Kavita Paudwal, daughter of legendary singer Anuradha Paudwal, is carving her own niche in devotional music with the launch of Kirtan Klub. The initiative aims to blend devotion with a high-energy, community-driven experience, with an ambitious plan of 52 shows a year across India. The journey kicks off in Mumbai on May 3 at 6:30 pm at Ajiwasan Hall, Juhu.
What is Kirtan Klub?
Kirtan Klub is a unique devotional music experience rooted in classical traditions with subtle western influences. The name "club" signifies a happy, free state of mind where traditional songs are sung without restrictions. It is inclusive, allowing people of all ages to sing and dance together while maintaining the sanctity of the music. There is no alcohol; it is a space of joy, familiarity, and togetherness.
Audience Participation
Unlike a typical performance, Kirtan Klub is interactive and immersive. The audience actively participates, making it akin to a satsang. The collective energy of singing together is a core element. The event also includes sharing stories about pilgrimages, festivals, and traditions from across India, featuring bhajans in multiple languages such as Gujarati garba and Punjabi bhajans.
Kavita Paudwal's Musical Journey
Kavita's musical journey began in childhood, growing up in a family that prayed and sang together daily. She started as a child artist, singing for composers like Bappi Lahiri and Nadeem-Shravan. Her father, Arun Paudwal, was an arranger with Bappi Da. She trained under Pandit Jialal Vasant and Suresh Wadkar. As a child, she recorded a song for Mahesh Bhatt's film Junoon, which later became part of the soundtrack.
Career Progression and Hiatus
After school, Kavita released an album during the indie pop phase and did playback singing and live shows. She refused hosting offers for reality shows due to academic commitments. Later, she moved to the US for an internship and worked at the United Nations and a TV channel. She completed her Master's from NYU before returning to India. The hiatus affected her Bollywood career, as the industry had changed with reality shows and new singers.
Balancing Legacy and Identity
Being Anuradha Paudwal's daughter comes with pressure and comparisons. Kavita acknowledges the challenge of proving herself as an individual artist. She believes that while a musical family helps gain entry, success depends on one's work. Her mother was strict but loving, emphasizing discipline and education. Kavita credits her mother for encouraging her to live independently abroad, which built her confidence.
Inspiration from Asha Bhosle
Kavita draws inspiration from Asha Bhosle's versatility and commitment. Asha ji's ability to sing across genres without limitations and her dedication to her art despite personal challenges are lessons for Kavita. She admires that legends like Asha ji and Lata Mangeshkar never used their struggles for sympathy but focused on their art.
Future Plans
Currently, Kavita is focused on Kirtan Klub, which aligns with her upbringing and experiences. She aims to create a space where people feel joy and connection. While she may return to playback singing, her current passion is the devotional music format that brings together community and tradition.
