Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

'My journey from Vivek to Karma'

'My journey from Vivek to Karma'

HOW THE MUSICIAN’S DEBUT ALBUM REFLECTS HIS LIFE

DYNAMITE debut album MYP – Made You Proud has introduced explosive talent Karma to the world.


The rapper, singer, songwriter and composer, real name Vivek Arora, has delivered a 13-track release dedicated to his late father, which shows off his immense musical flair. The fusion of hardcore rap and commercial tunes featuring heavyweight artists Shah Rule, Deep Kalsi, Ikka, King, Encore ABJ, Raftaar and KR$NA, follows on from his debut five-track EP Newcomer in 2020.

Eastern Eye caught up with the rising 25-year-old star to find out more about him and discuss his awesome album.

What first connected you to music? 

I used to be a very introverted guy and found that music was my medium to express my thoughts. Hip hop is a very expressive art form and music gave me the superpowers to convey my message, as it is, out to the people.

What drew you to hip hop and rap?

Hip hop found me at my lowest. I remember I heard Eminem’s album Recovery and related to his stories. That was the time when I felt this was a very powerful art form, and you can actually convey your message and stories to other people. That was the first time I felt I should do this.

Who have been some of your greatest musical influences?

I have said earlier, a lot of times, that I am a huge Eminem fan. He has been my influence not only in music but in life as well.

Tell us about your debut album MYP – Made You Proud?

This is a very special project for me. It’s a tribute from me to my late father and everybody else who supported and believed in me from day one. I took my time to complete the project. The goal was to showcase versatility and that’s what I was able to achieve. The features on the album, producers, and music videos, made it a project full of colours and different vibes.

How would you describe the songs?

Every song is a vibe in itself. One thing that is common to every song is they describe the change which happened around me from the journey of being Vivek to Karma. They talk about my mindset, the lifestyle, and what I think about the scene.

Which track on it is closest to your heart?

Believe is the closest track to my heart from the album. It’s a very personal song as I wanted to get things off my chest.

Who are you hoping will connect with these tracks?

Anybody who is going through a tough time and is trying to make something out of their life can connect to MYP. It’s an example of how if you don’t give up, things can actually turn out in your favour.

Karma album  1

What inspired the title?

The album is called Made You Proud because it tells the purpose of me being in the game. I wanna make my family proud. I wanna make people proud for staying with me and believing in my talent.

What is the music master plan going forward?

I am adapting, experimenting with new sounds, and trying to go new school for a bit. Indian music is changing constantly, and as an artist, you have to adapt to what your audience is looking for. I guess this master plan will keep you going.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I would love to be on a track with my idols. Would die for an Eminem feature.

You are signed to rapper Raftaar’s label. Has he given you any advice?

Yes, he’s been in the game for like 10 years now, and I feel it’s good to have somebody experienced to back you up in terms of how to move in this industry. He has always been a big brother to me, and I still have to learn a lot, so the knowledge keeps coming.

What does music mean to you? 

It’s everything. It’s my bread and butter. It’s my medium to talk and the air I breathe. It’s what I do, it’s what I make and what I feed off.

Finally, why do you think we should pick up your album?

My album is a project to make you feel empowered even if you are feeling down. It’s an example of making it without having any family wealth or connections. You should pick it up if you want to explore hip hop from a small-town guy’s point of view. The album will talk you through the happy moments, sad moments and changes happening in life. Basically, it’s a reality check.

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer

AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie

Instagram/arrahman

AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer as 'Ramayana' music collaboration excites fans

Quick highlights:

  • AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will collaborate on the soundtrack for Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
  • Rahman shared a selfie with Zimmer on Instagram, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie”.
  • The photo sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans and celebrities calling it a “historic moment”.
  • Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and is set for a Diwali 2026 release.

AR Rahman’s latest Instagram post has set the tone for what might be one of the most ambitious film music projects in recent Indian cinema. The Oscar-winning composer shared a selfie with legendary Hollywood music producer Hans Zimmer, confirming their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One. The picture quickly went viral, as fans celebrated the rare coming together of two globally acclaimed composers for a single Indian film.

  AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/arrahman

Keep ReadingShow less
Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham

Birmingham celebrates its heavy metal roots with Back to the Beginning show

Getty Images

Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham for final Black Sabbath concert after 20 years

Quick highlights:

  • Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in Birmingham on 5 July, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original line-up.
  • Villa Park will host a 10-hour metal concert titled Back to the Beginning, curated by Tom Morello.
  • The line-up includes Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others; proceeds go to three Birmingham-based charities.
  • The reunion marks the first time Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward will play together in 20 years.

After a lifetime of chaotic stage antics, searing vocals, and defining an entire music genre, Ozzy Osbourne is officially calling time on his career. On Saturday, the 76-year-old rock legend will headline his final concert in Birmingham, his birthplace, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath, the band that started it all.

Billed as Back to the Beginning, the sold-out event will not only mark Osbourne’s last performance but also a rare reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last appearance as a full group was two decades ago.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less