearest messages of the entire podcast.
Creative struggle is difficult.
But addiction is not a solution to creative struggle.
Family Expectations and Creative Careers
The podcast also discusses a difficult reality faced by many young people:
family expectations.
Amit comes from an Army family.
His father is a retired Army member, his mother is a homemaker, his brother is also associated with the Army, and Amit described the family as essentially defence-oriented.
Naturally, there were expectations that Amit might also pursue a defence career.
He recalled that his father encouraged him to prepare for the NDA.
But Amit was strongly attracted to the creative world.
As he humorously remembered, during his teenage years he wanted to become “Michael Jackson.”
That difference between parental expectations and personal ambition is one of the most relatable parts of his story.
“Parents Apne Bachche Ka Bhala Chahte Hain”
Despite his own experience of choosing a different path, Amit did not simply blame parents.
His message was that parents generally want their children to do well.
At the end of the conversation, he specifically said that when parents advise their children, young people should listen because parents generally speak from a desire for their child’s well-being.
At the same time, the podcast also discusses how excessive parental pressure can become harmful.
The balanced approach is:
Parents should guide.
Children should communicate.
Career decisions should involve understanding, preparation and responsibility.
Don’t Put Your Unfinished Dreams on Your Children
Ashish also raised an important point during the conversation.
Sometimes parents may want their children to achieve something that they themselves could not achieve.
That can unintentionally create pressure.
The discussion suggested that parents should support children without forcing them to live someone else’s unfinished dream.
A child may need guidance.
But guidance and pressure are not always the same thing.
Children Also Need to Understand Family Circumstances
The conversation was not one-sided.
Amit and Ashish also discussed the financial realities faced by parents.
A child’s hobby can involve:
- classes
- equipment
- instruments
- coaching
- tuition
- travel
- time
For example, learning guitar may require purchasing an instrument as well as paying for lessons.
Parents may already be managing school fees, tuition and rising living costs.
Therefore, children also need to understand what their family can realistically afford.
This creates a useful principle:
Dream big, but understand the resources required to pursue the dream.
Amit’s Father and an Emotional Moment
Perhaps the most personal moment of the conversation comes when Amit talks about his father.
Amit explained that his father had not really seen him performing or working in his creative field closely before.
Then, during a recent recording session, his father came to see what Amit was doing.
Other people appreciated Amit’s work.
His father watched the process.
And Amit described seeing tears in his father’s eyes.
His father reportedly reflected on how Amit had managed to build this journey largely through his own effort, despite the family not having formally trained or promoted him in the field.
That moment carries a deeper meaning.
Sometimes parental approval does not arrive at the beginning of a journey.
Sometimes it comes later, after parents can see what their child has actually built.
Staying Connected With Family
Despite disagreements about career direction, Amit said he did not damage his relationship with his family.
He emphasised that even when there were differences, he continued to communicate and maintain relationships.
That became an important part of his message:
Following your own path does not necessarily mean breaking relationships with your family.
Career independence and family respect can coexist when communication remains open.
Amit’s Vision for the Future
Amit also spoke about his future ambitions.
He wants his studio to grow into a recognised brand.
He compared the kind of recognition he wants with the reputation associated with established names in the music industry.
His ambition is not simply to produce individual songs.
He wants people to eventually recognise the studio itself as a name and a level of quality.
This gives his journey another dimension.
He is not only thinking about being an artist.
He is also thinking about building something that can become a platform for music.
What Amit Nautiyal Wants Young Artists to Understand
Near the end of the conversation, Amit gives one of his clearest messages to young people entering music and dance.
Success does not happen immediately
Recording one song does not guarantee a hit.
Starting dance does not guarantee instant recognition.
Creative careers take time.
He pointed out that many singers may work for years before one song finally receives major attention.
The public often sees the successful song.
They do not always see the ten years of work before it.
Don’t Let Failure Push You Into Isolation
Amit also discussed the emotional side of creative careers.
When people struggle for long periods, they may become frustrated, depressed or isolated.
Some may fight with family members.
Some may leave home.
Some may turn toward substance use.
His advice was to maintain balance and not allow temporary failure to destroy the rest of life.
The message is not that struggle is easy.
It is that struggle should be managed without destroying the other parts of your life.
Passion Needs Patience
The entire conversation ultimately returns to one idea:
Passion is only the beginning.
