Alankrita Malvi: Finding Her Voice as a Contemporary Singer-Songwriter

Every artist carries a story, and for indie singer-songwriter Alankrita Malvi, that story begins at home. Music wasn’t just entertainment in her family, it was part of their heritage. Her grandfather, a tabla vadak, passed down a deep love for rhythm and melody, laying the foundation for her lifelong relationship with music. Growing up, she was captivated by the magic of A.R. Rahman’s albums Roja and Bombay, works that made her realize music could be divine, powerful, and transformative. Those early listening experiences planted the seed for her own journey as a composer, performer, and writer.

What’s striking about Alankrita’s path is that she never set out thinking she’d release her own music. It wasn’t a career plan in the beginning, it was pure love for the art form. Over time, that love grew so strong it became her guiding light, pushing her to create songs that reflected her heart. Today, she stands not only as a performer but also as a composer and writer, fully in control of her artistic vision.

When it comes to her creative process, Alankrita has a clear workflow. For her, everything begins with melody. She describes melody as the spark that leads her forward, it’s what stays with her, what tells her which emotions to follow, and what reveals the theme of each song. Once the melody is in place, she builds lyrics and arrangements around it, letting the song shape itself naturally.

Her music can be best described as contemporary fusion, where Indian and Western sounds meet in a way that feels seamless. She has a knack for balancing all three pillars of music, melody, lyrics, and composition, so that they never overpower one another. Her recent release, Kaari Re, is a strong example. The song, inspired by how rains bring calm amidst restlessness, layers tabla with drums to capture that emotion. The balance ensures the listener feels both the rootedness of Indian tradition and the energy of modern rhythms.

But being an indie artist in India hasn’t been without its struggles. Alankrita admits that in the beginning, she had no roadmap for releasing music. Costs, production challenges, and the question of who to trust in the industry were overwhelming. Over time, she’s learned to find the right people and plan her steps carefully, making the process smoother and more sustainable.

Streaming platforms have also transformed her journey. Spotify, in particular, has allowed her to reach audiences far beyond her immediate circle. It’s given her insight into what resonates with listeners and opened doors to a global stage. While she’s still discovering her core audience, she knows one thing for sure: authenticity connects. Whether her listeners are drawn to her lyrics, her melodies, or her fusion of sounds, they share one common thread, they feel the sincerity in her songs.

Right now, social media plays a bigger role in her connection with fans than live performances. Through Instagram and other platforms, she shares her creative process, the stories behind her tracks, and glimpses into her artistic life. This transparency keeps her close to her listeners and makes her music feel more personal.

Though she hasn’t collaborated yet, she dreams of working with artists who stay true to their sound. On top of that list is her biggest inspiration A.R. Rahman, the very artist who first sparked her love for music. Manifesting that collaboration is something she holds close to her heart.

Looking ahead, Alankrita is preparing to release a new single. Like her previous work, it will carry the richness of fusion and emotional depth that define her style. With every release, she’s carving a space for herself in India’s indie music landscape, a space built on honesty, experimentation, and love for the art.

Alankrita Malvi’s journey shows us that music isn’t only about fame or charts, it’s about passion, patience, and the courage to follow where the melody leads.

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