Ananya Wadkar, daughter of Padma Shri Suresh Wadkar, has stepped into the world of cinema with an impressive playback debut in O’Romeo. The young singer has lent her voice to the soulful track ‘Vaada Hai’, composed and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and music director Vishal Bhardwaj. Her debut marks a significant milestone in her musical journey and signals the arrival of a promising new voice in Indian playback singing.
Trained in Hindustani classical music from early childhood, Ananya has grown up in an environment steeped in melody and discipline. Alongside vocal training, she is also a skilled sitarist, having devoted years to mastering the nuances of classical music. This strong foundation is evident in ‘Vaada Hai’, where her rendition blends purity, emotional depth and subtle classical influences.
The song has already begun resonating with listeners for its heartfelt expression and delicate phrasing. In addition to the original version, Ananya has also recorded the reprise of ‘Vaada Hai’. She further contributed another track to the film titled ‘Hum Toh Tere Hi Liye’. Although the latter is not part of the official album release, it has garnered appreciation from audiences for its sincerity and emotive quality.
Speaking about working with Vishal Bhardwaj, Ananya described the opportunity as deeply meaningful. She said she grew up listening to his music and always admired his compositions. According to her, Bhardwaj is meticulous about nuances and embellishments, yet he allows singers the creative freedom to discover their own interpretation within a song. She found the experience liberating, as it enabled her to emote and express in her own style while staying true to the composer’s vision.
Beyond playback singing, Ananya is also a member of The Gen Next Collective, a group of young artists who aim to establish their own musical identities while acknowledging their rich artistic lineage. The collective emphasises individuality, authenticity and original expression.
Ananya has expressed pride in her roots but remains determined to build her own distinct voice. With a powerful debut, rigorous classical training and a clear artistic vision, she is poised to make a lasting mark on the Indian music landscape. Her journey with ‘Vaada Hai’ in O’Romeo is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting musical career.
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