Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Akanksha Bhandari has firmly established herself as a standout figure in India’s independent music scene, celebrated for her soulful singles and viral wedding mashups, gaining over five million streams worldwide. Now, with the release of her debut original EP Dil Se, she takes a bold step forward in her career, inviting listeners on a personal journey through the emotional landscapes of love.
The EP, meticulously crafted with soulful melodies and Akanksha’s signature heart-on-sleeve lyrics, represents a shift in her artistic expression. With five deeply personal songs, Dil Se explores love in all its forms—from the innocence of a first crush to the overwhelming joy of finding ‘the one.’ Co-written and composed by Akanksha, the EP also features the talents of producer Manav, who has lent his skill to three of the tracks. It’s a project that Akanksha herself calls a “personal diary,” and after four years of releasing singles, the timing couldn’t feel more right.
During an exclusive conversation with Akanksha, she opens up about the journey behind Dil Se, her collaborative process, and the evolution of her music.
Return to Original Music
Akanksha’s EP, Dil Se marks her return to original music after nearly four years since her first folk EP. When asked about her emotions leading up to its release, Akanksha expressed both excitement and relief. “I began working on these songs in 2019″, It was a surreal expression to see them finally come to life she says. “Each track represents a different stage of a relationship, which makes this EP feel incredibly personal.”
That personal connection is felt in each song, and Akanksha’s approach to crafting the EP reflects that. She explains that many of the songs were written during significant moments in her life—when she first fell in love, experienced conflict, or dealt with separation. “When I wanted to confess something, I wrote Keh Bhi Do Na. When I was missing my partner, I wrote Yahi Toh Hai Woh in my hometown, Himachal, which has elements of the mountains and stars,” she explains. The result is an EP that feels intimate, almost like reading Akanksha’s diary.
Creative Freedom and the Joy of Collaboration
For an artist who had primarily been releasing singles, Dil Se marks an important creative milestone. Akanksha acknowledges the challenge of shifting from a single-focused mindset to creating a cohesive body of work. “It’s not like doing singles,” she says. “An EP is a collective effort with so many people involved—it becomes a bigger project. But it was high time for me to do this.”
Collaborating with a wide range of musicians and producers, Dil Se is a testament to the power of creative synergy. “I worked with so many talented people,” Akanksha shares. “From Garvit on Rootho Na, to Keshav Dhar on Yahi Toh Hai Woh, to Manav who produced three of the tracks and also sang on Tuu (Reprise), each artist brought something unique to the table.” Instrumentalists like Harshit Shankar on the flute and Ankur Chakravorty on the violin, added their own flair.
One particular collaboration that stands out for Akanksha is with Raghav Kaushik on Rootho Na, a song that blends their voices seamlessly. “Initially, I just wanted Raghav to help with the lyrics, but when we started jamming, I realized how well our voices fit together, and it felt right to feature him.”
The Vulnerability of Writing From the Heart
For any artist, releasing music that’s deeply personal can feel like exposing a vulnerable side of themselves to the world. For Akanksha, this process comes naturally. “I’m an over-sharer,” she laughs. She doesn’t like keeping things bottled up, and her songs reflect that. They’re honest, raw, and filled with emotions that she has genuinely experienced.
When asked what she hopes listeners take away from Dil Se, Akanksha says she wants the EP to feel like a “warm hug.” “The best compliment I’ve received is from people telling me that my songs feel comforting, like a warm embrace,” she says with a smile. “If my music can make someone feel understood or offer them comfort, that’s everything I could ask for.”
What’s Next for Akanksha Bhandari?
She’s already planning her next project—an exciting departure from the love-filled EP. “I’m working on a wedding EP, which will be released later this year. I’ve been experimenting more with genres, exploring different moods, and collaborating with more lyricists and composers. I’m excited about what’s to come.”
For Akanksha, the joy of being a musician lies in the freedom to explore various sounds and themes. “I don’t want to restrict myself to one genre or one mood. I want to keep trying new things,” she says, mentioning her interest in dance-pop, folk, and Sufi music.
A Message to Aspiring Musicians
Before wrapping up, Akanksha had one final piece of advice for fellow musicians: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. The journey is filled with ups and downs, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing well enough. But if you stay true to your art and keep going, you’ll get there.”
In Dil Se, Akanksha Bhandari has delivered not just an EP, but a heartfelt narrative that many will find comfort in. As she continues to evolve as an artist, one thing is clear—Akanksha is only getting started, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.
