Anubha Bajaj On Indie Music Scene Vs Bollywood: ‘Indie Gives Freedom, But Visibility Is Still A Hurdle’ | Exclusive
Anubha Bajaj is redefining the indie music space with her genre-blending sound. From the viral success of Lamhey to the stripped-down vulnerability of Jaane Hi Do, she balances authenticity with mainstream appeal.
Anubha Bajaj isn’t just making music—she’s crafting experiences. From indie-pop anthems to stripped-down acoustic ballads, her sound is a seamless blend of raw intimacy and contemporary appeal. Whether it’s the viral success of Lamhey or pushing sonic boundaries with Jaane Hi Do, she refuses to be boxed in.
As she joined KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP 2025, an initiative designed to empower female creators, Anubha reflected on breaking industry barriers, the art of balancing indie authenticity with mainstream sensibilities, and why she believes live performances still hold their magic in a digital world. In this candid chat, she talks about the realities of being an independent artist, dream collaborations, and the one thing she hopes every listener takes away from her music.
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Here are the excerpts:
KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP 2025 is all about empowering female music creators. Women in India’s music industry are often boxed into certain roles—how do you think initiatives like this help break those barriers?
I think it’s a great initiative to bring women artists together because every one of us struggles to find good opportunities. The diversity in the group was incredible, and the music that emerged from it was inspiring. I truly appreciate everyone involved in making this happen. Initiatives like this help create a space where female artists can collaborate, share experiences, and uplift each other, which is essential for breaking long-standing barriers.
Do you think mentorship and networking opportunities for female artists have improved over the years, or do we still have a long way to go?
We’ve certainly made progress in terms of mentorship and networking opportunities, but there’s still a long way to go. While more platforms are emerging to support female artists, the industry still lacks a structured mentorship culture where experienced professionals actively guide new talent. Greater representation and access to industry leaders would help accelerate this change.
What do you think is the biggest unspoken challenge for female music creators today that still isn’t discussed enough?
I honestly don’t believe I’m experienced enough to answer this question fully because I’ve always been independent, making music from my own home studio. However, one challenge that often goes unspoken is the unconscious bias that exists in the industry. Women are sometimes expected to conform to certain musical styles or roles rather than being recognized for their artistry across all genres.
How do you see the representation of women in the indie music scene versus Bollywood? Is one more inclusive than the other?
The indie music scene allows for more creative freedom and authenticity, while Bollywood tends to have a more structured approach with predefined expectations. That said, indie music is not without its challenges, and visibility remains a hurdle. The key difference is that indie artists can carve their own paths, whereas Bollywood often requires fitting into existing industry molds.
Indian households often encourage conventional career paths. Did you ever face resistance when choosing music as your profession? If so, how did you navigate that?
I think, in this case, I’m incredibly blessed. My family has been very supportive of my music career, so I don’t have first-hand experience of this struggle. However, I know many artists who have had to fight for their passion. It’s a difficult situation, and I admire those who have persevered despite societal and familial expectations.
Lamhey was a major turning point in your career. Looking back, what was the most surprising or unexpected thing that came from its success?
The fact that it was such a defining moment in my career was completely unexpected. I initially thought only a handful of people—mostly my close friends—would hear it. The way it took off was a total surprise, and I’m so grateful for the love it received.
You revisited Lamhey in an acoustic version in 2024. What new emotions or nuances did you aim to highlight with this stripped-down rendition?
With the acoustic version, I wanted to bring out a more intimate and raw emotion that perhaps wasn’t as prominent in the original. Stripping it down allowed me to connect with the song in a new way and let listeners experience its depth differently.
What does your personal growth as an artist look like? If Anubha from 2019 met Anubha from 2025, what advice would they give each other?
2019 Anubha would probably tell me to have more faith in my music and not overthink everything. 2025 Anubha would remind my past self to trust the process and that things will unfold the way they’re meant to.
Savera explored themes of romance and everyday love. What drew you to that concept, and how do you approach writing about love differently than mainstream Bollywood tracks?
I was drawn to the idea of capturing love in its simplest and most relatable moments. Bollywood often portrays love in grand, dramatic gestures, but I wanted to highlight the small, everyday interactions that make relationships meaningful.
Jaane Hi Do introduced new musical styles in your repertoire. What was the biggest risk you took in its composition or production?
The biggest risk was stepping out of my comfort zone with new production techniques and sonic elements. It was a learning experience, and I’m glad I took that creative leap.
Your ability to balance mainstream appeal with indie sensibilities is rare. How do you ensure your sound remains unique in an industry that often favors trends?
I stay true to myself in the studio. I always create music that resonates with me rather than chasing trends. As a writer and producer, I draw inspiration from various genres, and that mix naturally shapes my sound.
Do you have a signature sonic element or lyrical motif that you find yourself returning to, whether consciously or subconsciously?
I think my melodies and production style carry a certain signature sound. Whether consciously or not, there are elements that consistently emerge in my music.
You’ve captivated audiences at major live events like the World Table Tennis Contender Goa tournament closing ceremony. What was your most memorable live performance moment so far?
That event was an incredible experience! Initially, I almost gave up on the performance because I was experimenting with making music out of table tennis ball sounds, and it just wasn’t working. My parents encouraged me to keep going, and after another week of trying, it finally came together. It was a fun and unique challenge.
In a world of virtual concerts and streaming, do you think live performances still hold the same magic they once did?
Absolutely! There’s something irreplaceable about the energy of a live performance. Virtual concerts have their advantages, but nothing compares to the raw connection with a live audience.
Independent artists today no longer need Bollywood to succeed. Do you think this shift is sustainable, or will Bollywood always hold dominance?
The independent music scene is definitely growing, but Bollywood will likely always have a dominant presence. That said, the industry is evolving, and more independent artists are finding their own space and audiences.
With the streaming revolution, do you believe that the concept of album-making is fading, or do you still see value in full-length projects?
While singles dominate the market, I still believe in the value of full-length albums.
Albums allow artists to tell a complete story, and there’s a certain magic in experiencing a body of work as a whole.
The Indian music industry is rapidly globalizing. Do you see yourself collaborating with international artists? If yes, who’s on your dream list?
Yes, I’d love to collaborate internationally! Some of my dream collaborators include SZA and JVKE, especially after hearing his track ‘Golden Hour.
What are some misconceptions people have about the life of an independent musician that you’d like to debunk?
People often think independent musicians have full creative control and no industry pressure, but that’s not entirely true. We have to handle multiple aspects of our careers, from production to marketing, which can be overwhelming.
Songwriting can be deeply personal. Has there ever been a song you found emotionally difficult to write or release?
Not necessarily difficult, but emotions can be intense. Once I take those emotions into the studio, the process becomes easier and cathartic.
What’s the one thing you want your listeners to take away from your music, beyond just melodies and lyrics?
I want them to feel seen and understood. If my music resonates with someone on a personal level, that’s the biggest success for me.
You’ve dabbled in various styles. Is there a genre or musical territory you haven’t explored yet but would love to?
I’d love to experiment with jazz influences. It’s a genre that fascinates me, and I’d love to bring that into my music in some way.
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