From setting Navratri stages on fire to making her Bollywood playback debut, Purva Mantri is redefining versatility in the music industry. As she gears up for her PURVAstic World Tour and the the success of her new single Mascara, she takes The Pioneer through her humble beginnings, lending her voice to PM’s lyrics, her latest song and more
Tejal Sinha
Purva Mantri is more than just a singer—she’s a force of nature. With her dynamic stage presence, viral independent music, and now a breakthrough in Bollywood playback, she has carved a unique identity in the music industry. From performing at grand Navratri events to lending her voice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s lyrics, Purva’s journey is as inspiring as it is exhilarating.
For Purva, music is not just a career; it’s in her DNA. “My mother is a classical Dusani singer, and my grandfather was also a classical singer. I grew up in a family where music was a way of life,” she shares. Her childhood was filled with devotional music, attending bhajans at temples that lasted till dawn. “We would sing all night and end with the morning aarti. That was my foundation. My mother has been my guru since childhood, and I owe everything to her.”
Looking back at her journey, Purva recalls two defining moments that changed everything. “The first was my solo performance in Gujarat in front of 10,000-12,000 people. My father was in the audience, and after the show, he told me, ‘You were meditating on stage. Keep doing music like this—with complete passion and focus.’ That became my mantra.”
The second milestone came in the studio when she recorded “Aavati Kalay,” a Garba song penned by PM Narendra Modi. “It’s one of my biggest achievements. Out of so many talented artists in the industry, I was chosen to bring his lyrics to life. It’s beyond anything I ever dreamed of.”
Purva’s Navratri concerts are legendary, with fans going wild over her electrifying presence. “The audience is my biggest source of energy. When I perform, I don’t just sing—I meditate. I feel the power, the aura, and the love from the crowd, and that reflects in my performance.”
Making the transition from independent music to Bollywood playback was a significant milestone for Purva. Her debut track, Ishqa, featured in Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, allowed her to explore a different creative space. “In independent music, the artist is the hero, but in playback singing, my voice becomes the soul of a character. For Ishqa, I had to bring in fresh yet melancholic emotions to match the young on-screen couple.”
The film boasts an impressive musical lineup, including A.R. Rahman, Shaan, and Sneha Khanwalkar. While she hasn’t collaborated with Rahman yet, she hopes to work with him soon. “I met him once during IPML but haven’t recorded with him yet. It would be a dream come true.”
Purva’s latest single, Mascara, is all set to drop on February 20. “Mascara is all about confidence and aura. It’s a song for every girl—no matter her background, skin tone, or style. It has a Punjabi hint to it, blending indie pop with Indian elements, which is my signature style.” When asked what kind of makeup style Mascara would be, she doesn’t hesitate. “Bold and edgy—just like me!” The song celebrates femininity in a way that is playful yet powerful. “It’s not just a song—it’s an attitude!”
Music was always part of Purva’s life, but the moment she chose it as a career came in 11th grade. “I was pursuing commerce, but I failed my exams. My father asked me what I really wanted, and I told him, ‘I want to be like my mother. I don’t want a 9-to-9 job—I want to sing, perform, and create.’ The next day, we sat in the principal’s office and changed my stream to music. That was the moment my passion became my profession.”
Purva’s fans have coined a term for her performances—“PURVAstic.” “One fan backstage told me, ‘Fantastic is old. Your performance was PURVAstic!’ Since then, the word has stuck, and I love it! It reflects the connection I have with my audience.”
2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for Purva. “I’m doing my PURVAstic World Tour, covering the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with my Bollywood and Navratri performances. Mascara is just the beginning—I’m also planning my first-ever album with 5-6 songs dropping together. This year is all about indie pop, folk vibes, and high-energy concerts!”
From independent hits to Bollywood playback, Purva Mantri continues to break boundaries with her music. With her raw passion, fearless energy, and deep-rooted love for her craft, she is an unstoppable force in the music industry.
