Creative and artistic to the core, 21 year old Rhea Maheshwari speaks her heart out while talking to Indian Weekender. A commerce student majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship, Rhea is originally from Mumbai, India and is passionate about singing and painting.

How and when did you start singing?

A lot of the women in my family are singers so I was brought up surrounded by music. I have been singing informally since I can remember. In 3rd standard (year three) I once sang a Hindi song in front of my class for something like “show and tell” and my teacher was extremely surprised and from then on, really pushed me to perform on stage. I guess that’s when I realized I have a talent.

I took Hindustani classical lessons on and off since I was about 15 but like most teenagers, was easily distracted and lost interest, which I really regret not sticking with. I also was quite a shy kid and used to get terrible stage fright. It was only just over a year ago that I decided I wanted to take it up again, this time seriously.

Both music and art are such a big part of my identity so I guess I just realized it would be silly not to take all these opportunities I have been given with full force.

What inspired you to opt for singing?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one thing that inspired me to actually want to pursue singing. It may sound really weird but a big part of it is my entrepreneurship major in commerce.

Of course many people have talents, but it is, having the courage, drive and skills to pursue them, that really matter. In a nutshell, it stressed the idea of having a vision, using your core competencies (strengths) and continuously learning in order achieve it. 

I kind of realized that this is a raw talent that I want to hone, I have so much to learn. But that’s really the best part about it, having the thirst to actually want to put in the hard yards and keep growing in my crafts, be it singing or painting. I used to dread going up on stage because I was shy and afraid, but if anyone asked me to sing now I would happily do so, and as unapologetically as I possibly can.

Personally I also believe we, the younger generation have somewhat of a responsibility to learn about and keep these aspects of Indian culture alive and strong in an increasingly globalized world
But if I had to choose one person it would be my great aunt, Asha Puthli, who was an extremely established jazz singer on a global stage, and this was back in the 60s. It’s just really inspiring to have someone like that to look up to, someone who was not afraid to break the mould.

How do you keep yourself going with this musical groove?

Currently I am learning Hindustani classical with my guru, Vidya Teke, twice a week. I am so blessed to have her as my mentor. She is extremely knowledgeable in Hindi music from classical to film, and is such a lovely person too!

She has really been a big part of sparking my interest and keeping it there. She keeps me encouraged to go out and perform publicly as much as possible to overcome stage fright, which I really appreciate, even though it's scary! Otherwise, I try and fit in a bit of riaz (practice) everyday if possible. It’s quite a meditative process and allows me to understand the different registers we can use while singing. It’s all very interesting stuff.

Where all have you performed till now?

I have sung in a few shows such as Indian Diva, Kaun Banega Superstar, and Old is Gold a while back. This year, I sang in two charitable events one for the victims of Nepal and recently for Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I will be singing in Vidya Teke’s show Khamoshiyan Gun Gunane Lagee in September, so hope to see you all there!

Where do you see yourself in next few years?

I graduate by the end of this year so things are pretty up in the air as of now, but I’m definitely excited and optimistic about the future. All I can say for sure is I will definitely keep singing and painting. If things go well, hopefully even have an exhibition by the end of the year!