In a recent Loudest.in interview, rising star Raghav Kaushik discusses his new single Tum, sharing insights on love, authenticity, and balancing independent music with Bollywood and OTT projects.
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Raghav Kaushik, best known for his 25M-stream hit Khaare Raste, has emerged as a distinctive voice in India’s independent music scene. With over 1,000 live shows and credits in Bollywood and OTT projects like Loop Lapeta, he balances commercial success with creative independence. Singing in Hindi, Gujarati, and Bengali, kaushik continues to explore India’s musical diversity. His latest single Tum, a tender ballad on love, is now out across all streaming platforms.
In a recent Loudest.in interview, rising star Raghav Kaushik discusses his new single Tum, sharing insights on authenticity and balancing independent music with Bollywood and OTT projects.
Your latest track Tum has just released - can you share the story or inspiration behind the song and what it means to you personally?
Tum is a very personal song for me. It’s about that bittersweet space in love where you know you can’t be with someone, yet they never stop feeling like home. I wanted to capture the honesty of that emotion. The acceptance, the longing, and the quiet strength it takes to let go. Writing it felt almost like a conversation with myself, and in that sense, it’s one of the most intimate songs I’ve ever released.
How was the experience of collaborating with Sony Music, and do you feel it marks a new direction or evolution in your musical journey?
Working with Sony Music has been incredible. They’ve given me the space to stay true to my artistic voice while amplifying it to a larger audience. For me, this collaboration isn’t about changing direction but about evolving. Felt like the most natural thing to do.
Your song Khaare Raste has crossed 25M streams and struck a deep chord with listeners. What do you think makes your songwriting connect so strongly with audiences?
I made Khaare Raste when no one in the industry knew me. The words & the notes came out with honesty and with no apprehension of any sort. How will people take this song was never a thought. I think what connects is honesty. I didn’t try to dress up emotions too much. I wrote the way I felt them. Listeners today can sense when something is raw and unfiltered. Khaare Raste was written from a place of vulnerability, and I think that openness is what allows people to find their own stories within the song.
From Loop Lapeta to Netflix and Hotstar shows, you’ve already made your mark in playback singing. How do you balance your independent music with Bollywood and OTT projects?
Both worlds feed different parts of me. Playback is exciting because I get to be a voice for a character, to step into someone else’s story. Independent music is where I am most myself - where the words, melodies, and emotions are entirely my own. Balancing the two keeps me creatively alive, because one constantly inspires the other.
You’ve sung in Hindi, Gujarati, and Bengali, how does exploring different languages and cultures influence your artistic identity?
Singing in different languages has taught me to listen more deeply, to respect cultural nuance, and to stretch my own expression as a vocalist. It’s made me feel more connected to the diversity of our country and helped me grow into a more versatile artist. I till today say that I’ve enjoyed singing some of my Gujrati songs the most.
With streaming, live shows, and social media shaping today’s music economy, what strategies have worked best for you to grow both creatively and commercially?
For me, it’s been about consistency and authenticity. I try not to chase trends but to share music and stories that genuinely resonate with me. At the same time, I’m learning to use social media as a space to connect - not just promote.
With over 1000 live shows under your belt and now touring with your own band, what have been some of the most memorable experiences from the stage?
I’ve been onstage my whole life. Started really early and the need to keep evolving onstage has always been there, I am always trying to do new things on stage trying to create an experience and not just another show. Performing my own songs has always been a dream and it feels extremely special that its finally happening.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you, more independent singles, collaborations, or perhaps a full-length album?
The next chapter is going to be very exciting - there are a few collaborations in the works and also independent singles that I can’t wait to share. Lots of Bollywood film work coming out this year which I am equally excited about. My film songs will show me in a new vocal avatar and I hope my listeners can connect with that as much and as well. For me, it’s all about creating music that feels timeless, whether it’s a single or a record.