Indian singer Anuv Jain has built a successful music career without relying on Bollywood’s traditional pathways. His rise reflects a growing trend of independent artists in India who prioritize emotional authenticity over industry connections.
Success Beyond Bollywood
Jain, from Ludhiana in Punjab, began singing as a teenager. His music, primarily in Hindi, explores themes of love, longing, and heartbreak.
His songs have amassed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. On Spotify, he has more than 20 million monthly listeners. On Instagram, he has 3.9 million followers.
Music That Feels Personal
Jain says his approach to songwriting is rooted in empathy. He imagines how listeners might feel in everyday moments—like driving, running, or sitting alone at night.
“I just try to make a good song and something that I would like to listen to,” he says. “Something my mum, my sister and my wife would like to listen to.”
This focus on relatable, gentle melodies has helped his music resonate deeply with fans. Songs like Arz Kiya Hai have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram.
Release Strategy and Artistic Integrity
For years, Jain released only one song per year. This deliberate pace reflects his commitment to completing projects fully.
- He starts a project and finishes it—no half-done work.
- He only releases music he believes is complete and meaningful.
- He is selective about what he shares publicly.
Recently, he says he plans to release more songs. “They’re done and I think they’re beautiful songs,” he says. “So technically you might have more music this year.”
Collaborations and Identity
Jain has collaborated with AP Dhillon, with tracks like Jo Tum Mere Ho and Afsos reaching number one on the Asian Music Charts.
Yet, he remains cautious about high-profile collaborations. “The storytelling cannot get diluted just because there’s a bigger name attached,” he says.
He would welcome a collaboration with former One Direction star Zayn Malik, calling him a natural fit for his musical style. “Maybe the universe will just make it happen,” he adds.
Why This Matters
Jain’s success shows that independent artists can thrive in India’s music scene without Bollywood backing.
His model—focused on emotional depth, personal storytelling, and artistic completion—offers a viable alternative to the industry’s dominant, commercially driven formats.
What to Watch Next
Listeners will be watching for new releases this year. Fans may also see more collaborations, especially with international artists, if Jain’s vision for musical partnerships is realized.
His journey underscores the growing influence of independent, emotionally grounded music in global and Indian markets.
Source: BBC Newsbeat, by Srosh Khan and Naomi de Souza. Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c933xnneg2zvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Sapporo Child Career College Building 2.jpg by 禁樹なずな, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
