Dhvani Bhanushali

The Rising Popstar

This is a snippet from the diary of a rising Indian popstar. From tips on breaking into the music industry to a musician's creative process and the secret behind giving an electrifying performance, our muse shares it all. Read along to discover the making of a singer and the personal journey of the talented Dhvani Bhanushali in this candid conversation with Aza.

Photographs by Tejas Nerurkar; Styling by Nidhi Jeswani; Styling assistance by Hritika Naik; HMU by Bhavya Arora; HMU assistance by Praveen Verma; Artist Reputation Management DNH Media; Creative Direction by Arthi Medithi; Words by Kajol Shah

After twenty minutes of discord, my friends and I have finally settled the debate on who gets to be the designated “DJ” on our late-night ride around town. The one chosen is on his summer break from university. Of course, it's not the sultry Mumbai heat that has lured him back home from abroad. His motivation is a reunion with old friends, familia and some cultural nostalgia. His culinary wish-list includes chaat, plenty of aamras, and vegetarian sushi (because, apparently, we do that better here than in the States). As for music, we notice that the two most-played Hindi songs on his playlist—in a sea of mainstream pop and R&B tracks—are Duniyaa and Vaaste, both sung by Dhvani Bhanushali.

During the making of 'Mera Yaar', I was crushing on someone which explains the lyrics; before 'Thank You God', I remember having a moment of self-appreciation. It's usually these moments that spark an idea, and I build from there.

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Designer, Seema Gujral; Earrings, Joules by Radhika; Rings, Ranisa Jewels; Kada, Kalamandir Jewellers

Reflections on Life

Dhvani rose to fame in 2019 with her chart-topping single Vaaste, which garnered over 1.5 billion views on YouTube. What’s more, she quickly proved that she was no one-hit wonder. The hits just kept coming: Psycho Saiyan, Sauda Khara Khara, Nayan, and her recent track Thank You God (featuring David Arkwright) are a few that come to mind. The last one was embedded into my subconscious for quite some time, thanks to its virality on Instagram reels. The college romance trope is one that we've seen most in Dhvani's singles, making her latest release a refreshing break from the norm. But there's a clear causality between the pithy, self-affirming lyrics of the song and the life motto she lives by: “Your only limit is your mind” - a maxim that is prominently displayed on the wall of her practice room in her 76th-floor Mumbai skyrise apartment.

“My work is derivative in nature. From the lyrics to the storytelling, everything reflects my current mindset or experiences,” Dhvani shares, seated in the changing room in casual athleisure offset by yellow Crocs clogs with the signature Jibbitz charms. After greeting a team member with a warm hug, she recedes back into her chair and reveals, “During the making of 'Mera Yaar', I was crushing on someone which explains the lyrics; before 'Thank You God' , I remember having a moment of self-appreciation, and it instantly clicked with my team and me that we could create a song focusing on self-love. It's usually these moments that spark an idea, and I build from there.”

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Designer, Aneesh Agarwaal; Earrings, Aquamarine; Kada, ring, Kalamandir Jewellers

Plan A, B, and Everything In-Between

Most of us perceive privilege in black and white—a view that one is either born with it or not. Dhvani, however, occupies a nuanced grey area, having witnessed the different career phases of her father, who worked his way up to hold the position of the President of Global Marketing and Media Publishing for T-series for nearly three decades.

My parents had encouraged me to study as backup; I even gave my SATs to study abroad but music was destined to be my mainstay.

As the clock strikes noon, team Aza is in full swing, ticking off tasks to ensure a seamless jumpstart to the shoot. The clothes rack is loaded up with stunning designer pieces, the backdrop is being perfected, and lunch orders are being placed. While the crew members opt for burgers and fries, the dulcet-voiced singer's lunch is a wholesome home-cooked meal and a cup of joe, also brought from home. “My father started from nothing and built his life brick by brick over many years. But he always ensured we were happy, no matter what. For us, happiness was never about material things but about togetherness and strong family values,” she tells me candidly.

