Akanksha Grover, who was born in Faridabad, first became interested in music as a child through satsangs and kirtans with her mother and watching her sibling receive professional music tuition piqued her curiosity and inspired her to pursue music seriously from an early age.
Challenges and Turning Points.
Despite her family’s backing Akanksha’s preference for Ghazals, a less commercial style presented a number of obstacles including financial pressure. A brief stint at a traditional 9 to 5 music teaching profession did not please her. Later, health difficulties such as Celiac disease the COVID-19 shutdown and depression forced her to seek refuge in the hills where she discovered her true artistic self.
Stage Anxiety to Performance Magic
Akanksha admits to experiencing anxiety before public performances. However, once on stage, she, like Meena in the film Sing, loses herself in the song. Legends such as Kishori Amonkar, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, and her master, Smt. Shashwati Mandal, have inspired her as evidenced by the emotional depth of her singing.
Reviving Baithaks with Modern Touch
Akanksha mixes classical Ghazals with a modern touch during intimate baithaks and mehfils, occasionally including Western instruments and explaining the stories behind her songs. One of her most memorable performances was a baithak in Mumbai, where the audience’s requests impacted her greatly.
Message to aspiring artists.
Akanksha fosters innovation and learning among young musicians. She encourages them not to just replicate previous works, but to learn the notes and develop their own style. Her advice: don’t get distracted by the success of others; instead, focus on your own journey.
A Voice That Cannot Stop Singing
Ghazals and Nazams, traditional or innovative, continue to be Akanksha’s shelter. As she continues to compose and perform, she wishes to never stop singing it is the only thing that provides her calm in a chaotic world.
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