Indie music is where you follow your heart: Shruti Pathak

At a time when a lot of singers are experimenting with non-film music, Shruti Pathak started her journey way back in 2013 with Rehmataan, a song she dedicated to her late father. Since then, the Marjawaan hitmaker has released a number of singles, along with continuing her playback journey. The artiste, who is out with her latest Bollywood track Soniye Dil Nayi in Baaghi 2, talks about teaming up with lyricist Kumaar for the second time, and her passion for exploring various styles of music.

PLAYBACK MODE

Having worked with Kumaar for Tujhe Bhula Diya (Anjaana Anjaani), Shruti says she was extremely happy to collaborate with the lyricist again for Soniye Dil Nayi. “Kumaar knows how to nail Punjabi lyrics and he’s done it again with this track. It has got a great response from people and, in fact, I receive at least two or three covers of the song on my social media every day,” he says. While the singer may not be prolific when it comes to Bollywood music, she has sung some extremely popular tracks, including Paayaliya (Dev D), Shubhaarambh (Kai Po Che), Criminal (Ra.One) and Rasiya (Kurbaan) among others. “With Bollywood music, it’s your equation with composers that matters the most. They call you when they have a song that suits your voice. I have been lucky and feel blessed that I have got songs which people have loved,” she says.

IN THE INDIE ZONE

While playback singing, for obvious reasons, is top of the mind, indie music is close to her heart as well. “After I released my first single Rehmataan, I realised this is the best way for a musician to express his/her personal desires/tastes. Indie music is where you follow your heart. A number of artistes are waking up to the fact now that it is important to come up with original music, so that one day, indie music can be brought into the mainstream,” she says, adding that she has cool collaborations up her sleeve. “I will reveal all in good time,” she laughs, not wanting to divulge further.

SEASON OF GHAZALS

It was with the vision of reaching out to people with the kind of music she personally enjoys, that she started her band Guzzler in 2013. It’s a platform that takes a blend of ghazals and contemporary music to people. The singer continues to do concerts and gigs, promoting the concept. “I had done a YouTube series with it two years ago and I’m conceptualising the second season of it. However, I don’t want to repeat the same thing, so it’s taking some time,” she tells us. Like she said, all in good time!