Cinema VinesIn a candid interview, singer Akriti Kakar shared her perspective on the hurdles that even seasoned artists face in the music industry. The 40‑year‑old, who rose to prominence with hits like “Saturday Saturday” from *Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania* (2014) and “Iski Uski” from *2 States* (2014), explained that securing playback gigs remains fraught with uncertainty. She noted that a music director may call her for a film track, yet there is no assurance the song will be included in the final cut, nor that the film or the song will resonate with audiences.
Kakar, who recently dropped the single “Oh Jaanu” in collaboration with Euphoria member Palash Sen, urged singers to take ownership of their careers rather than wait for a single breakthrough. “The only thing in a singer’s hands is to do their best,” she said. “So why not use that energy to create your own music while still being open to external opportunities? Otherwise, you’ll just keep waiting for that life‑changing song.”
She emphasized that luck plays a significant role in an independent track’s success. With countless songs released daily, a new track can easily get lost in the noise. “It can be discouraging, and at times the thought of giving up creeps in,” Kakar admitted. “But as singers, our karma is to keep trying.” She added that she funds most of her projects herself, with her husband, ad‑film maker Chirag Arora, handling the visual aspects. “We have to become business people too,” she said, highlighting the blend of nostalgia and modernity she aims for in her music.
Social media, according to Kakar, is a powerful discovery tool. She cited her 2024 Ganpati release “Ganesha Ganesha,” which began as a simple lyric video with a few shots from a home puja. The track quickly went viral, amassing over 45,000 reels and giving her YouTube channel a substantial boost. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping it continues to reach more people,” she said.
Reflecting on her early collaboration with Palash Sen, Kakar recalled performing as a 15‑year‑old schoolgirl at his opening act. He later invited her to contribute spoken word to a song, a surprising turn that eventually led to a full collaboration on “Oh Jaanu.” The track fuses retro pop, funk, and the disco sounds of 1970s‑80s Bollywood, showcasing both artists’ vibrant energy. Kakar’s journey underscores the importance of self‑initiative, resilience, and leveraging digital platforms in today’s music landscape.
