MUMBAI: With a career spanning diverse films and iconic composers from A.R. Rahman to Anirudh Ravichander, playback singer Arpita has carved a unique space in the Indian music industry. Her ability to adapt her vocal style to each composer’s vision has made her a sought-after voice across cinematic landscapes.
For Arpita, working with different composers means embracing their distinctive musical styles. “Each composer has a unique style, so I adapt my vocals to fit their vision,” she explains. With A.R. Rahman, it’s about capturing emotional depth—using soft, subtle tones or powerful inflections as the music demands. In contrast, for Anirudh Ravichander’s modern, high-energy compositions, she brings a playful, bold touch. “I always aim to match the emotion of the music, ensuring my voice enhances the story,” she adds.
One of Arpita’s most memorable experiences came while recording “J’aime La Vie” for Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha. Tasked with delivering a love song in French, she drew inspiration from legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf. “Rahman Sir invited me to his Mumbai studio and introduced me to the scene. He played a soft, melodic Piaf track and encouraged me to infuse my own interpretation while honoring her emotive style,” she recalls.
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Balancing the linguistic challenge with artistic expression pushed her as a session vocalist. “It was a delicate balance—channeling Piaf’s influence while keeping my own creative touch intact. That recording session remains one of the most unforgettable moments of my career,” Arpita reflects.
Playback singing is more than just hitting the right notes—it’s about conveying raw emotion while maintaining technical excellence. For Arpita, preparation involves a deep connection to the music and a balance between learned technique and instinctive expression.
A pivotal piece of advice from A.R. Rahman still guides her. “After a long recording session early in my career, Rahman Sir told me, ‘Arpita, you’ve learned your techniques; now it’s time to unlearn. Believe in your voice and let it flow.’ That changed everything for me,” she shares.
When approaching a new song, she draws on the teachings of her gurus and the composer’s vision. Visualizing the emotions behind the music helps her deliver performances that are both technically flawless and deeply moving.
With major projects like The Diplomat (2025) and Devara: Part 1 (2024), Arpita continues to break new ground. These projects have allowed her to explore fresh genres and push her creative boundaries. “What excites me most is the opportunity to tell deeper stories through music while working with composers who challenge my vocal abilities,” she says.
As the global music scene evolves, Arpita is eager to contribute to its future. “Authenticity and versatility are key to the future of playback singing,” she believes. Dream collaborations also remain on her horizon—working with cinematic legends like John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Vishal Bhardwaj is something she aspires to. “Their storytelling through music would open up new possibilities for vocal expression,” she says with excitement.
From soulful ballads to high-energy anthems, Arpita’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, emotion, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. As she continues to push boundaries, her voice remains a vital part of the evolving soundscape of Indian cinema.
