From Stethoscope to Strings: A rhythmic journey of a Doctor

An inspiring story of Dr. Samir Malhotra (Khyaal Club Member)

“My name is Dr. Samir Malhotra. I was born in 1971 in Bathinda, Punjab, but when I was three years old, my family moved to Jalandhar. That is where I truly grew up, studied, and built my life. I went to Saint Joseph’s Boys’ School, later studied at DAV College, and then moved to Bangalore for medical studies at M. S. Ramaiah Medical College. After completing my degree, I worked with Punjab Civil Medical Services and soon after started my private practice. For the past twenty-seven years, medicine has been my profession and also my way of serving people.

Alongside my work, music and dance have always been close to my heart. From my school days, I loved singing ghazals and English songs, and I even played the guitar. I admired singers like Bruce Springsteen and enjoyed performing at inter-school and college competitions. During my medical college days, cultural festivals gave me many more chances to sing and perform, and those memories still bring a smile to my face.

My love for music grew even stronger when I started making my own instruments. It began with a small thought. In Punjab, Western instruments were not easy to find, and they were too costly. I still remember going for a competition in Goa where people laughed when I said one day I would return with instruments of my own. Their laughter only pushed me to try harder. I began reading books, looking at old pictures, and later watching videos. I would spend nights drawing and redrawing designs. Some of my friends in Jalandhar had small wood and metal workshops. I asked them to let me use their tools. Many times, things did not work, but I never stopped.

The first instrument I made was called ‘Stringo Yidaki.’ It was a mix of strings and a long pipe. It took me almost three weeks. I could not explain the happiness I felt when I heard a proper sound from it for the first time. After that, I just kept creating more and more instruments. Today, I have built fourteen different instruments and collected over three hundred and fifty from around the world. Each one feels special, like it has its own story. For me, making instruments has never been about fame. It is simply about following my love for music. I also feel proud that in my own way, I have made India proud through these instruments.

Dance, too, has been a part of my life. As a teenager, I would pause Michael Jackson’s Thriller video again and again just to copy his steps. Govinda has also been my inspiration because of the natural ease he brings to dance. But over time, I discovered my own way of dancing. I simply listen to the music, feel it in my heart, and let my body move freely. For me, dance is a celebration. Whenever something good happens in my life, whether it is a patient recovering or simply a rainy evening with family, I dance. In recent years, I have also participated in music and dance festivals for doctors, and winning prizes has been a proud moment for me. One of my happiest memories is from a music reality show, “DHH- Dil hai Hindustani” in Mumbai, where I went with my daughter. I even got the chance to dance onstage with Shah Rukh Khan. That moment brought back the same joy I felt as a boy discovering music and dance for the first time.

Running is another passion that I have. From playing cricket and football in my younger days, I slowly moved towards long-distance running. Today, I run marathons across India and have even completed a fifty-kilometre ultra run in Shimla. Running in the mountains is never easy because the steep climbs and thin air make every kilometer feel like two. Still, reaching the finish line after such runs fills me with pride and also keeps me humble.

It was around this time that I came across Khyaal through the 50 Above 50 talent hunt for seniors on Facebook. The idea connected with me right away because it was about celebrating the talents and journeys of seniors like us. I felt it was something made for people who want to keep learning and enjoying life. That is why I decided to take part. I am participating in three categories – Innovator of the Year, Instrumental Maestro of the Year, and Dancing Superstar of the Year.

For me, it is not about winning or losing, but about participation and to keep moving forward with joy. People say that I am an all-rounder, but I believe that true happiness lies in exploring ourselves and pursuing things with sincere dedication.

To my fellow seniors, I would say this: take care of your health, eat well, stay active, and listen to your body. Keep your heart light, cherish your memories, and celebrate life in small ways. That is where true happiness lies.” - Dr. Samir Malhotra (Khyaal Club Member)