You've shared that your Ajja (grandfather) taught you an Abhang when you were just three years old. What do you remember about those earliest moments of music at home?
My Ajja, my grandfather, has been a huge inspiration in my life, musically and in other ways too. He was a great singer, writer and composer himself. I vividly remember sitting on the floor and being taught this beautiful bhajan, 'Omkar Pradhaan', by him, and then performing it as a three-year-old on stage! Every time I sing this song even today, it brings a different kind of peace to my heart, remembering him and carrying the love he shared with me throughout.
Was there a particular moment — a performance, a song, or a reaction from someone — when you first felt that music was going to be your life and not just something you loved?
For me, it was a progression of many such events. Getting the lifetime opportunity to perform in front of the late legends Lata Mangeshkar ji and Zakir Hussain ji, being appreciated and encouraged by the legend Shankar Mahadevan ji, whom I consider my mentor and a guiding light in my life, and getting opportunities to perform for terminally ill patients and simply see the joy in their hearts and the smile on their faces — all of this makes me realise I am on the right path!
You trained in Hindustani classical music. Who were the teachers or gurus who shaped your voice, and is there a lesson from those years of taalim that still stays with you?
I owe a lot to all my gurus and, more importantly, to my parents, who brought me into this beautiful world of music. I owe it all to them for blessing me with the opportunity to learn from the best gurus. I got the opportunity to learn from many gurus — Shruti Gokhale tai, Swaroopa Gadgil tai, Padmashree Padmaja Phenany ji, ghazals from Talat Aziz ji, and hugely from Shankar Mahadevan ji through his songs and performances. I owe it to all my gurus for bringing me to where I am today, and I truly believe in the importance of getting trained classically, as an essential part of the foundation for any genre of singing. I also feel that every singer, in some way or another, teaches you little but important things.
What drew you to compose 'Ae Savere', a song that carries the Kashmiri Pandit community's longing to return home and even weaves in a Kashmiri verse?
Becoming a household name in Kashmiri homes, receiving so much love and warmth from them, and ultimately discovering my roots in Kashmir, all through music, was the most beautiful thing that happened to me and still is. Ae Savere was a way of showing my love and gratitude to all of them, with the help of my Kashmiri friends — the lyricist of this song, Sunayana Kachroo, and the director of the original video featuring Soni Razdan and Taha Shah Badhushah, Danish Renzu — and it was woven in beautifully by the magical voice and warmth of the legend Shankar Mahadevan ji. Shankar Mahadevan ji did not just sing for this; he played a huge part in bringing out the composer side of me through this song. I am ever grateful to him for this. Ae Savere will always remain the most special part of my life and also the legacy that I leave behind.
What was it like to compose a song and then share the mic with Shankar Mahadevan on it — a moment from those sessions that stayed with you?
Ae Savere was made during the Covid times. I remember getting a call from my Kashmiri friend and a wonderful lyricist from Boston, Sunayana Kachroo, about the lyrics she had written and wanting me to compose and sing it. Never having composed before, I called up Shankar Mahadevan sir to seek some guidance, and I still remember that call and probably always will till the end. Getting beautiful words of encouragement from an artist like him, making me believe in myself and my musicality, was all I needed at that moment. I would always be grateful to him not just for that, but also for happily wanting to lend his voice to it. It took me around two days to compose it, and the most beautiful parts came to me at the most unexpected moments — cooking or taking a shower and running to my phone to record those tunes before I forgot them. Cut to meeting one of the best musicians in the industry, Shon Pinto, through Shankar sir, and him weaving all the elements of the song through his music arrangement — that was the best thing that could happen! Ae Savere got the best out of me through the best people I could meet.
When a new song begins to take shape, where does it usually start for you — a tune at the harmonium, a line of lyric, or a feeling you want to capture?
I feel they all work together, and it depends on what takes precedence at that moment — sometimes it's the emotion, and sometimes it's the lyrics that bring out the emotion, followed by the tune. The absence of a standard way of approaching it is what makes it more beautiful and interesting, like the true nature of art and of the artist as well.
The White Window has two albums out, with originals like MAAVI, MEHR and Ek Aas Hai. Which of these feels most like 'you', and what's the story behind it?
All three are beautiful choices! All these songs gave me an opportunity to express through words. Out of these, I would say Mehr is something I would always hold on to all through my life, and it would be a standard theme for my life as well. It beautifully talks about the beauty of finding the common space between what we want out of life and what life has to offer — it's a tough spot to get into, but that's the whole purpose of learning by discovering our strengths through the hardest lessons and stepping into our best version at every step!
Tell us about that live performance that meant a lot to you — where it was, and what made that particular evening stay with you.
Sharing the stage with Shankar Mahadevan ji, with an audience of around 5,000, was a highlight in my musical career! Sharing the stage with him isn't just about singing; it's a great learning experience in itself. This happened in Goa, in November 2025. Apart from that, I have had the privilege of performing in front of the legends Lata didi and Zakir Hussain ji, which are etched in my heart forever!
You also teach music. What's something you find yourself telling almost every student — a habit or a bit of advice you try to pass on?
'Learn to understand the art, and not for getting a few more likes or views.' The intention that we set while learning any art is very crucial and sets the tone for the rest of your trajectory. I also strongly believe in learning the basics and building the foundation so well, which comes through prolonged practice and training under a knowledgeable guru. It sets a great foundation for building over any style or genre that you later want to pursue.
After placing second among musicians nationally, what's the one dream or next song you're most excited to bring to life?
Getting an opportunity to present my original on WallMag's platform was a truly great experience. The song received a lot of love from the audience and the jury as well. It's also a great platform to connect with other amazing artists and increases the probability of collaborating with them in the future. That's a great takeaway for me and also a huge encouragement to keep doing what I love — composing and singing for the love of art!
What are some of your favourite moments from your winning song, 'Ae Savere'?
What was it like working with Shankar Mahadevan on the song?
What does your practice and creative corner look like — and where does your harmonium fit into it?
Which of your original songs with your band, The White Window, is one of your favourites?
What does a live performance look like for you — and which moments from the stage have stayed with you?
Contact and Follow
Email: kamatharchu@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swar_chana?xtok=MWJhb3JibHdoaXl1eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@archanakamath?si=ZJc99yuOvRhz2Y12
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewhitewindow?si=RRntLmf1eudj8sbM
