Flamenco guitarist Deepak Verma on falling in love across countries and chasing the perfect note

Deepak Verma’s love story spans Spain, Slovenia, and India. His passion for the guitar led him to his first destination, where he immersed himself in the flamenco tradition, learning from masters like German multi-instrumentalist Amir John Haddad and guitarist José Gálvez. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Verma opens up about his journey, his passion for music, and his personal life. “I believe in authenticity. That’s my primary drive, and it’s reflected in everything I do, from music to relationships,” says the 33-year-old. 

Verma started as a rock guitarist and played in bands alongside the likes of singer Kailash Kher and popular jazz pianist Karim Ellaboudi, among other notable names. As a session musician, he was approached for recordings, movies, ads, and songs. Instructional DVDs opened up the world of flamenco. “Originally from Spain, it is among the most sophisticated styles of guitar. And, like every guitarist, I too had a fantasy to learn it,” he shares. When Haddad, also known as El Amir, was visiting Mumbai in 2016, it was a life-changing experience for Verma. Eventually, he was invited by the former to Spain, and his journey as a flamenco guitarist started from there.

In 2017, Verma travelled all over the country and learnt the nuances of the instrument, gradually gaining expertise. “Flamenco is a culture—and a way of life. Also, I find many similarities between Spain and Indian cultures. The stories of the Banjaras, the gypsies, and the music...they are all woven by a common thread,” he says. Verma has performed extensively in Mumbai, including at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Royal Opera House, and for the Spanish Consulates’ National Spanish Day, Fiesta Nacional. Currently busy with private performances, he feels: “Private shows are very personal and intimate; there’s a closeness that allows flamenco to breathe differently. Studio time, on the other hand, gives me space to slow things down, listen deeply, and explore parts of my sound that don’t always surface on stage.”

Nature of music 

Born in Uttarakhand and having grown up in Mumbai, people around Verma frequently get surprised when they discover his origins.“I have embraced the culture of Andalucia and Spain as my own,” he says. Shared learning has also included tapping the potential of music to heal. “I had a bad accident in Sevilla and got multiple stitches. That’s when I realised the importance of life and good health. While music is therapeutic to my mind, fitness and nutrition are therapy for my body. I also love going for long walks and being in nature. It calms my mind.”

Like the soulful notes of flamenco, Verma’s love story is nothing short of cinematic. He met his wife Polona Valic Verma, a Slovenian dancer, in Spain, and their relationship has been a source of inspiration for his music. “My own love story has been a bit of a challenge,” he laughs, adding: “Because my wife is Slovenian and I’m an Indian. I met her in Granada, and during the pandemic, we were stuck across countries. She finally came to India, and then we were stuck here! After that, I went to Spain in 2019. We got married in 2024.”

Looking ahead 

With a musical journey spanning two decades, Verma’s ultimate goal is to introduce the authentic spirit of flamenco to India and share its richness with a new audience. “I recently worked with AR Rahman. We had a mini jam session at 4 am in the morning and bonded during that. It was a memorable experience. Before that, I had a lovely experience working with composer Shekhar Ravjiani. My wife and I were in the beautiful mountains of Slovenia, and that’s when I recorded flamenco guitars for Shekhar’s song, Nazar,” Verma says, adding: “I feel all romantic pop music, historically, has had some form of flamenco guitar or a Spanish style infused in them. From Enrique to Bryan Adams—all have had influences of flamenco in their pieces. Everyone knows the sound of nylon strings. For any romantic song, a single verse is enough to take you to a beach or any other romantic location. Musicians like Rahman and Ravjiani understand that very well.”

Verma is currently preparing to travel across India alongside his wife, “with a very close-to-my-heart project called the Flamenco India Project. It brings together artists I deeply admire, including Sol Koeraus, a flamenco dancer and singer who also runs schools in Granada and New York.”

His words echo with positivity as he shares a parting thought. “Do everything with honesty and authenticity. Take risks and be more of yourself in work, romance, and life,” he concludes. 

For all the die-hard romantics, Deepak shares his top four favourite tracks. “These pieces capture the essence of love and passion that I try to convey through my music.”

Tres Notas Para Decir Te Quiero by Vicente Amigo
Canción de Amor by Paco de Lucia
Practical Arrangement by Sting
Te Extraño by Diego el Cigala

Photographer: Paloma Mochón Sáez

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India's January-February 2026 print edition. 

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