It all began with a melody for Anumita – a serendipitous layering of guitar tracks on a computer screen in a makeshift studio built by her dad. “A melody came to me, and suddenly, I had the idea for a song. I felt happy, excited, and overwhelmed,” recalls Anumita. “I didn’t even know what to call that feeling, but I knew I wanted to chase it again.” 

That innocent accident birthed her very first song, and with it, the beginning of a journey that has led to soul-stirring collaborations and an upcoming debut album featuring the voice that continues to shape the contours of India’s evolving indie music landscape. Raised in a home where the arts were celebrated and actively encouraged, music was a part of the singer-songwriters’ everyday rhythm. “My parents wanted my sister and me to learn the arts in general, and it was always fun,” shares Anumita. 

It was songwriting, later in life, that truly piqued her interest. “Songwriting is something that truly excites me, and that excitement only grows when I get to work with people who share a similar vision,” she adds, referencing the ongoing creation of her debut album, Rang.

A landscape that once struggled, the Indian indie music scene today has blossomed into a space that relentlessly champions sonic exploration. In the years since her first track, Anumita has witnessed this palpable transformation.“It has evolved a lot, honestly. There are so many more listeners now… artists are getting more comfortable, experimenting, and collaborating. It’s only going to grow from here,” she notes the transformative power of a burgeoning audience. 

The digital world has played a crucial role in Anumita’s rise to fame, beginning with a soulful cover of Jashn-E-Bahara that caught widespread attention. But with fame comes complexity, especially in the era of social media, where visual storytelling, “trendy” tunes, and algorithms are the decision makers of how well a song performs. 

There’s this whole other job that comes with finishing a song – handling social media. It doesn’t affect my craft, but it can take away from the joy of creating.

For Anumita, social media is a tool and a means to connect, though she engages with it thoughtfully and on her own terms. “It doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’d love to learn more about it eventually. Social media has definitely helped me get closer to my dream… but when it all gets too overwhelming, I just shut off my brain for a bit and take a step back,” she admits.

The singer believes collaboration is an essential ingredient in her creative process. “There’s something really special about being in a room with other artists,” she shares. “That moment when your mind gets tickled by a new idea, when it pushes you beyond your usual way of thinking, is one of the best parts of making music.” It is in these moments of shared creativity, of minds intertwining and ideas flowing, that earworm-worthy music is born.

Among the many milestones in her journey – one that is filled with songs that capture emotions in a way that only a few can – there’s one that stands out: singing Tenu Sang Rakhna alongside Arijit Singh for the film Jigra. “When they told me Arijit would also be on the track, I thought – ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’ And then it actually happened. It’s truly one of the best experiences I’ve had, and I’m so grateful to the entire team for having me on board for this one.”

Performing live is another facet of her artistry that she continues to explore and develop. “It’s such a different feeling from being in the studio. When people sing along to my songs, especially the ones that aren’t mainstream – it’s surreal,” she says. “I often undersell myself, so those moments mean the world.” 

Musically, she’s in an era of exploration. “The backbone stays the same, but the way I experiment around it keeps things interesting,” she says. “Working on this album has helped me understand myself – my likes, dislikes, what I’m comfortable with, and who I’m comfortable working with.” Currently drawn to the interplay of organic and electronic sounds, she’s embracing a soundscape that feels fresh yet rooted.

When she’s not recording or performing, you’ll likely find her indulging in travel, puzzles, good food, quality time with animals and loved ones, or simply cleaning her room. “It’s about finding balance,” she says. “That’s what keeps me grounded and inspired.”

With her debut album, Rang, in the making, Anumita’s work is set to strike a chord with those who appreciate the craft, the patience, and the profound beauty of a journey meticulously tuned to perfection.