At 25, Dhvani Bhanushali is a music sensation whose work resonates deeply with the themes of family, tradition and love. Dhvani shot to stardom after her 2021 song ‘Vaaste’ gained over 1.5 billion views on YouTube. In an exclusive chat with The Telegraph Online, Dhvani spoke about tasting success early on, her new single ‘Naina Milayke’, her bond with her family, her fashion statement and more.

What is your new song ‘Naina Milayke’ about?

Dhvani Bhanushali: It’s about the first look that’s exchanged between two people and how a man or a woman’s persona and vibe attracts you. We all have felt it. ‘Naina Milayke’ is just that; it has pretty catchy lyrics, making it very easy to hum as well.

What inspired you to get into music? Was there a particular point when you realised music is your thing?

Dhvani Bhanushali: My grandfather, and seeing how he found peace in music, got me into music. Speaking of that one point, it was when ‘Vaaste’ released and the audience accepted it and gave it so much love. Everyone needs validation when they try out something new, and for me, my music reaching so many people made me realise that this is my calling.

Since most of your songs are about love, what is your definition of love? What do you seek in love?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Love, for me, is about freedom to grow together as individuals, respecting traditions and boundaries, finding comfort in each other’s silence. I’ve tried to bring those emotions and ideas into my music as well.

Which of your songs has been your personal favourite so far and why?

Dhvani Bhanushali: My personal favourite will always be ‘Radha’. From the beginning when we were making the audio to the shoot of the video, I knew ‘Radha’ was special for me. With both the sound and the video, we tried doing something different, which I hadn’t tried before.

As someone who started fairly young, do you think the music industry in India has become more open and welcoming towards women?

Dhvani Bhanushali: If the audience resonates with your art, if they like it, listen to it and accept it, being a man or a woman really doesn’t matter anymore. It’s not about gender anymore, it’s about what connects.

You are often seen posting pictures with your family on Instagram. How has your relationship with them shaped your music?

Dhvani Bhanushali: When you’re so attached to your family, it feeds into your art. My album, Lagan, was about traditions and connection with family, because that’s who I am and have grown up to be. My family is my happy space and that’s exactly what translates into my music. I just seek the feeling of love and happiness. It’s the feeling one gets when you’re with the person you want to be with. And that’s what I try to emote through my music.

What is your upcoming music going to be like?

Dhvani Bhanushali: As an artist, you always circle back to the genre that resonates with you, the genre that feels closest to your heart. Then, it’s about trying to create different sounds around that genre, which is what I’ve done all these years. At the same time, I also experiment. I’ve done it in the past, I might choose to do it again.

How has your fashion sense evolved over the years, especially in terms of Instagram styling?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Honestly, I started way too young, when I had people suggesting or dressing me up at family functions, dinners or even when I had to face the camera at public events. Today, having more of a say in matters, I can’t fake it in real life or on Instagram. I style myself the way I feel from within. I can’t handle multiple personalities. But for music videos, yes, I try to make things interesting.

Who is Dhvani Bhanushali in her private space?

Dhvani Bhanushali: I’m pretty much like any other 25-year-old. I can never carry a facade when I’m out in public. I always like to live the way I want to. Other than my music videos, where I’m playing a character, I’m who you see when out for a run, at dinner or at public events.

What has been your biggest struggle in the music industry?

Dhvani Bhanushali: I don’t like the word struggle, it’s got a strong negative connotation. I’d rather describe my experience as a journey of discovering myself through the audience, what they’re accepting and what they’re rejecting. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, and manoeuvring through them and embracing the audience’s feedback is what my journey in the industry has been all about.

What is the future you see for yourself in the music industry?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Our industry is growing very fast. With really good, new talent entering the industry, the sound is evolving every day. With so much happening for the betterment of music, discovering new sounds, expressing myself is what I’m looking forward to. I suppose I have a long, long future in the music industry!