Picture this: a whirlwind romance with Bollywood that began in 2018, a viral mashup queen who stole hearts (and probably a few playlists), and now an indie singer-songwriter dropping her very first EP. Meet Akanksha Bhandari—the woman with the voice that’s as diverse as her Spotify Wrapped genres. From singing alongside Atif Aslam in Namaste England to racking up millions of streams, Akanksha has been on quite the melodious journey. So, what’s her latest encore? A debut original EP titled Dil Se, a heartfelt exploration of love, emotions, and all the stages in between. We sat down with Akanksha for a no-holds-barred chat about her new music, viral fame, and the rollercoaster ride that is love.
Dil Se — An EP Straight From The Heart
First things first, Dil Se isn’t just another collection of love songs—it’s practically Akanksha’s personal diary, scribbled in melody. So, what’s the inspiration behind it?
“My debut EP Dil Se is a heartfelt exploration of love’s various stages, inspired by my own personal experiences and emotions. I wanted to capture the ups and downs of love, from the initial spark to the depths of heartache. Each song is a piece of my journey, with Keh Bhi Do Na being a confession of my own feelings, and Rootho Na reflecting on rough phases you have in a relationship. I hope Dil Se resonates with those who’ve loved and lost, and found love again.”
Love, heartache, and the occasional tearful recording session? We’re already hooked.
From Love Songs to Life Lessons
Akanksha began working on Dil Se back in 2019, and it’s safe to say her perspective on love has evolved since then. Idealistic love songs? Sure. But these days, Akanksha’s tunes hit a little differently.
“My perspective on love and relationships has evolved significantly since 2019. I’ve experienced love, pain, and self-discovery, which has helped me understand the complexities of relationships. My music reflects this growth, transitioning from idealistic love songs like Tuu to more mature, introspective tracks like Rootho Na. The EP now showcases a more nuanced, realistic portrayal of love and relationships.”
Who said love songs had to be all roses and rainbows? Sometimes, it’s all about the growth—and maybe a few love lessons along the way.
A Dream Team of Collaborators
Creating Dil Se wasn’t a solo affair—it was more like a gathering of musical superheroes. Akanksha teamed up with an eclectic group of artists, from Raghav Kaushik to Manav, and the synergy was palpable.
“Collaborations happened organically! I reached out to artists I admired, who are my old friends too, and we connected over shared creative visions. Working with Raghav Kaushik, Manav, Hanita Bhambri, Harshit on flutes, Ankur on violin, Garvit Soni, Keshav Dhar, and others was amazing! We learned from each other, and our differences brought unique flavors to the music we created on this EP. It was a dream team! We had fun, respected each other’s styles, and created something special together.”
Honestly, we’re just imagining the jam sessions, and they sound legendary.
The Emotional Tug of War in Keh Bhi Do Na
Let’s talk about emotions. Akanksha’s track Keh Bhi Do Na hits home with its vulnerability. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel all the things—and then some.
“The most challenging stage to write about was the vulnerability and uncertainty of newfound love in Keh Bhi Do Na. It’s a fragile and honest space, and capturing that emotional intensity was difficult. I had to tap into my own experiences and fears, making it a deeply personal and emotional writing process. I still remember I cried while composing this piece of my heart!”
Anyone else tearing up just reading that? Us too.
Covers, Mashups, and the Magic of Originals
We’ve all seen Akanksha’s viral mashups and covers (you know, the ones that probably popped up on your Instagram feed a dozen times). But creating an original EP like Dil Se? That’s a whole new level.
“Creating an original EP like Dil Se is a dream come true! It’s a more personal and fulfilling experience compared to my previous work. I had creative control, poured my heart into it, and explored so many things as an artist. It’s a cohesive body of work that showcases my artistry, unlike singles or covers, even though I love doing those.”
There’s something special about owning your story—and Akanksha’s sharing hers, one song at a time.
Balancing the Personal with the Universal
Sure, Dil Se is deeply personal, but Akanksha wanted to make sure her songs struck a chord with all listeners. How does she balance telling her story with making sure it resonates universally?
“While writing Dil Se, I focused on honest, raw emotions that I’ve experienced, knowing that others have felt them too. I aimed to capture universal emotions like love, heartache, and vulnerability in a way that’s relatable, yet authentic to my own voice. I hope that by sharing my personal stories, listeners will find their own reflections and connect with the music on a deeper level. It’s a delicate balance, but I believe that’s where the magic happens!”
Magic? More like musical alchemy.
The Challenges of Going Indie
Being an independent artist isn’t all sunshine and chart-toppers. Akanksha faced her fair share of challenges, but if anyone’s got the grit to make it, it’s her.
“As an independent artist, I faced challenges like funding, marketing, and distribution. I am not a person who is very good with creating interesting reels. To overcome that, I prioritize quality over budget constraints. Good music will always reach the right audience, even if it has a self-made artwork or a basic video. It’s been a learning curve, but it definitely feels empowering to have creative control over my music and connect directly with my audience!”
If Dil Se is any indication, she’s nailed that learning curve.
The Flute is the Secret Sauce
Each track in Dil Se has its own vibe, but let’s talk about the creative process. Did you know adding flutes to Rootho Na was Akanksha’s secret weapon?
“I don’t have one set process. It usually starts with a single emotion which translates into lyrics, and then I work with producers and musicians to find the right sound to set the lyrics against. I tend to draw inspiration from personal experiences, poetry, and classic love songs. While making Dil Se, I experimented with different genres and instruments to fit each stage of love—like adding the flutes to Rootho Na just enhanced the song for me.”
Note to self: flutes are officially the soundtrack of heartache.
A Vision for the Future
With recognition from major platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, Akanksha is soaring high, but she’s staying grounded—and dreaming even bigger.
“Recognition from Apple Music’s Up Next and Spotify’s RADAR is a dream come true. It feels amazing to know my music resonates with a wider audience. To stay grounded, I remind myself why I started making music in the first place—for the love of it. Gratitude and authenticity keep me grounded amidst success. I’m thankful for the journey and excited for what’s next!”
What’s next? More music, more growth, and maybe a few surprises.
To the Fans (Old and New)
Whether you’ve been following Akanksha since her viral cover days or are just discovering her through Dil Se, here’s a message straight from her heart:
“Welcome to my world! I’m thrilled to share my heart and soul with you through Dil Se. This EP is a piece of me, and I hope it resonates with your own experiences and emotions. My music is about connection, vulnerability, and the beauty of human emotions. I hope you find solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging in my songs. Let’s grow together, and I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you.”