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Designer, Awigna; Rings, earrings, Joolry

In a theatrical moment familiar with Bollywood movies, our cover star's hair strands are enjoying a life of their own, swaying unrestrained in the direction of the blower's force. “Don't move!” The photographer exclaims in the pursuit of the perfect click. With father Bhanushali helming his own production house, Bhanushali Studios Limited, one would assume the sweet-faced singer would have wanted to be a movie star. But music was always Plan A. “I started posting YouTube covers as a hobby. It wasn't until 2020-21 when my life changed, with the success of Vaaste. Since then, there’s been no looking back. My parents had encouraged me to study as backup; I even gave my SATs to study abroad but music was destined to be my mainstay. It’s been about 6-7 years now, and I can’t imagine needing a Plan B.”

I am reading a few scripts and while my music will always be on, I definitely see myself exploring the realm of acting more.

Only a few months ago, Dhvani made her Bollywood debut with the commercial rom-com Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam opposite Aashim Gulati, where she portrayed the role of a runaway bride. “I want to become a complete artist,” she confesses, clearing the ambiguity about her career plans outside of music. The dress man is currently steam-ironing the bright pink cape and sharara set by Aariyana Couture (one of Dhvani's favourite looks from the shoot). While that's in progress, I sit down with Dhvani to know more about her interest in films. She politely obliges, “I am reading a few scripts and while my music will always be on, I definitely see myself exploring the realm of acting more. Other facets of filmmaking like production and direction fascinate me too, but for now music and movies it is.”

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Designer, Aariyana Couture; Chokers, Kalamandir Jewellers, Aquamarine; Earrings, TAD by Ameesha Dalmia; Kada, Niramya Jewels; Ring, Ranisa Jewels

What Makes a Popstar?

As a somewhat regular concertgoer, I will concede that while the artist is the one performing, I'm the one beat by the end of the night. If like me, you're curious about what keeps the artist's engine up and running, Dhvani has a specific answer for you. With a ‘skinny green wrap’ from a popular healthy food joint in one hand and an Americano in another, she spills the tea. “Despite the hectic, tight schedules, I have to carve out time to do my vocal warm-ups. But that's a given. One thing I do to make sure I give a power-packed performance is cardio singing for breath and energy control. I literally sing while running on the treadmill.” With the surfeit of upcoming concerts, maybe we could all benefit from a little singing and stair climbing.

One thing I do to make sure I give a power-packed performance is cardio singing for breath and energy control. I literally sing while running on the treadmill.

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Designer, Preeti S Kapoor; Earrings, Aquamarine; Kadas, rings, Rubans Jewellery

Coldplay, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, Diljit Dosanjh, AP Dhillon; so on and so forth goes the list of musicians making a stop to Mumbai on their world tour. While we can only dream of attending their shows, as a fellow successful musician, Dhvani can dream bigger. “I’d love to collaborate with Diljit — he’s on everyone’s bucket list right now, and I feel we could create something epic. Internationally, I’d choose Charlie Puth. I resonate with his music, and our collaboration would be sonically incredible.”

I’d love to collaborate with Diljit — he’s on everyone’s bucket list right now, and I feel we could create something epic.

With the photoshoot, interview and reel shots done, Dhvani sits down to see the final product. “I love the shots!” she exclaims, then points at her own reflection in the Mylar reflective sheet that's part of the set backdrop, and says in jest, “Bright future. Good girl!” We laugh along with her, but more importantly, we concur.

Also Read:Fifteen years after his debut in Luv Ka the End, Taha Shah Badussha has finally had his breakthrough with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi. Read on as the current ”national crush” discusses his interaction with Richard Gere at the Cannes Film Festival, his ideal partner, the rebirth of his career, and more with Aza.

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Dhvani Bhanushali

Reflections on Life

Plan A, B, and Everything In-Between

What Makes a Popstar?

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