New Delhi: Mumbai-based pop artist Shreya Jain has taken the Indian music scene by storm with her debut EP, ‘Bawari’. This collection of four tracks is far from ordinary—it is a bold and ambitious project that seamlessly blends the timeless allure of Hindustani classical music with contemporary production techniques.
Born into a family where Hindustani classical music was a way of life, she was trained by her father, the renowned vocalist Surmani Shyam Jain. From a young age, Shreya was surrounded by the sounds of riyaz (practice sessions), which served as her morning alarm. This early exposure to classical music has shaped her as an artist, and Bawari is her way of honoring that legacy while pushing its boundaries.
Bawari is not just a solo effort; it’s a collaborative masterpiece that brings together some of the industry’s most talented artists and producers. Shreya Jain worked with a stellar team of collaborators, including lyricists Juno (aka Avinash Chauhan) and Shayra Apoorva, and music producers Bluk, Dropped Out, and Nakul Chugh. Each of these collaborators has brought their unique touch to the project, helping to create a diverse and cohesive sound.
The EP also features special guest appearances by singers Saahel, Sanah Moidutty, The Rish, and rapper Gravity. Each artist adds their flavor to the tracks, making ‘Bawari’ a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. Whether it’s the soulful Tamil vocals of Sanah Moidutty or the hard-hitting verses of Gravity, every contribution enhances the overall experience, making the EP a true celebration of musical diversity.
At the heart of ‘Bawari’ is Shreya Jain’s desire to globalize Indian classical music. She hopes to make this rich and complex musical tradition accessible to younger generations and listeners worldwide. In an industry where fusion often means diluting the essence of traditional music, Shreya’s approach is different. She doesn’t just mix elements of classical and contemporary music—she creates a dialogue between them.
“For me, Bawari is my crazy attempt at blending Indian classical melodies with modern production,” says Shreya. “The message I want to convey is that music comes from the heart, and you should let it be raw and natural. Indian classical melodies come to me naturally because I grew up listening to Hindustani classical music from my father. I wanted to put that in my EP.”
Shreya spoke clearly of her vision, stating, “I want to challenge the notion that Indian classical music is too subtle or complex for modern audiences. By incorporating classical bandishes (compositions) into contemporary production, it is still possible to make this age-old tradition more relatable and appealing to today’s listeners.” “I’ve learned so much about Indian classical music that I wanted to compose semi-classical melodies and explore them with modern production. I really want to bridge this gap and make Hindustani classical music as appealing to Gen Z as it is to those from the seventies or eighties,” she said.
Despite her confidence in the project, Shreya was initially hesitant to share the EP with her father. His rigorous standards and keen ear for detail made her nervous about his reaction. However, to her surprise, he was not only impressed but also proud of her work.
“I’m always very scared to present a song to him. I was surprised [at his reaction]. He usually will find at least 10 mistakes in each song of mine. I was surprised that he was really impressed. He was happy, and he was very proud. He was asking me,“Kisne compose kiya hai? (Who composed this?) I was like, ‘Papa, I did,” Shreya recalls.
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As Indian music continues to gain global recognition, artists like Shreya Jain are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. By fusing classical melodies with modern beats, Shreya is making Indian classical music more accessible to younger audiences while also preserving its rich heritage.
Bawari is just the beginning for Shreya Jain. With her talent, passion, and vision, she is poised to become a leading figure in the world of fusion music, bridging the gap between the old and the new and bringing the beauty of Indian classical music to a global stage. In a world where musical trends come and go, Shreya Jain’s ‘Bawari’ stands out as a brave new beginning for a budding artist who longs to find her place in the scintillating world of Indian music.
