My focus is always on the music—on creating something that resonates, connects, and stands the test of time.
Reewa Rathod
Music composer and Singer
Reewa, you have uniquely mastered Western, Carnatic, and Hindustani vocals alongside classical piano. How do these diverse musical foundations influence your songwriting and collaborative work?
Thank you! I am still very much a student of all these traditions, and I believe the more you learn, the more your perspective expands. Each genre—Western, Carnatic, and Hindustani—has its own depth and beauty, and I try to stay true to the essence of each when I sing or compose. These diverse foundations give me different lenses to view music through, and I do my best to create something that feels honest and from the heart, whether I am working alone or collaborating with others.
Your debut album, “Saaya Tere Ishq Ka,” features the timeless lyrics of Gulzar. Could you share the experience of composing music to his poetry and what that collaboration meant to you?
Working with Gulzar Sahib on “Saaya Tere Ishq Ka” was, quite frankly, an experience of rare artistic privilege. His poetry possesses an innate elegance—so textured and evocative—that it almost composes itself. As a composer, one must tread gently, ensuring the music honours the nuance and depth of his words rather than overpowering them. The collaboration was, in many ways, a masterclass—not just in lyricism, but in restraint, sensitivity, and the quiet power of simplicity. It was a profound journey, and one I shall always hold in the highest regard.
Having your compositions featured on the renowned ‘Buddha Bar’ label in Paris, including “Love and Desire” in their “16 Greatest Hits,” speaks to your global appeal. How did this international recognition come about, and what does it signify for your music?
To have Love and Desire featured on the legendary “Buddha Bar”- and later named among their 16 Greatest Hits – felt like being invited into an exclusive Parisian salon of sound. There’s something inherently French about their curation: sensual, elegant, and eternally cool. For my music to be embraced by that world was both humbling and intoxicating. It wasn’t just a moment—it was a mood. A reminder that when music carries emotion with sophistication, it speaks a language that’s understood in every corner of the world… especially in Paris, where style is second nature and soul is always in fashion.
Your vocal and compositional talents are featured in the award-winning Spanish film “Rastres de Sandal.” How did your involvement with this film come to fruition, and what was it like to contribute to a cinematic project?
My involvement with “Rastres de Sandal” was one of those beautifully serendipitous moments where music and cinema found each other. The filmmakers were seeking a sound that could bridge cultures, emotions, and continents – and somehow, my voice and compositions resonated with that vision. I am especially grateful to Nandita Das for the opportunity – her belief in my work and her vision for the film were both inspiring and deeply humbling. To contribute to such a poignant, award-winning film was truly an honour. There is something deeply moving about composing for cinema; your music becomes part of another art form’s heartbeat. It was not just about sound – it was about storytelling. And to do so in a Spanish film that speaks so intimately of identity and belonging was a gift I will always cherish!
Achieving Grade 8 in Piano with distinction from The Royal Schools Of Music in London is a testament to your dedication to instrumental mastery. How does your proficiency on the piano inform your vocal performances and songwriting?
Achieving Grade 8 with distinction from The Royal Schools of Music was, without a doubt, a defining moment in my musical journey. The discipline and depth of classical training instilled in me a profound understanding of music’s structure – how every note, every pause, and every dynamic serves a greater purpose. This technical foundation informs every aspect of my vocal performances and songwriting. The piano, with its rich harmonic possibilities, allows me to approach melody and harmony with a greater sense of depth and nuance. It’s not just about playing an instrument; it’s about communicating emotion through its intricacies, and that, in turn, shapes how I express myself vocally and lyrically. In many ways, the piano has taught me to listen—to the music, to the silence between the notes, and to the soul of the piece itself.
Your collaboration with Zakir Hussain on “Saanwal,” featuring Chris Potter, beautifully blends Sindhi and Spanish musical traditions. Could you elaborate on the creative process behind this “divine fusion” and the inspiration for incorporating Spanish chords?
Collaborating with Zakir Hussain on Saanwal was a gift I will cherish for the rest of my life. Zakir ji was a force of nature whose presence could turn music into something transcendent. When we set out to blend Sindh and Spanish musical traditions, it was more than just an experiment—it was an act of love and respect for the way music can bridge worlds. The Spanish chords were my way of introducing a different kind of warmth. But it was Zakir ji’s genius, his deep understanding of rhythm and texture, that truly brought it to life.
Having him there, guiding every note with such humility and grace, was a profound experience. There was a magic in our collaboration that went beyond music—it was a conversation between hearts. And now, with Zakir ji no longer with us, I realise how precious those moments were. Saanwal is not just a piece of music; it is a piece of his soul, and I will always carry that with me. His legacy lives on in that work, and in every note I play, I feel his spirit guiding me.
