You began learning music from your father at the age of 3 . How did those early lessons shape your musical foundation , and when did you realize this was your true calling ?
Music is in my blood . My father runs a music school in Sitapur , started by my grandparents . My foundation was built on Indian classical music — not just vocals but also tabla and kathak . When your foundation is strong , you ' re open to exploring multiple genres . My father always encouraged me to listen to all kinds of music , and that ' s why my discography spans multiple styles . After finishing high school , I realized this was my true calling and decided to pursue music professionally .
You ’ ve had a remarkable transition from a playback singer to a celebrated indie artist . What inspired this shift , and how do you differentiate between the two roles ?
Honestly , I didn ’ t know I could create songs , not just sing them . Somehow , playback singing didn ’ t give me enough joy — it felt narrow . I realized I wanted to make my own music , and since then , it has been a joyous ride , regardless of the ups and downs . For playback , I pick songs that either suit my voice perfectly or are musically engaging . It ' s a mix of playing it safe and having fun . Indie music , on the other hand , is my world — I create music daily but only release what truly complements my voice . " Khamakhaa " has been a game-changer in your career .
Could you share the story behind this project and what it means to you as an artist ?
I literally made Khamakhaa in a storeroom on a ukulele . I had created both the audio and video before pitching it to a label . Universal Music picked it up . Khamakhaa is a personal memoir , and I knew the emotion in it was relatable to many . The song is about human emotions — the crux of our existence . Creating simple , heartfelt music is challenging , so having this song recognized as a game-changer is incredibly meaningful to me . Being a Spotify Radar Artist and performing at their global events is a huge achievement .
What was the experience like , and how has it impacted your career ?
Performing music that I ’ ve created and representing Spotify India on stage was surreal . We explored acoustic , pop , funk , garage , and electronic genres during the event . Since then , Spotify has been a huge supporter , and my electronic music audience has grown significantly . It ’ s an experience I ’ ll always cherish . You ' ve collaborated with incredible artists like Sunidhi Chauhan and Rusha Blizza .
How do these collaborations influence your creative process , and what have you learned from them ?
Working with Rusha Blizza is always a treat — they ’ re my favorite duo to collaborate with . Despite being in different cities , our understanding is seamless , and we ’ ve created some of my most satisfying music together . Sunidhi Chauhan , on the other hand , is my idol . She was humble , creatively involved , and worked so hard on our project . Her attitude and dedication inspired me immensely . Songs like " Naino Ki Toh Baat " have achieved staggering streaming numbers .
How do you balance creating authentic music while ensuring it resonates with a larger audience ?
Naino Ki Toh Baat was a dream come true , but I knew it wasn ’ t my true voice — that ’ s why I shifted to making my own music . Authenticity is key for me , and I believe the best way to connect with my audience is by staying true to myself and my sound .
As one of the leading female indie artists in the country , what challenges have you faced in the industry , and how have you overcome them ?
The main challenge is getting people to listen to your unreleased music . The chase can be endless , and if you ' re not mentally strong , it can wear you down . I ’ ve learned to be patient , and that persistence has paid off with all the labels I ’ ve worked with . While it ’ s easy to enter the industry , maintaining your place is the hardest part .
As a singer , how do you maintain your vocal health ?
Do you follow any specific routines or techniques to prepare for live performances or recording sessions ? I have a vocal warm-up routine for recordings and performances , and I practice Indian classical riyaaz daily . It ’ s essential to “ oil the machine ” to avoid stagnation . Stage performances require a different mindset — you need to be comfortable in your own skin . Introspection and self-love are crucial to feeling free and confident on stage . From Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs to Spotify Radar events , you ’ ve had a fascinating journey .
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