Rendezvous wid India's fastest guitarist!

'I was always fascinated by the look and romance of carrying a guitar. That's how I started off. The passion grew eventually,' Apernit, also a Hindustani vocalist, told us.

'I have never claimed to be the fastest guitarist. But music companies and the media have rated me the fastest,' he said, not without an air of confidence though.

At a breathtaking speed of 22 notes in 0.76 seconds, Apernit's performances have left audiences spellbound. He has also played a marathon 72 hours of non-stop music over the guitar.

Apernit, who has trained more than 1,000 students to play the guitar in the past four years, is now gunning for an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records.

He has composed more than 50 jingles for various brands like Canara Bank, IT Kerala, Haywards 5000, Britannia, Green Label, Gilbeys, Perfetti and All India Radio.

'I experiment to the fullest with the guitar. But it is not just for the sake of experimenting. Music should come as a passion. I am not looking to prove a point,' he said.

'I do not stick to any particular genre. I am open to rock, pop, jazz, blues, Indi-pop, Bhangra,' said the Gwalior-born son of a property dealer.

After making waves in the industry circles, Apernit is not averse to Bollywood assignments.

He has already come out with an album 'Dhundhoon Kahaan' and has bigger plans for the future.

Although Apernit's dream is to play for the famed G3 - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci - he has also kept alive his desire to do a professional guitarist's course from the Berkley's School of Music in the US.

'I was sidelined by many in the industry. Now those very people want me to play for them. So I guess I do not have to prove anything but just play my music,' Apernit noted.