Inside the Four Walls of Chaar Diwaari: A Journey Through Chaos, Contradictions, and Creative Freedom

Indian hip-hop has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, evolving from an underground movement to a significant cultural force. Pioneers like Baba Sehgal introduced rap to Indian audiences in the 1990s, blending Hindi lyrics with Western beats. The early 2000s saw artists like Bohemia shaping the scene with Punjabi rap, and by the 2010s, “gully rap” emerged, spotlighting the raw narratives of urban India through artists like Divine and Naezy. This surge in popularity is reflected in streaming statistics on Spotify as well; for instance, hip-hop is now the fourth most streamed genre on Spotify India, with regional sub-genres like Haryanvi and Malayalam hip-hop. 

Amidst this dynamic landscape, New Delhi-based artist Garv Taneja, known professionally as Chaar Diwaari, has carved a niche with his avant-garde approach to experimental Hindi music. As a multifaceted artist—encompassing roles as a music producer, singer, songwriter, and visual artist—Chaar Diwaari challenges conventional norms in art and music production. His work is characterised by immersive, often phantasmagorical music videos and a DIY ethic that defies traditional industry standards.  

Garv Taneja’s Journey as Chaar Diwaari: A Fusion of Genres

Chaar Diwaari, the musical alias of 22-year-old Garv Taneja from New Delhi. His avant-garde approach to experimental Hindi music challenges conventional norms, blending elements of jazz, hip-hop, and rock to craft a sound that is both raw and innovative. Beyond his roles as a music producer, singer, and songwriter, Garv is also a visual artist, known for his immersive and often phantasmagorical music videos that defy traditional industry standards. This multifaceted artistry has garnered him recognition as a provocateur and storyteller who thrives on challenging the status quo. 

Garv’s artistic journey is rooted in introspection and a refusal to be boxed into conventional expectations. He defines his music in his own words as “Unfiltered. Imperfect. Experimental.” Rather than chasing a polished sound or a clearly defined genre, he lets instinct, emotion, and curiosity lead the way. “I don’t box myself into a genre; my sound is shaped by raw emotion, instinct, and curiosity,” he said in his interview with Local Samosa. “If it feels right, I roll with it, and that’s what makes it mine.” This organic, open-ended approach allows him to pull from a wide array of influences—from Bollywood melodies to electronic glitches—without losing the essence of his voice.

The name “Chaar Diwaari,” meaning “four walls,” might suggest confinement, but for Garv, it is quite the opposite. “That contradiction is actually the whole point,” he told us. “The brain is inside the skull, but imagination? That’s limitless. When I create, even if I’m just in a room by myself, I feel infinite.” For Garv, boundaries—whether spatial or creative—don’t limit expression but fuel it. “Restriction fuels creativity,” he added. “Having limits—whether it’s physical space, resources, or even just working alone—forces me to push beyond them.” His music thrives within this paradox, proving that imagination knows no walls.

Garv’s dedication to his craft is further exemplified by his hands-on approach to all aspects of his work, from music production to directing and editing his music videos. This DIY ethic not only showcases his versatility but also his commitment to maintaining creative control and authenticity in his art. As he continues to evolve and push the boundaries of Indian hip-hop, Chaar Diwaari stands as a testament to the power of introspection, experimentation, and unyielding creative freedom.

DIY Dreams: How Chaar Diwaari Builds Music, Visuals, and Meaning from Scratch

On the topic of writing and composing to directing and editing his music videos, he admits, “I don’t think I’ve figured out the balance yet. And maybe that’s the point. The process is messy—sometimes it takes me way longer than I’d like to finish a song, and sometimes I end up scrapping ideas altogether.” His 2023 track "Thehra" is a clear example, a song he not only sang but also directed himself—building the visual world alongside the music, an integration that defines his creative process. “Each role—whether it’s producing, songwriting, or visual storytelling—feeds into the other,” he shares. “When I’m writing a song, I’m already visualising its world. When I’m directing something, the music is shaping the mood.”

Breaking the Mold, One Track at a Time

Garv thrives in the messy, in-between spaces that most artists avoid. “Art should make you feel something—whether it’s discomfort, nostalgia, joy, or confusion,” he said. “That’s what drives me.” His approach is rooted in instinct rather than structure, allowing each song to take its unpredictable course. “Some songs need structure; others need chaos. I let the song dictate its path,” he explained. By embracing imperfection and unpredictability, Garv creates music that feels alive—imperfect, yes, but deeply human.

The soundscapes Garv creates are often born from breaking the very rules that define traditional production. “I mix things that shouldn’t mix. I use instruments in ways they weren’t meant to be used,” he said. His songs may start from something as small as a voice memo or a field recording and evolve into full-blown compositions. “Sometimes, I build songs out of random sounds—field recordings, voice memos, or accidental glitches. That unpredictability keeps things exciting and real.” It’s this raw experimentation that gives his music its unique edge—equal parts chaotic and cohesive.

On Resistance and Rejection

Of course, taking the unconventional route comes with its fair share of criticism. But for Garv, scepticism is a sign he’s doing something right. “All the time,” he says when asked if he faces resistance. “When you don’t fit a formula, people don’t know what to do with you. But that’s fine.” He doesn’t make music to please anyone, and he certainly doesn’t intend to blend in. “I don’t make music to fit in—I make it because it’s what I need to do. Resistance is proof that I’m doing something different, and that’s exactly what I want.” His commitment to being “the most unfiltered version” of himself is not just admirable—it’s the reason his music feels so honest.

In a world driven by algorithms, trends, and formulaic hits, Chaar Diwaari stands quietly but defiantly apart. His journey is not one of shortcuts or viral moments, but of carefully layered chaos—where sound, visuals, and emotion bleed into one another. What makes Garv Taneja’s music compelling isn’t just its experimental edge, but the intent behind it: a desire to create without compromise, to feel without filters, and to speak even when the words feel too personal. His art is a rebellion wrapped in vulnerability, and his story is still unfolding—one raw, imperfect, unforgettable track at a time.

Or as he puts it in one of his lines:

“Kayi baar bana main rakh ke dil, phir bhi rehta hoon chup.”

(Sometimes I build with all my heart, and still, I stay silent.)

That silence, it turns out, says everything.