After passion comes:
Practice → Learning → Patience → Discipline → Consistency
Amit’s own journey illustrates this.
He did not move directly from interest to professional mastery.
He experimented with dance.
He explored music.
He tried guitar.
He worked with bands.
He learned music theory.
He explored music production.
And gradually his professional identity evolved.
Key Takeaways From the Amit Nautiyal Podcast
- Amit’s creative journey began around 2010.
- He belongs to Kauri Garhwal and lives in Dehradun.
- Dance was his initial professional direction.
- Michael Jackson strongly influenced his interest in dance and music.
- Music required much more practice and technical learning than Amit initially expected.
- Working with bands helped him understand music theory and production.
- He believes professional focus is important.
- A hobby and a profession should not automatically be treated as the same thing.
- Music became an alternative long-term path alongside his experience in dance.
- He discussed the difference between physical energy required for dance and mental/creative energy involved in music.
- A. R. Rahman and Lucky Ali were discussed as important musical inspirations.
- The podcast explores how short-form content may be changing patience and music consumption.
- Mobile dependence among children was discussed as a growing concern.
- Parents and teachers have an important role in children’s development.
- Family expectations can influence career decisions.
- Amit comes from an Army-oriented family but chose a creative career.
- He believes young people should listen to their parents while also understanding their own direction.
- Children should understand the financial realities of pursuing hobbies.
- Amit strongly advised young people in creative fields to stay away from addiction.
- He wants to build his studio into a recognised brand.
- His message is that success takes time and young artists should not give up because results are slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amit Nautiyal?
Amit Nautiyal is a creative professional from Uttarakhand who has worked in dance and music. He belongs to Kauri Garhwal and lives in Dehradun. His creative journey began around 2010.
Did Amit Nautiyal start with music?
No. According to his conversation on The Socialens Talks, he initially worked in dance before gradually moving toward music and music production.
Why was Michael Jackson important to Amit Nautiyal?
Amit said he was a big Michael Jackson fan and learned dance by watching his videos. Michael Jackson’s combination of singing and dancing also influenced Amit’s interest in both creative disciplines.
Why did Amit Nautiyal move toward music?
Amit discussed music as a long-term creative direction that could complement his dance experience. He also explained the difference between the physical energy required for dance and the mental and creative energy involved in music.
What does Amit Nautiyal say about young artists?
He emphasises patience, practice, focus and consistency. He says young artists should not expect immediate success after recording a song or beginning a creative career.
What does Amit Nautiyal say about addiction?
He strongly advises people in music, dance and other careers to stay away from substance abuse and not use it as a response to failure or emotional difficulty.
What is discussed about parents and children?
The conversation discusses family expectations, career choices, financial realities, communication and the importance of parents supporting children while also helping them understand practical limitations.
Related Conversations From The Socialens Talks
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- Anshul Negi Podcast — Acting, social media, youth and creative careers.
- Prince Divas Dabral Podcast — Dance, passion, creative struggles and life beyond fame.
- Luchacha Veer Podcast — Village life, pranks, struggle and social-media reality.
- Sahil Podcast — Children, parenting, technology, screen time and changing childhood.
- Priya Gulati Podcast — Journalism, women empowerment and social impact.
Watch the Full Amit Nautiyal Podcast
The complete conversation is available on YouTube.
Watch Amit Nautiyal Podcast Episode
You can also explore more conversations through The Socialens Talks YouTube Channel.
Conclusion
The Amit Nautiyal Podcast is not simply a conversation about music.
It is a conversation about finding direction.
Amit began with dance, explored music, struggled with the technical side of learning, worked with bands, developed an interest in music production and gradually created a different professional path for himself.
But the conversation goes beyond his career.
It asks bigger questions:
How should young people choose a profession?
Can a hobby really become a career without preparation?
How much should parents influence career choices?
Has short-form content changed our patience?
How should children use technology?
What happens when creative ambition meets financial reality?
And how can someone remain connected to family while choosing a different path?
Amit’s own story doesn’t provide one universal answer to these questions.
Instead, it provides a personal experience from which young artists, parents and aspiring creators can think about their own choices.
The central message is simple:
Passion matters, but passion needs patience, practice, focus and balance.
And perhaps the most important lesson from Amit’s journey is that success should not be measured only by how quickly people notice you.
Sometimes the real achievement is continuing to build your craft until the people who once questioned your path can finally see what you were trying to create.