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


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR
Kulfi/ Rasik Balma
Language & genre: Hindi/ English, fusion-rock 
Label: Self-released
Rating: *** 1/2

The interestingly-titled band Kulfi comprises a group of Delhi-based youngsters who blend Indian classical elements with rock flavours. Thus, on their new track 'Rasik Balma', lyrics like "Rasik balma, rayn bitaayi sajaayi, balma" are followed by, "Time to say goodbyeܵ, peace dwells in her eyes, one in dreams she floats".
With vocals by Sambhav Baxi and Joel Reji, the band has tight arrangements, with a guest appearance by Momin Khan on sarangi. Guitarist Aditya Sarkar, keyboardist Blaze John Jomon, drummer Shaurya Gambhir and tabla player Kawangan Singh complete the line-up., with Joel also playing bass. Sort of rocksier avatar of Colonial Cousins.
The group had released the single 'Morey Mandir' earlier this year. Formed in 2024, they have been gaining popularity on both the college and club circuit. Look forward to more.


Sonu Nigam feat. Rucha & Gurman/ Bandeya
Language & genre: Hindi, pop
Label: I Believe In Music
Rating: *** 1/2
Sonu Nigam sings the song 'Bandeya' in his trademark style. The song begins, "Bandeya re bandeya, bandeya re bandeya, khoje tu khud ko kahaan, tujh mein tera raasta".
Lyrics are by Rucha, and composition is by Rucha and Gurman. The song begins with gentle guitars. After the motivational start, Sonu sings, "Kuch ishq ka swaad bhi, chakh le zara kamleya".
The song has a pleasant air, and Sonu's fans should be pleased. Importantly, the song comes through his new platform I Believe In Music, aimed at promoting emerging artistes.


Chaittali Srivastava/ Piya
Language & genre: Hindi, pop
Label: Self-released 
Rating: ***

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Chaittali Srivastava has released the songs 'Baatein' and 'Neend' earlier. Her latest 'Piya' again explores the subject of love.
It's an uptempo and frothy number with lines like "Jaane kya tune hai kiya, piya, dil ko tune hai choo liya, piya". Western pop beats blend with sitar parts to give it a contemporary yet Indian flavour. Ideal for parties and car rides.


Project Indu, Shreya Khandelwal and Vi/ Aaye Hum Sai
Language & genre: Hindi, devotional
Label: Self-released 
Rating: *** 1/2

As the title suggests, 'Aaye Hum Sai' is a song dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba. It's got a contemporary rhythm that makes it vibrant, but the vocals are rendered in a traditional manner by Shreya Khandelwal and Vi.
The song has been released under the Project Indu, with composition and lyrics by Vi. The opening male part has the lines "Prem ki jyoti man mein jalaaye, Jo bhi tere sharan mein aaye, uske jeevan ko mehkaaye". 
Then Shreya Khandelwal sings in a very pleasant manner, with Shriram Sampath on flute and Sid Paul handling production. It's a well-made song that brings about a sense of serenity.


Kiran/ Pooja Party
Language & genre: English, fusion-pop
Label: Self-released
Rating; ***

In this song timed for the festive season, Kiran fuses Indian and western elements to talk about poojas and rituals. On 'Pooja Party', devotional instruments like bansuri and khartaal are played alongside western basslines, synths and rhythms.
The song begins, "Smell the camphor and the smoked pipe, let go of yourself in the bhakti, of the divinity, and zone put in those chimes". The chorus, with its 'la la la' lines, is targeted at young audiences.
The video shows Kiran in a saree, doing a mix of Indian and western dance. Fusion is the catchphrase on this number.
 


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