Winning the Pepsi Music Award for “Maula One Above” early in your career must have been significant. What was the inspiration behind that song, and how did that recognition impact your journey?
Maula One Above came from a space of raw emotion—a conversation with something higher, but told in my own language, without the usual Sufi robe. I wanted to keep it modern, stripped of the expected mysticism, and let the emotion speak for itself. When it resonated with so many and went on to win the Pepsi Music Award, it felt like the universe acknowledging not just the song, but the choice to be authentic. It gave me the confidence to blur lines, break moulds, and trust that truth – told your way -always finds its echo.
Being part of the “ONE WORLD IN BEAUTY” project with Kenny G for “JASMINE FLOWER” alongside other global artists is a remarkable achievement. Can you share insights into this international collaboration and its significance to you?
Being part of the ONE WORLD IN BEAUTY project was truly a remarkable experience, one that I will always hold dear. The collaboration brought together a diverse group of artists from across the globe including Kenny G and Lang Lang, each contributing their unique sound and energy to create something that transcends borders. Jasmine Flower itself was a beautiful fusion of cultures, a celebration of the universal language of music.
For me, the significance of this project lies not only in the opportunity to work with such esteemed musicians, but in the way it united us all—reminding me of the power of art to connect people, regardless of where they come from. To create something that speaks to the heart and resonates with so many, was both humbling and inspiring. I am truly thankful to Yue Sai Kan and Roxanne Seeman for including me in such a remarkable and impactful collaboration.
Recording “Heart of Love” for the Hollywood film “A 2nd Chance” marks another milestone in your diverse career. How did this opportunity arise, and what was it like to contribute to a Hollywood production?
Recording Heart of Love for “A 2nd Chance” was a major milestone. The opportunity came about through Roxanne Seeman, who has always had an incredible eye for bringing the right people into the right projects. Being part of a Hollywood production is a thrilling experience – it’s an entirely different world, and it pushes you to think on a grander scale. When the opportunity came my way, I knew it was the perfect chance to bring something truly unique to the film. The energy of being in the studio, creating something that would accompany such a powerful narrative, was electric. It’s incredible to know that your music is not just heard, but is part of a larger story that will resonate with audiences worldwide. It was a bold step forward in my journey, and I’m proud of the impact it’s had.
Opening for Bryan Adams with your own composition “Crossing Limits” was an incredible early experience. Can you describe that moment and how it shaped your aspirations as a performing artist?
Opening for Bryan Adams with Crossing Limits truly felt like a dream come true. To stand on that stage, performing my own composition in front of thousands, while sharing the spotlight with an artist I have admired for years, was a moment of pure magic. It wasn’t just a performance; it was the realisation of a vision, a culmination of everything I had worked toward. That experience deepened my connection to live music and reinforced my aspiration to continue sharing my soul through song. It was a reminder that the stage is where dreams and reality intertwine, and that music, in its truest form, has the power to transcend all boundaries
Your work on the critically acclaimed film “Pink Belt,” where you composed and performed the music, has garnered significant recognition. What was your creative vision for the film’s score, and how did it feel to see the film receive such accolades?
My work on Pink Belt was an exciting and fulfilling collaboration with David Norland. The goal was always to enhance the emotional impact without overshadowing the story itself.
Seeing the film garner such recognition was incredibly rewarding. It’s always gratifying to see your work appreciated, but to know the music contributed to the film’s success made it all the more special. The accolades were a wonderful affirmation of the creative vision behind the score, and I’m grateful for the recognition it received.
Being honored with the Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskaar – A Soaring Voice Among Legends, alongside giants of Indian arts, is a profound recognition. What does this prestigious award mean to you at this stage of your career, and what are your aspirations for the future?
I am deeply grateful to Baba – Padmashree Pt Hridaynath Mangeshkar for this profound recognition. Receiving the Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskaar – is an incredible honour. To be recognised alongside such revered figures in Indian arts is deeply humbling. This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the journey I have had in music, shaped by the guidance and influence of countless artists before me. At this stage in my career, it serves as both a moment of reflection and a source of motivation. It reminds me of the responsibility I carry as an artist—to continue creating, evolving, and contributing to the rich tapestry of music.
Looking ahead, my aspirations remain grounded in the desire to push boundaries and explore new artistic expressions. While recognition like this is deeply appreciated, my focus is always on the music—on creating something that resonates, connects, and stands the test of time. The future holds endless possibilities, and I am excited to continue this journey with dedication and humility.
