In a rapidly evolving music industry, lyricist and playback singer Priya Saraiya continues to redefine her craft with passion and authenticity. Speaking to The Pioneer, Saraiya reflects on her creative journey, the importance of continuous learning and more.
Music has the power to transcend emotions, and few lyricists in Bollywood understand this as deeply as Priya Saraiya. As a playback singer and lyricist, she has given Bollywood some of its most memorable melodies, weaving stories of love, longing, and passion into her lyrics. With songs like Sun Saathiya, (ABCD 2), Raabta (Agent Vinod), Jeene Laga Hoon (Ramaiya Vastavaiya) and Saibo (Shor in the City), she has established herself as a lyricist who can effortlessly capture the essence of human emotions.
But for the renowned singer-lyricist, success is not just about accolades—it’s about evolution. She firmly believes that an artist’s journey is a lifelong process of learning and unlearning. At the KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP 2025, we connect with her and she says, “I’m really glad I’m part of this because it’s very important for any artist to keep learning. Learning should never stop if you are a musician, an artist, a singer, or a writer. Though I have done a lot of work, I still feel I have a lot to learn and I want to learn from every individual. Everybody who’s into music has something to teach me.”
At a time when the music industry is rapidly evolving, the Bezubaan singer remains grounded in her craft, constantly exploring new ways to push creative boundaries while staying true to her artistic instincts. From writing deeply emotional ballads to experimenting with high-energy dance numbers, her journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and passion in music.
Her lyrical strength lies in love songs, and she admits they come naturally to her. “I love writing love songs, sad songs,” she says. However, her musical taste is far more diverse. “I do enjoy listening to a lot of dance music, hip-hop and all kinds of genres. EDM is my favourite.”
While she is best known for romantic ballads, she enjoys pushing her creative boundaries to write high-energy dance tracks. “I like to challenge myself and also deliver dance music as a lyricist,” she adds.
When asked whether her personal experiences influence her lyrics, the Khoya Khoya singer clarifies that it depends on the type of project. “For film work, no. Definitely, no. Because we have to cater to the requirements of a certain project,” she explains. However, in independent music, she finds the freedom to be more personal. “You have the liberty to choose what you want to do, and you can express yourself the way you want.”
Her approach to writing lyrics is deeply connected to the melody. “I prefer writing on melody because then I know exactly what kind of mood is required in that particular song. It’s very subjective, actually. It depends on the situation of the song and the mood of the song.” Among her many successful songs, Sun Saathiya holds a special place in Saraiya’s heart. “That song has a special place in my heart,” she shares. The song became a massive hit, showcasing her ability to craft deeply emotional and melodious lyrics.
With Bollywood music often influenced by industry trends, the Piya O Re Piya lyricist takes a different approach. “I don’t follow trends because I believe that as an artist, I would rather be a clutter breaker. I always ask myself—how can I break the clutter and create something of my own?” Despite her extensive experience, the Mileya Mileya lyricist admits that the songwriting process comes with its challenges. “All the time, actually,” she laughs when asked if she ever struggles to find the perfect words for a song.
She recalls how minor changes can sometimes be the hardest. “Many times, directors or composers ask us to change just one word from the song, and that’s where I get stuck. Because sometimes, it’s not just about words—it’s about the emotion of the song and the thoughts we want to convey.”
With an ever-growing career in playback singing and lyricism, she remains dedicated to storytelling through music. “The joy of writing, of bringing emotions to life through words, is what keeps me going,” she concludes.
