My Music
Music is my passion
Back To Home Music Vocal Senior Diploma
My musical journey has been long and winding. I started learning to play the Piano when I was five. At that time, I didn’t quite enjoy learning the notations and the flying symbols that had to be forced to sit on those five lines. Maybe that's why I picked up the cello and the seven-year-old me trudged it down the streets of London while living there for a year. I also started singing in the school choir and the highlight of the year came when I performed at Royal Albert Hall as part of the school’s annual music event.
Change of cities : from London to Kolkata And change of music genre. I started learning Hindustani classical at the age of ten, as a compromise against learning classical dance. Though I found it difficult at first, I have come to love the ragas and the bandishs. My favourite remains Hamir and Yaman.
While this was the journey of formal music learning, I’ve also travelled a bit in my personal music space. I started by loving the ever-present Bollywood chartbusters - with great cringe, I admit to Nagada Nagada and Desi Girl being my earliest favourites. I then went through the phase of loving everything my elder brother listened to which meant the ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ and ‘Summer of 69’. Of course, I started learning the guitar to go with the music.
Then came the Taylor Swift phase and that hit me hard. I breathed Taylor Swift. From posters on my wall to 24*7 blaring, I loved everything she sang.
Some fresh winds came in the form of Olivia Rodrigo and Selena Gomez. And then I discovered Prateek Kuhad. And nothing was as soulful as his voice. In between, I also picked notes of gusty folk songs and I love punjabi pop. At present, my playlist is more eclectic than anything else. From Bollywood classics like Mahi ve, new age indiepop, old age rock and roll, to bhajans like Ganga Jaumuna teer For a piece to appeal to me, It just has to be good music. And my music defines me : all inclusive, Indian and western, international aspirations with a heart set at home…
A timeless classic "Piya Tose Naina Laage Re" is from the film Guide (1965). Composed by the greatest composer, S.D. Barman and sung beautifully by Asha Bhosle, this enchanting song encapsulates themes of love and longing. The lyrics, penned by Shailendra, are rich with changing scenery, describing various Indian festivals and the singer’s longing for her lover through them.
Set in Raag Khamaj, known for its soothing and romantic qualities, the melody enhances the song’s emotional depth. It is an evening raag and features a unique scale that combines both major and minor elements, creating a rich melodic texture. Further, Khamaj is known for its improvisational potential, allowing artists to explore various melodic patterns and nuances. At the same time, it is influenced by folk traditions and often incorporates elements from light classical music, making it accessible and relatable to a broader audience. Piya Tose is a perfect example of the raag and the rich tradition of the classical base of the music renditions in Hindi Films.
I performed this loved and nostalgic composition for the annual event and examination show of my music school, The Vasundhara Academy of Performing Arts. The timeless beauty and heartfelt expressions of this song have touched the hearts of generations and is a personal favorite of my mother.
Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan for the film Parineeta, (2006), this is one of ‘my songs’ I can croon to it anytime.
This poignant composition, set as a club number beautifully captures the essence of life's complexities but in a sensuous , playful manner. The song's lyrics explore themes of love, mystery, and the twists of fate that define our existence. With a catchy melody, it resonates deeply, inviting listeners to reflect on their own life's paradoxes and challenges.
Musically, the composition combines a rich orchestral arrangement with soulful vocals, enhancing the emotional depth of the lyrics.
This was one of the first songs, I had performed publicly, in 2021 and since then, it's been one of the most demanded songs in every performance. And I enjoy singing it every single time.
Singer: Monali Thakur, Music: Amit Trivedi Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya Music On: @tseries Film, Lootera (2013)
A soulful melody , this song features lush orchestration and heartfelt vocals, creating a dreamy atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners. The song is loosely based on Raag Yaman. This raag is known for its serene and romantic qualities, which perfectly complement the emotional depth and longing expressed in the song.
The lyrics convey a feeling of deep desire and affection, highlighting how love can awaken the senses and bring joy to life. The phrase "sawaar loon" suggests adornment or beautification, symbolizing the impact of love. Nature is frequently used as a metaphor for love, with references to natural elements evoking beauty and serenity. This imagery enhances the emotional resonance of the song.
The beautiful bhajan "Achyutam Keshavam” is a devotional heartfelt homage to Lord Krishna, celebrating his various divine names and qualities. The term "Achyutam" refers to the infallible one, while "Keshavam" highlights his glorious locks. This bhajan is rich in emotion and spirituality, drawing the listener into a state of devotion and reverence, exhorting the devotee to worship Lord Krishna as a child, lover, and human being and assuring them of God’s bestowing of his presence.
Musically, it is often rendered in Raag Yaman, known for its serene and soothing quality, which perfectly complements the bhajan's essence.
I had first performed this bhajan publicly at the ‘pran-pratishta’ of the Radha-Krishna Mandir constructed by my grandparents in their native village of Barsana in Haryana, India in October 2023.
This is a studio recording of October 2024, on the first anniversary of the temple.
The captivating Kheyal "Koyaliya Bole Ambwa Ki Daalriya," is set in Raag Tilak Kamod in Teen Taal. This raag is characterized by its joyful and playful nature, often evoking feelings of love and celebration. The lyrics beautifully depict the enchanting sounds of the cuckoo, inviting us to experience the charm of nature in full bloom. Raag Tilak Kamod with its expressive phrases, brings out the essence of joy and festivity, while the Teen Taal adds a rhythmic vibrancy that enhances the overall experience
The lyrics of "Koyaliya Bole Ambwa Ki Daalriya" are rooted in the rich tradition of Indian classical music, often reflecting themes of nature, love, and devotion. This particular Khayal celebrates the arrival of spring, using the imagery of the cuckoo's song to evoke a sense of beauty and longing. The mention of the cuckoo (koyaliya) is especially significant in Indian culture, symbolizing romance and the beauty of nature, often linked to the arrival of the monsoon and the joy it brings.
While specific origins can be hard to pinpoint, the Khayal form itself evolved in the 17th century, influenced by various regional styles and poetic forms, including those from Urdu and Hindi literature. The lyrics often draw from folk traditions, making them relatable and accessible to a wide audience. Raag Kamod is one of my personal favourites, I chose this rendition for its exciting yet soothing feel.