In her latest interview with Loudest.in, Anjana Padmanabhan discusses her journey from Indian Idol Junior to a versatile indie and playback artist, staying true to her roots while building a global musical identity.
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At just ten years old, Anjana Padmanabhan became a household name when she won the inaugural season of Indian Idol Junior in 2013. A decade later, the Bengaluru-born singer has evolved far beyond her reality TV beginnings, carving a space for herself in both the playback and independent music scenes.
With a voice that bridges classical precision and contemporary flair, Anjana is now defining what it means to grow up in the public eye while staying true to her roots.
In her latest interview with Loudest.in, Anjana Padmanabhan discusses her journey from Indian Idol Junior to a versatile indie and playback artist, staying true to her roots while building a global musical identity.
Here are edited excerpts:
From winning Indian Idol Junior to carving your space in the indie and playback scene, how has your relationship with music evolved as you’ve grown up in the public eye?
Indian Idol was my biggest stepping stone and the foundation of my music career. My relationship with music has evolved over time as I’ve grown up. When I was on Indian Idol Junior, I just wanted to be part of that world. Back then, I saw music very differently, and people also perceived me as a very different kind of artist.
Today, after 12 years, I’ve had countless experiences and collaborations with so many incredible artists. Naturally, my relationship with music has changed completely , I’ve been exposed to so many different forms, from playback to indie, and that has shaped me both as a musician and as a person.
What music meant to me as a child is very different from what it means today. With time, experiences, and the blessings of legendary musicians I’ve been fortunate to learn from, my connection with music has deepened. Observing them closely and learning from their journeys has truly shaped who I am today.
In an age driven by streaming and social media, what does “authenticity” mean to you as a young artist finding her distinct sound?
Authenticity, to me, means truly representing where you come from and the culture you belong to, while also connecting with younger audiences in ways that excite them. It’s about staying rooted in your identity but evolving with the times. Being authentic while adapting to change is what’s most important to me.
You’ve sung across multiple languages and styles. What draws you to a song, and how do you adapt your expression to different musical cultures?
I’ve been fortunate to sing for films in many different languages and styles. What draws me most is the melody, the composition and the music itself. A song’s melody can speak volumes beyond language or words. It communicates everything the song is trying to say, and that’s the purest form of music for me.
When I sing in different languages, I rely on family and friends who help me understand the nuances of that culture. My dad, who’s from eastern India, helps with those languages; my mom with southern ones; and friends with others. That cultural exchange is very special to me , it helps me connect emotionally with every song I perform.
You started young and have seen the evolution of India’s music landscape firsthand. How do you view the business side of being an artist today, from streaming to social media to branding yourself independently?
The way music has evolved in India over the last decade has been incredible. It’s a completely different world today. From a business perspective, I see streaming, social media, and digital platforms as tools that help artists express themselves and connect with people more easily than ever before.
Streaming has opened up a global audience, anyone can release their music independently and be heard across the world. That’s a beautiful thing.
When it comes to branding myself, it’s about being very clear about who I am, what story I want to tell, and what truly represents me. Everything I put out into the world must align with that identity and message.
As collaborations increasingly define the music industry, what do you look for in a creative partner, and how do you ensure your individuality still shines through?
Collaboration is the future and I’ve believed that from the start. There’s nothing more beautiful than joining forces with someone who brings something different to the table. That’s how creativity thrives.
When I collaborate, I look for authenticity and uniqueness, qualities that contrast with mine in exciting ways. My individuality always stays intact because I’m honest about what I want to express. Every collaboration is about two different worlds coming together, both shining in their own way and creating something new and beautiful in the process.
Independent artists today are also entrepreneurs, managing content, audience engagement, and strategy. How do you balance creativity and commerce?
I genuinely believe all artists today are entrepreneurs. We’re building our own brands, consciously or not. I see myself as someone building a small company , every detail matters, from the music I release to the stories I share and how I connect with my audience.
Coming from a commerce background, I’ve studied business, marketing, and finance, so I actually enjoy this side of things too. It’s become essential for artists to blend creativity with strategy. That’s how we connect not just with audiences in India but with listeners across the globe ,through our music, our identity, and the stories we tell.
Regional and indie collaborations are breaking boundaries globally. Are there any cross-genre or cross-language artists you dream of working with?
People today truly appreciate authenticity and cultures that haven’t always been in the spotlight. Cross-genre and cross-language collaborations work so well because they bring two different worlds together to create something magical.
There’s actually something exciting in the works right now , a cross-cultural collaboration , but I can’t reveal too much yet. All I can say is that I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been creating.
What’s your long-term vision? Do you see yourself building a global brand through music or focusing on India’s independent ecosystem?
My long-term vision is to build a global brand and I know I will. For me, it’s about representing my culture authentically on a global stage.
Of course, that starts with strengthening my roots in India’s independent ecosystem, which is growing beautifully right now. I want to take my culture to audiences around the world while also bringing global influences back home. India’s independent scene will be the foundation that fuels this vision, and I’m so glad it’s taking shape the way it is.