In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, singer-songwriter Chhavi Sodhani opens up about her fearless approach to music, her evolution from a child performer to an unapologetically original artist, and why she believes in creating songs that speak to the soul. Known for emotionally charged anthems like Jaag and Yakeen, Chhavi delves into the intimate, the political, and the poetic — all through her distinct musical lens. In a landscape often shaped by trends, she remains rooted in authenticity, using her voice to amplify stories that matter
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Chhavi Sodhani’s journey defies the conventional arc of stardom. A child prodigy who once captured hearts on national television, she has since evolved into a fiercely independent voice in India’s music scene — unfiltered, unafraid and unforgettable. Her songs don’t just carry melodies; they carry movements. With compositions like Banna Re, Jaag, Yakeen, and award-winning compositions like Yaman. Chhavi blends poetic vulnerability with powerful commentary, turning each track into a resonant act of storytelling. In an industry often driven by formula, she stands out for forging her own path — with courage, craft and a deep conviction in the transformative power of music.
In this candid conversation, she reflects on her beginnings, the layers behind her art and what it takes to thrive as an independent artist in today’s saturated music landscape.
Chhavi blends poetic vulnerability with powerful commentary, turning each track into a resonant act of storytelling. In an industry often driven by formula, she stands out for forging her own path — with courage, craft and a deep conviction in the transformative power of music.
Chhavi’s roots in music trace back to her childhood in Hyderabad. Though no one in her family pursued music professionally, the love for it ran deep.
“My grandfather was extremely fond of music and could naturally play multiple instruments. He was keen that my sister and I formally learn music,” she recalls. She began training in Hindustani classical music early and eventually moved to Mumbai for further guidance. “He prompted my parents for my sister and me to move to Bombay since the industry was here. That’s how I came here,” she shares.
Her big break came in 2005, when she became a Top 12 finalist on the singing reality show Fame Gurukul. That launched her into the live circuit.
“From then on, I started doing a lot of live shows, touring all over the world. Today, I have a band with my sister — we do a lot of folk and semi-classical music,” she says.
Over time, she also embraced music production. “In 2020, JioSaavn signed me as their label artist and I started releasing my singles. My first EP X Axis released in September 2024.”
What makes Chhavi’s music resonate so widely is its emotional honesty.
“I don’t like to make very generic music. There has to be a new idea or thought behind the song. I lay great emphasis on what the song is trying to say,” she says.
She believes emotions are universal, and capturing them authentically is key.
“I think we all go through similar emotions, just in varying intensities. And that’s what resonates with listeners.”
Whether it’s a soft ballad or a folk-dance number like Banna Re, she ensures every element — lyrics, melody, production — is crafted with intention.
Being a singer, composer, lyricist and poet isn’t easy. For Chhavi, though, it’s always been second nature. “Very naturally, I took to writing. Singing was something my parents put me into, but creating something new — I don’t know where that came from. It’s just the joy of expression, whether it starts off as a melody, a thought, or a poem.”
Right now, she’s especially drawn to writing poetry and exploring Urdu. “I’m really enjoying learning more Urdu and writing poetry,” she adds.
Chhavi’s transition into film composition has been equally rewarding.
“When you’re composing for a film, you’re adding life to a preexisting visual. You need to follow the narrative, the tonality, the era — everything. Whereas independent music is free from brief. You can swing genres, follow your mood, and truly express yourself.”
That freedom, she says, is essential for artistic growth. “With the independent music scene opening up, it’s a great release for artists to keep their creative juices flowing.”
Her composition for the film Yaman — which won “Best Music” at the LA LGBT International Film Festival — remains close to her heart.
“It was a beautiful story about a couple who part ways because one of them realizes he’s homosexual. Both are musicians, hence the title Yaman. It’s about deep love — not necessarily romantic — but profound nonetheless.”
The emotional weight and musical soul of the story made composing for it a special experience. “That award means so much to me because the music is so close to my heart.”
Chhavi recently joined the KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP 2025, an initiative bringing diverse musicians together for spontaneous creation.
“I jumped at the idea. It’s a hotpot of talent — everyone coming in with their own sensibilities. Being a music producer on this project allowed me to produce both my own and others’ compositions.”
She collaborated with artists like Sasha Tirupati, Shaira and Priya Saraiya. “Watching Shaira write so fast, working with Sasha’s phenomenal voice and feeding off Priya’s lyrical mastery — it was all awe-inspiring.” Her idea of success has shifted over the years.
“As you go deeper into your craft, you realize how much there is to learn. The benchmarks in music are so high. Some days, you feel enriched. Other days, you doubt your skill. But that’s the artist’s journey — a constant push to grow and stay true to your voice.”
Despite the democratiSation of music distribution, Chhavi acknowledges the hurdles of standing out.
“There’s just so much music being released daily. The biggest challenge is getting people to listen. That’s why having your own narrative, your own sound — your ‘why’ — is so important.”
She continues to explore her identity and voice in this ever-expanding ecosystem.
Where does Chhavi draw inspiration from? The answer is simple.
“Life. Your own life. The lives around you. There’s a song hidden in every situation — in your life, in a friend’s, in a stranger’s. If you’re an observer, you’ll always find something to write about.”
While independent music has grown, Chhavi believes there’s still room for more institutional support.
“Artists need platforms that not only promote music but also make it more discoverable. It’s about bridging the gap between meaningful art and the listener.” Chhavi Sodhani continues to evolve as an artist — bold, expressive and deeply connected to her roots. Her journey is one of constant reinvention, held together by the timeless power of music that speaks — and listens — from the heart.
