JAMMU: In an exclusive online interview that resonated with the soul-stirring melodies she creates, Aabha Hanjura, the illustrious Indian singer, songwriter, and composer, opened up about her remarkable journey and the profound insights that have shaped her musical odyssey. Conducted by Ajmer Alam Wani, the Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), this conversation provided a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of an artist whose music transcends linguistic boundaries.
Aabha Hanjura, known for her enchanting renditions in Kashmiri, Hindi, Punjabi, Dogri, and several other languages, touched upon the delicate balance she maintains between her rigorous practice, known as 'Riyaz,' and the demands of her life. She affirmed that with unwavering passion, the seemingly impossible becomes attainable. Her sage advice to aspiring artists resonated deeply: "Stay authentic, be yourself, and never copy anyone else. Forge your own unique style."
Aabha Hanjura's life and work are deeply intertwined with the power of dreams. She emphasized that dreams drive most of her actions, serving as the guiding force behind her artistic endeavors. Her profound connection to her roots and her homeland of Kashmir is evident in her music, and she passionately shared her perspective on the future of Kashmiri Folk Pop music. She described it as a realm of immense potential, predicting that a wave of new artists would bring fresh and beautiful ideas, ultimately transforming this genre into a thriving industry.
Among her recent accomplishments is the acclaimed show titled "Songs Of Home," which delves into the themes of home and narratives from Kashmir. This captivating performance has garnered a phenomenal response, enchanting audiences at venues like NMACC. Aabha Hanjura is eager to take her show to more stages and is poised for exciting collaborations that will merge her music with artists from diverse backgrounds, hinting at a jam-packed concert schedule ahead.
However, one of the most poignant moments of the interview revolved around her emotional composition, "Mere Makaan." This song is a heartfelt love letter to her lost home in Kashmir, transcending the realms of music and becoming a powerful narrative of her life, as well as that of countless displaced individuals who yearn for their roots. The inspiration for this soul-stirring melody came from a heart-wrenching visit to her childhood home in Kashmir, which now stands as a mere speck of the past, reducing her to tears.
Aabha Hanjura's interview was a window into the world of an artist whose music resonates not only with the ears but also with the heart and soul. Her dedication to authenticity, her belief in the power of dreams, and her unwavering connection to her homeland are the driving forces behind her remarkable journey as a singer, songwriter, and composer. As she continues to enchant audiences worldwide, her music serves as a timeless testament to the enduring power of art and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
For the detailed interview, read questions and answers below till end:-
1. Can you share your journey of how you ventured into the world of music and eventually became a pioneer in Kashmiri Folk Pop music?
ANSWER: I learnt Hindustani classical music in Jammu in my growing years and eventually went on to be a finalist on Indian Idol season 2, being one of the few chosen voices out of lakhs that auditioned gave me validation of my talent and then eventually, I went on to start my independent band Sufistication, I was seeking a different sound for my music and inspiration struck when I visited the Valley and decided to go back to my roots. I wanted to bring out the music of the Valley and create a unique modern sound with it that can travel the world. My first album Sound Of Kashmir went on to become a huge success with hits like ‘Hukus Bukus’ which stormed through the charts and garnered global recognition and popularity by getting featured on shows like The Family Man.
2. Your band Sufistication has been a significant part of your musical career. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind forming the band and its evolution over the years?
ANSWER: Sufistication is a confluence of cultures and a melting pot of varied influences, the sound is eclectic folk pop. We are India’s only act that marries Western and Kashmiri folk instruments to create a harmonious sound that is soulful yet vibrant. We have a distinct style and we have played at many prestigious stages and venues in India as well as internationally like the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Kalakshetra, Jaipur Lit Fest, Udaipur World Music Festival, Bollywood Music Project, Jashne Adab and many others and collaborated with celebrated brands like Jashne Rekhta, Coke Studio amongst others.
3. Your versatility in singing across multiple languages is impressive. How do you approach the creative process when working with languages as diverse as Kashmiri, Hindi, Punjabi, and Dogri?
ANSWER: I am blessed for have grown up in various parts of India and have a good hold on several Indian dialects and because my approach to composition is folksy yet cinematic I have always looked at music as a story and tried to bring my own perspective to whatever music I do with my songs in Dogri and Punjabi. Also I received a lot of love from the audiences who discovered my music in these languages.
4. "Mera Makaan" has garnered a lot of attention recently. Could you give us some insight into the story and emotions that inspired this song?
ANSWER: Mere Makaan is my emotional love letter to my lost home in Kashmir it is not just a song it is a story and it is my story and that of many displaced individuals who live away from their roots. This song is inspired by true events when I was reduced to tears on visiting my childhood home in Kashmir which is now merely a speck of the past.
5. As a prominent figure in the music industry, you've been recognized as one of the 50 Game Changers Women in India. How do you view your role in shaping and influencing the music scene, especially in promoting regional and folk music?
ANSWER: I feel like the recognition came as a huge honour especially to share that honour with 49 other amazing women in different fields. I look at my role as the one that shapes culture through building strong stories around music of our roots.
6. Kashmiri Folk music might not be as mainstream as other genres. How do you manage to keep the essence of the traditional music alive while infusing it with contemporary elements to make it more accessible to a wider audience?
ANSWER: The idea is to keep it fresh and interesting for the newer generations and today language is no barrier for people to enjoy good music and that is obvious from the success of Hukus Bukus.
7. Your music often resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level. What themes or experiences do you draw upon to create such a strong connection with your audience?
ANSWER: My music and live projects are an extension of my personality and I am able to draw on various aspects of myself and bring those elements alive in the music at blessed that the audience shows my music the love that it does.
8. Collaborations can bring out unique and powerful fusions in music. Are there any artists or genres you're particularly interested in collaborating with in the future?
ANSWER: Yes electronic music is fascinating me currently and I am very excited about the new folk house sound that is blowing up globally I am excited to collaborate with a few artists in this genre.
9. The digital age has transformed the way music is consumed and shared. How have you embraced these changes to connect with your fans and spread your music?
ANSWER: I have been social media first artist, all my success on my music is thanks to the fans that can easily access music directly via streaming platforms and social media, I use these mediums efficiently to build a community.
10. Your music videos often have a visually striking and meaningful narrative. How important do you think visuals are in complementing and enhancing the impact of your music?
ANSWER: Most important it is always a Audio visual story, the music for me, both are important.
11. Balancing a music career, especially one that involves songwriting and composing, can be demanding. What practices or strategies do you use to stay creatively inspired and maintain a work-life balance?
ANSWER: Riyaz and focus, work life balance is not easy and almost impossible as I am also a mom to a toddler but I guess when passion drives you, everything is possible.
12. Given your diverse musical background, what advice would you give to young and aspiring artists who aim to create their own unique niche in the industry while staying true to their cultural roots?
ANSWER: Stay authentic and be yourself and never copy anyone else, have your own style.
13. The music industry can be competitive and challenging. Can you share an instance where you faced a significant hurdle and how you overcame it?
ANSWER: Many times, I choose to remember the power of dreams is a strong force and I think that drives most of my actions.
14. How do you envision the future of Kashmiri Folk Pop music and its potential to reach a global audience?
ANSWER: It is huge, lots of new artists will bring a lot of beautiful ideas and that will make this music into an industry.
15. Lastly, what can your fans look forward to in terms of upcoming projects, collaborations, or new musical explorations?
ANSWER: My new show Songs Of Home that explores themes of home and stories from Kashmir has got a great response at venues like NMACC. I am excited to take that to more stages and there are some more collaboration in store that will merge my music with artists from a different space, looking forward to those too and a busy concert schedule.
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