Naren's indie round-up/ Feb 2026, Ep.2


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Isheeta Chakrvarty/ Naina Taras Gaye

Language & genre: Hindi/ UP dialect, love song

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

In 2020, vocalist Isheeta Chakrvarty had collaborated with Anhad + Tanner on the song 'Naina', from their album In Other Words. The singer now recreates the song as 'Naina Taras Gaye', with a fresh arrangement and extra verse, shooting the video as a live recording.

The song uses the thumri format with contemporary instrumentation comprising Ria Modak's guitar, Harmeet Manseta's keyboards and Ishan Jadwani's drums. The subject is longing and desire, with Isheeta and Ginny Dewan writing the fresh words.

The main lines are, "Naina taras gaye morey, piya ki suratiya dikhe na". Isheeta's voice complements the melody beautifully, and the subtle arrangements are just right to bring out the song's emotion.

Tanuj Manchanda/ Ishq Soch Ke

Language & genre: Punjabi, sad romantic song

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

In his 2021 single 'Teri Yaadaan Vich', singer Tanuj Manchanda displayed a good sense of melody and emotion. Ever since, he has regularly released songs that strike a chord.

Tanuj's latest release 'Ishq Soch Ke' is a heartfelt Punjabi tune that looks at love through thoughtful reflection and nostalgia. The opening lines are, "Ishq soch ke ki kita te ki kita, dilaande dard ke ni jita te ki jita".

The song has been produced by Priyo and Kallol Ghosh, and the arrangement has a rustic and melancholic feel. Tanuj's expression adds depth.

Khatth feat Stithi/ Woh

Language & genre: Hindi, pop

Label: Self-released

Rating: ** 1/2

Singer Khatth is joined by Sthithi on 'Woh', a love song with a peppy disco-ish beat. It's an uptempo composition but the singing is rather bland and mechanical.

The video, directed by Bhanu Babbal, brings out the relationship of two people in a filmy way. Karthika Muralidharan, Gaurav Parajuli and Bhanu appear in the film.

It's a routine number which doesn't grow beyond a point, despite the vibrant bass and beat.

Abhishruti Bezbaruah/ Jhoom

Language & genre: Hindi, pop

Label: Rainforest Records 

Rating: *** 1/2

Assamese singer Abhishruti Bezbaruah has been focusing on Bihu songs so far. She now forays into Hindi with 'Jhoom'.

A well-shot video filmed in Norway, Sweden, Ireland and the UK shows Abhishruti in multiple outfits and rapidfire frame changes. Though it's been shot entirely on an iPhone, the outdoor visuals are Yashraj-category breathtaking.

Lyrics by Swaraj Priyo have lines like, "Aadha dil mera hai aadha sambhalo, aadha dil mera hai usmein bhi aadhe tu". The tune is composed by Abhi Saikia, and has a romantic frothiness. It's a fairly good Hindi debut. Look forward to more. 


Tech Panda X Kenzani/ Bombay Drama

Language & genre; Instrumental, electronica

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Delhi-based electronica producer duo Tech Panda X Kenzani start off their 2026 journey with 'Bombay Drama', a clubby track which has more of a cinematic sound than their trademark folktronica. 

Heard on its own, the track seems like a rehash of background scores of 1970s action films. But then, there's a brilliantly done AI-generated video that makes you look awestruck while chuckling at the same time.

The video has been conceptualised and directed by kashskyler. A train ride, speedy chases, action shots, DJs making passengers dance in the aisles combine with that musical score to create three minutes and 39 seconds of visual spectacle. Only Tom Cruise is missing.




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