Exclusive: Indian Idol Junior Winner Anjana Padmanabhan Opens Up About Growing Up, Performing in Times Square, and Her Journey of Singing in 14 Languages

Anjana Padmanabhan first won hearts at just 10 years old on Indian Idol Junior. Now, over a decade later, she’s set to perform in Times Square, New York, for the Diwali celebration. This moment is a full circle for her—a little girl who once sang in front of Indian families is now representing Indian music on a global stage.

At her upcoming show, Anjana will take the audience on a musical journey. Expect a blend of pop, classical, and even unique cross-cultural collaborations. A highlight will be her special duet with Rishi Singh, the winner of Indian Idol 13.

What’s particularly exciting about her performance? It showcases her roots while mixing in fun elements. Anjana plans to include a lively jugalbandi featuring the Kazoo and Konnakol. The Kazoo, a playful wind instrument, gained popularity during her Idol days, while Konnakol represents the rhythmic vocal percussion inherent in Carnatic music.

Anjana reflects on her journey: “Every performance holds personal meaning for me.” She speaks passionately about her growth as an artist, mastering 14 languages, and striving to bridge cultures through her music.

The Journey to Times Square

When she learned she’d perform in Times Square, Anjana needed a moment to grasp it. She credits Manish Sood from Intense Entertainment for guiding her and other young artists. Anjana recalls her excitement and disbelief when she received the news, aware that this event is a significant milestone in her career.

Collaboration with Rishi Singh

Her duet with Rishi Singh is also something special. According to Anjana, working with him developed naturally as they became good friends through their performances in the U.S. They didn’t want just another solo act; they wanted to create something unique together. Their collaboration will feature an original song that fans will hear for the very first time at Times Square.

Curating Her Setlist

Anjana describes herself as an artist who loves to experiment. For this performance, she chose songs that connect with her on a personal level, allowing her to infuse her essence into every arrangement. She carefully curated a set that balances high-energy numbers with multilingual medleys.

The Kazoo and Konnakol Connection

The unique pairing of the Kazoo with Konnakol started with Anjana’s experimentation on Indian Idol. This artistic blend represents her South Indian roots while introducing a playful twist, enhancing the performance’s vibrancy and fun.

Connecting Through Language

Singing in 14 languages poses a challenge, yet Anjana found it rewarding. She emphasizes the power of melody over lyrics, noting that emotions often transcend spoken language. Growing up surrounded by various South Indian cultures helped her understand the essence of each song, regardless of the language.

Cultural Expression Through Fashion

For her Times Square outfit, Anjana is making a heartfelt tribute to her heritage. Using Kanjivaram sarees from her mother and grandmother, she collaborated with her best friend Keerthika, a fashion designer, to create something that encapsulates her story and identity as an artist.

Beyond the ‘Child Prodigy’ Label

While some may still view her as a “child prodigy,” Anjana feels she’s moved beyond that label. She sees her growth as an artist and musician as a testament to her hard work and continuous evolution.

A New Sound and Message

Anjana is exploring original compositions that reflect her identity in a modern pop context. She believes this new direction offers an honest and authentic glimpse into who she is as an artist.

This journey from Indian Idol Junior to Times Square is not just about fame. For Anjana, it’s about sharing her cultural roots and bridging gaps through the universal language of music. It’s a celebration of her heritage in one of the most iconic locations in the world.

For those interested in more arts and culture news, check out ETV Bharat for insights and stories in the industry.

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