Anuv Jain, an Indian singer-songwriter, has carved a niche for himself in the music industry without the typical Bollywood support. Performing at a sold-out show at London's Roundhouse, Jain shared insights into his journey and future plans.
Originating from Ludhiana in Punjab, Jain began his musical journey as a teenager. His songs, primarily in Hindi, have resonated with audiences through their emotional narratives about love and heartbreak. This connection has translated into hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and a significant following on social media, including 3.9 million Instagram followers and over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Jain attributes his success to a simple philosophy: creating music that he and his family would enjoy. He imagines how his songs would impact someone listening in various settings, whether in a car, on a run, or alone at night. “I just try to make a good song, ” he explains, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal taste in his music.
Despite the dominance of Bollywood in India’s music scene, Jain has thrived independently. He describes his path as existing in an “alternate space, ” where artists release music on their own terms. His tracks, such as “Jo Tum Mere Ho” and “Afsos” with AP Dhillon, have topped the Asian Music Charts, yet Jain insists there’s no formula for his success.
Jain has been deliberate in his music releases, historically putting out just one song a year. However, he plans to increase his output, promising more music soon. “They’re done and I think they’re beautiful songs, ” he says, hinting at multiple releases this year.
Completing projects is a priority for Jain, who ensures that every song he starts is finished. This commitment to seeing projects through might explain his selective release strategy. “When I start a project, I always finish it, ” he notes, highlighting his dedication to his craft.
His music’s simplicity and relatability have made certain passages viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Jain’s song “Arz Kiya Hai” is one such example, capturing the hearts of his fans.
In recent years, collaborations between Western and Indian artists have gained popularity. Jain is open to such partnerships, provided his artistic identity remains intact. He expresses interest in working with former One Direction member Zayn Malik, envisioning a collaboration that aligns with his musical style. “He would be somebody who would definitely work very well with the kind of music that I make, ” Jain says, hopeful for a future collaboration.
