"Global Visibility Helps Accelerate Connections For Indian Artists": Shalmali Kholgade

Indian playback singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Shalmali Kholgade has established herself as one of the most influential voices of her generation. Best known for hit songs such as Pareshaan, Balam Pichkari, Lat Lag Gayee and Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai, she has successfully balanced mainstream success with an independent artistic identity.

Recently featured on a Times Square Billboard in New York, Kholgade continues to expand her global presence while inspiring a new generation of artists through her music and creative pursuits.

In this exclusive interview with Loudest.in, Shalmali Kholgade reflects on what the Times Square recognition means for her as both an artist and a brand, the business opportunities that global visibility can unlock, and how she is navigating the increasingly international landscape of the music industry.

Here are edited excerpts:

What does appearing on the Times Square billboard mean not just as an artist, but as a brand you’ve built over the years?

Honestly, it felt quite surreal. I was one of the first Spotify EQUAL artists from India back in 2021, so being featured again feels a bit like coming full circle.

Over the years, I've tried to build a career that isn't defined by just one thing. I've sung Bollywood songs, released original music, performed live across different kinds of stages and audiences, and I've always wanted the freedom to do all of it. So when something like this happens, it feels like recognition of that entire journey rather than just one song or one moment.

More than anything, it's a reminder that staying true to yourself and your choices eventually finds its place.

How important are global visibility moments like this in helping Indian artists expand their international footprint?

They're definitely important because they put you on the radar of people who may never have come across your music otherwise.

That said, visibility is just the starting point. It creates curiosity. It opens doors. What you do after that is what really matters.

For Indian artists, moments like these also reinforce the fact that our music and stories can travel far beyond our borders. The audience for Indian music today is much larger and more global than it was even a few years ago, and platforms like this help accelerate those connections.

Do recognitions like Times Square translate into tangible business opportunities for artists today?

They absolutely can.

The music industry is far more interconnected now and visibility often leads to conversations that may not have happened otherwise. Whether it's brands, festivals, collaborators or new audiences discovering your work, these moments tend to create momentum.

What's interesting is that international recognition also strengthens your positioning back home. People see your work through a different lens and that can open up opportunities locally as well. So it often works both ways.

As the music industry becomes increasingly global, how are you approaching the business side of your career differently now?

I think I'm a lot more intentional than I was earlier.

It's no longer just about releasing music and hoping it reaches people. I'm thinking more about where my audience is growing, what kind of content resonates across different markets and how I want to represent myself as an artist.

I've also become much more conscious about owning my narrative. Whether it's the music I release independently or the partnerships I take on, I want them to reflect who I am.

A global career doesn't happen overnight. It takes patience, consistency and a lot of thoughtful decisions along the way. I'm still learning, but I'm definitely approaching it with a much clearer sense of purpose today.