Life experiences and nature have evoked my works of art mostly so far.
Anwesshaa
Singer-Songwriter
Anwesshaa is a versatile and talented singer, songwriter, and lyricist making waves in the music industry. With a slew of exciting projects under her belt, she has proven her mettle in various genres and formats. From lending her voice to film songs for Ismail Darbar, AR Rahman and Himesh Reshammiya to working on non-film projects with renowned composers like Kamalakar, Anwesha’s vocal prowess knows no bounds. Her collaboration with Oscar-winning songwriter Chandra Bose and composer Radhan on Telugu playbacks showcases her adaptability and range. Anwesshaa creative streak extends to writing and composing, evident in her independent songs and movies. Her lyrics for the Bollywood film “Main Ladega” and the upcoming Jio Cinema web series demonstrate her skill as a lyricist. With her involvement in the Young Songwriter’s program by Meta India and IPRS, Anwesha is also paving the way for the next generation of musicians. Her dedication to her craft and passion for music make her a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
What drew you towards music and singing?
Primarily my genetics. And then the atmosphere and culture at home. It was conducive to music and fine arts.
It’s very important for a woman to have a strong support system to live her dreams, who all have been your Cheerleaders? And who all have inspired you the most as a creative person?
My mother and my family. Without my parents’ consistent support and wise words I wouldn’t have come half the way I have come. Indirectly there are many sources of inspiration. Life experiences and nature have evoked my works of art mostly so far.
As a playback singer what are you most proud of?
As a playback singer, I get to try different styles depending on the composer and movie’s demands. I get to feel so many different characters and emotions which would probably not be possible if I was in any other profession. If not this, I would have played my own role everyday and it would be a linear narrative.
You are a recognised music composer.Which is your own favourite music composition?
I don’t look back at my released body of work much. And my favourites change depending on my current mood and artistic evolution. One of my most loved compositions so far is the double version Bangla – Hindi song, Swapno Michhil – Besabri. In bengali, it is sung by myself and Sobhon Ganguly and in Hindi, myself and Abhay Jodhpurkar. From the movies I have composed for, “Chalalo” from Pahije Jatiche is a song I am proud of.
The majority of musicians are introverted because they are very good at observation and connecting to their environment on an emotional level.Do you identify yourself as one?
I am mostly an introvert and a thinking person. But I like to communicate and open up when there is a vibe of pleasant and positive exchange.
Can you share more about your experience working with Javed Mohsin on the couple of songs you worked for?
They are fun to work with. I can’t reveal details of the songs.
What’s the status of the Vida Karo Tamil remake, and what’s your role in the project?
I couldn’t reach out to the person who recorded so please omit this question.
How did you enjoy working with Soumyajit Sourendro and Ranojay on the Deb productions Binodini project?
I have recorded quite a few songs for Ranojay. I love his melodies and wish to sing more for him. In Dev production’s ‘Binodini’, I sang an original for Soumyajit- Sourendro for the first time. We have collaborated in many projects earlier but never came together for a film.
How many film songs did you record for Himesh Reshammiya, what qualities you observe in his music which makes him different from other music composers?
Dangerous Ishq, Expose, Prem Ratan dhan payo. I feel he has mastered the art of catering to the likes of a large number of masses and that’s the key to his popularity. I enjoy his beautiful Indian melodies in tere naam, kyun ki etc. I am happy to have a nice working relationship with Himesh sir.
What was it like collaborating with Oscar-winning songwriter Chandra Bose and composer Radhan on the Telugu playbacks?
It is truly humbling. Artists down south india are extremely down to earth. The Telugu movie song which released early this year for composer Subhash Anand in the movie Ala Ninnu Cheri happened because Chandra Bose sir recommended my name for it. Heartfelt gratitude to Radhan for giving another Telugu song in “Siddharth Roy”. We have had a Tamil hit in Darling 2 earlier. It is always fun working with him.
Can you tell us more about the Young Songwriter’s program with Meta India and IPRS, and how you came up with the single “Millennial Wala Love”?
Being a 90’s kid, I have seen little bit of the simplicity of the pre-digital era and also saw the transition that came with the coming of technology. But there are certain things which haven’t changed in our lives. They are emotions. Maybe letters have been replaced by e-mails & whatsapp messages but I would love to believe that romance still exists. This thought inspired me to write this 1 min track “Millennial Wala Love “.
How did you feel about working on the Sita Stuti project with Shemaroo after the success of Ram Bhajan?
It was divine. We have had a rich tradition of stutis, shlokas, bhajans etc. Devotional music can take you to a different state of mind if made correctly.
What was it like collaborating with composer Akshay Menon on the Bollywood film “Main Ladega” and the upcoming web series for Jio Cinema?
Menon is one of my best friends in the industry and we have known each other for over a decade now. We almost grew up together. Main ladega has my debut in bollywood as a lyricist so it has to be close to my heart. I am happy to see him growing into a good composer. It is much needed. Jio cinema songs are in the making stage. But we are having a lot of fun creating these songs.
What is your message for inspiring singers struggling to be recognised in the music industry?
Practice, Patience and Perseverance is key. Never label yourself and have self limiting beliefs. Be open to working on different platforms. Hardwork and true talent shines through a thousand obstacles. These are not lines I read in a book. I can say this from personal experience.
