Kailash Kher’s long-in-the-making dream project — a one-stop destination for musicians and music lovers — is finally taking shape. During the lockdown, he could give it undivided attention and finalise the nitty-gritties of the deal. “I had always visualised a space for established and budding musicians to come together. I wanted to provide a platform where they could interact, jam, and spread cheer through music,” says the singer, who is seen as a team captain on the reality show, Indian Pro Music League.

The centre will be an extension of the Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Arts (KKALA), which he had set up in 2019, to promote talent, as well as their non-film songs and compositions, through the Nayii Udaan shows.

Kher is calling his initiative, KKALA Dham, “as it will be an abode for music folk. I want to make it the ultimate place for all genres.”

Considering the prevailing scenario, he plans to follow a hybrid format, and will open the doors of KKALA Dham by December. Aiding Kher in his initiative will be members of his band, Kailasa, “who will look after the functioning of the centre.”

He aims to make the place an “adda for music people, just like Prithvi Theatre is the go-to place for theatre lovers”. Besides an auditorium, KKALA Dham will also house a small bookstore, cafe, and a baithak. “We want to make it a buzzing place for veterans and newcomers,” informs Kher, who feels it is important to extend a helping hand to those who want to make a mark in the music world. “You have to pause, acknowledge what you’ve achieved, and give back as gratitude.”

Kher’s latest composition, Ishq Toh Nahin, has been rendered by Rachit Agarwal, who is a contestant on Indian Pro Music League 2021. “It’s finale time, so I thought this was the best way to end by gifting him a track,” says Kher. “The show provides an opportunity for established names, who are team captains, to push and empower emerging talent.” He hopes that, like him, they strike a balance between working in Bollywood and the independent music space.