EXCLUSIVE: Sudhir Yaduvanshi on breaking into Bollywood and his upcoming sufi masterpiece

Sudhir Yaduvanshi is quickly emerging as one of the most versatile talents in the Indian music industry. Known for blending folk, Bollywood, and indie influences into his music, Sudhir’s journey is a tale of unexpected turns and raw talent. Starting as a school kid who sang at every function, Sudhir never imagined that music would eventually shape his professional life.

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In an exclusive interview with Hind First, Sudhir shared how his passion for singing was something he never actively pursued. “I didn’t choose music; music chose me,” he said, explaining that his early performances, which were more for fun than anything, gradually gained him recognition. “Without formal training, my voice still managed to catch people’s attention, and that’s when I realized, maybe I’m good at this.”

Emotional rollercoaster of “Kaawaa Kaawaa”

One of Sudhir’s latest hits, Kaawaa Kaawaa from the movie Kill, has been making waves. The song, a heart-wrenching piece, required Sudhir to channel deep emotions. “Shashwat Sir told me to bring out love, pain, and rage in the song, and that’s exactly what I did,” he recalled. The track captures the grief of a soldier who watches his love die—a scene that deeply influenced Sudhir’s passionate performance.

Heartfelt Connection to Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani

Another milestone in Sudhir’s journey is his involvement in Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani, a project that holds personal significance for him. The song Cha Chadheya touches on LGBTQ themes, something Sudhir connected with through the experiences of a close friend. “My friend, a trans man, shared his journey with me, which helped me pour genuine emotion into this song,” Sudhir revealed. This project allowed him to explore the softer side of his voice, showing his versatility as an artist.

Inspired by Legends

Sudhir credits much of his musical style to the influence of legends like Kailash Kher, Sukhwinder Singh, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. “Their powerful voices and storytelling have shaped my music,” he said. From his early days performing folk music in Delhi to now embracing Bollywood and indie projects, Sudhir’s music continues to evolve, while staying rooted in his inspiration.

Collab with Bhuvan Bam

A highlight of Sudhir’s career is his recent collaboration with digital star Bhuvan Bam for Taazaa Khabar 2. “I’ve been a fan of Bhuvan since his early days, and collaborating with him is a privilege,” Sudhir shared. This project holds special meaning for Sudhir as it mirrors his own journey from humble beginnings to chasing big dreams.

Sudhir’s rise to success hasn’t come without challenges. After his band split three years ago, he felt lost but eventually regained his footing by performing in Delhi’s club scene. “The competition is fierce, and navigating the industry hasn’t been easy,” Sudhir admitted. He highlighted the importance of forming a supportive team, noting that meeting people who value his work has been crucial to his growth.

With projects like Kill and Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani, 2024 has been a breakthrough year for Sudhir, solidifying his place as a rising star in the Indian music industry.

Sudhir's Upcoming Projects

Among his many upcoming projects, Sudhir is most excited about his collaboration with Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej. “It’s going to be an Indian folk Sufi masterpiece,” he revealed, sharing that the project will include five songs, slated for release by the end of the year. Sudhir is eager to bring his unique style to these tracks, which promise to be a treat for music lovers.

Sudhir’s journey is an inspiration for many emerging artists, and he has some advice for those looking to break into the industry. “Stay dedicated, build a strong network, and embrace every experience,” he said. According to him, setbacks are part of the process, but they only make the journey more rewarding. His mantra is simple: believe in yourself and enjoy the ride.

With several indie and Bollywood projects lined up, Sudhir Yaduvanshi’s career is just getting started. “People are starting to recognize my voice, but they’ll know my face soon,” he said with a smile. Whether his songs are motivating fans in the gym or soothing them during prayers, Sudhir’s music is making a lasting impact, and he’s ready for whatever comes next. “This journey just keeps getting better,” he concluded.