Akanksha Bhandari is a now-emerging singer in Indian music. She has been churning out upbeat music with her first-ever original EP, Dil Se Post, going viral as the 2018 Mashup Artist launches into Bollywood.
She defines this six-track EP as more than just an EP of songs; it is her personal diary, explaining the different stages of love and emotion. Keh Bhi Do Na is a song showing the intimacy of feelings, while Rootho Na reflects the analysis of challenges surrounding relationships inspired by her experiences.
Work started on Dil Se in 2019, marking a quantum leap in Akanksha’s perspective toward love. She moved from ideal songs on love to more nuanced, reflective numbers that spoke volumes about what she had learned about relationships. This is a collaborative EP, with Akanksha working alongside artists such as Raghav Kaushik and Manav to create a rich tapestry of sound.
The title track, “Keh Bhi Do Na,” expresses the vulnerability of newfound love, making the writing process an emotionally charged experience. Known for her viral covers, Dil Se is indeed a very personal exploration of her artistry.
Being an independent artist has its own set of challenges in terms of funding and marketing. On the other hand, Akanksha focuses on the quality and authenticity of her work. She strongly believes that good music finds its audience.
Akanksha has been recognized for this work by Apple Music and Spotify, yet still remains humble about the craft. Her goal with Dil Se is to open a world for the listeners- a world in which they feel connected and belong, breathing in their own experiences and feelings. This EP represents her journey, and more is to be expected as she continues to grow through her art.