Entertainment Desk:

Dhvani Bhanushali is a popular pop singer in India. From YouTube sensation to pop royalty in a blink, the 25-year-old artiste has transcended from modest origins to prominence within a very short time. Hailing from humble beginnings, she has become a social media darling and earned the coveted title of “Pop Princess of India”. Dhvani’s musical journey began at the tender age of 17 with captivating acoustic covers on YouTube. This early success caught the eye of noted Indian playback singer and music director Himesh Reshammiya, who recognised the unique depth and richness Dhvani’s voice held, honed by her foundation in Indian classical music. With raw talent and an unwavering work ethic, Dhvani’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric, solidified by a string of over 50 record-breaking hits. Recently, she came to Bangladesh for an event. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Sun, she talks about her musical journey and beyond. Here is an excerpt of the conversation.

Please tell us about your trip to Bangladesh. Is it your first tour to Bangladesh?

This is my first trip to Bangladesh. Definitely, I was so excited to do my first show in Dhaka. I hope I will get more opportunities to perform in Bangladesh in the future.

Do you remember when you first performed on stage? How does it feel looking back at that memory now?

Oh my first show was me and a guitarist in a mall in Mumbai. Looking back at it today, so much has changed. I have come a long way ahead as an artiste, my troupe and my set have gotten better and we are getting so much love from everywhere that builds the confidence to keep innovating. I feel this is just the beginning.

What is the driving force behind your passion for music? How would you describe your music?

For me, music has a calming effect. Music transcends me into another realm that is just unexplainable. Music is something I was always meant to be a part of just the way it’s been a part of my life since I remember. I am glad that I am able to follow my passion in life and the opportunities that I have created that enabled me to fulfill my dreams little by little every day. I love how my passion for music pushes me to learn and create constantly.

Have you ever composed or written a song?

I have written songs like ‘Radha and Mera Yaar’. I have visualised most of my songs which then I have gotten the opportunity to jam with fellow composers and songwriters who turn that idea bigger and better. I have always liked to sit down and collaborate with music artistes and create music together.

You have earned the coveted title of ‘Pop Princess of India’ within a short span of time. How do you feel about this?

Really amazing to get this title. I started in 2019 and people really accepted me with open arms and the sound that we were creating, the video we were making. I am so thankful and grateful and the audience accepted the versions I brought to them and that keeps encouraging me even today to keep experimenting.

Your single ‘Vaaste’ became the fastest Indian pop song to reach a billion YouTube in 2019 and you also featured on the coveted YouTube Rewind Global List that year. Tell us something about your project ‘Vaaste’?

On a different level, the song really took me to places. The song really helped me in my musical career, I’m thankful the song happened to me in my life. People really resonated with ‘Vaaste’, even today when I perform the song, I see people crying. It definitely touched the people’s hearts. It makes me happy to know the song created an emotion in their lives. It still feels surreal looking at how ‘Vaaste’ had its own journey in making and today people recognise me with that song. ‘Vaaste’ has been a blessing for me.

What is the legacy of Dhvani Bhanushali? What do you want people to remember you by in the future?

Definitely one who is kind hearted. Also, one who is a global phenomenon (fingers crossed). I have always been dreaming about it and I wish to achieve that one day.

What would be your message for aspiring musicians?

Find your identity, have your sound. In the entire world, there is nobody like you. So you do you. Keep searching for yourself, evolve and that’s how your music will be yours.