After a quiet period focused on personal and artistic reinvention, singer-composer Arjun Kanungo has made a striking return to the music scene. His comeback arrives through an unexpected portal: his first-ever Marathi music composition for the web series Ekaki. The track leading this foray is titled Porancha Ranga.
A Deliberate Foray into Marathi Music
Kanungo explains that his decision to compose in Marathi stemmed from a phase of creative restlessness. He describes the last couple of years as a time of deep experimentation across languages, genres, and personal growth. "Marathi music was an unexplored space for me," he says, noting that the project felt like the perfect opportunity to attempt something completely novel.
The brief from creator Ashish Chanchlani encouraged boldness, asking for something that sounded both local and crazy. This aligned with Kanungo's long-standing interest in fusing electronic textures with street percussion. The process, which involved his first collaboration with Umesh Gawli and Siddhant Bhosle, was summarised by the artist as simply "fun."
Soundtracking Recovery and Global Expansion
Kanungo's return via a web-series soundtrack, rather than a mainstream album, is intentional. Following a significant gap in releases, he is prioritizing living fully over chasing outcomes. "Success matters, but so does growth — personal and artistic," he states. The last two years were spent refining his singing and songwriting to ensure a more meaningful offering upon his return.
This period also saw him building his independent music company behind the scenes. Today, the venture collaborates with over 50 writers and composers worldwide and has contributed to more than 250 songs. After launching in Japan last year, the company is now exploring South Korea as its next international base. Kanungo also confirmed that the long-rumoured collaboration with A. R. Rahman has indeed materialized.
Overcoming Injury and a Creative Reset
A major factor in his hiatus was a hip fracture in 2023, which forced an extended break. The first year of recovery was intensely difficult, requiring nearly a year of physical therapy and gym work just to regain basic movement. The outcome, however, has been transformative. "Today, I’m more than fully recovered and in the best physical shape of my life," Kanungo reveals, joking about a new passion for powerlifting.
This period of recovery fundamentally reset his creative compass. He labels 2025 as a year of reset — physically, mentally, and creatively. Free from public deadlines, he focused on preparation. The Ekaki project feels like the closing chapter of that exploratory phase. Looking ahead, he promises that 2026 will bring work that is far more intentional, focused, and aligned. "I’m taking my time, but I’m building towards something significant," Kanungo concludes.
