Indian Music Composer Anjana Rajagopalan Pushes Boundaries with Global Collaborations and Innovative Projects

Chennai, July 12 2024 — Nantha K.

Anjana Rajagopalan, an Indian music composer, producer, and versatile performer, has been making waves in the global music scene with her groundbreaking projects and multicultural collaborations. Born in Chennai in November 1990, Rajagopalan has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, transcending genres and borders with her innovative approach to composition and performance.

From a young age, Rajagopalan exhibited a profound connection to music. Raised in Chennai, her early exposure to diverse musical styles and formal training in both Carnatic and Western classical music laid the foundation for her multifaceted career. She completed Diploma in Vocal Performance from Trinity College London, but her self-taught skills in guitar, piano, and music production have been pivotal in shaping her unique sound.

Rajagopalan’s career took flight as a playback singer in the Indian film industry, where she demonstrated her versatility across genres, including ghazals, Western pop, and classical Indian music. Her contributions to Tamil and Telugu cinema are noteworthy, including performances in the bilingual pop song “Yaar nee/Evar Nuvvu” for the film Kolai (2023) and a semi-classical melody for Hathya (2023). Her collaboration with renowned composer A.R. Rahman on projects like Le Musk and Cobra further cemented her position in the industry.

Anjana has crafted music for Mayakoothu, a Tamil Thriller movie which is scheduled to be released by November 2024. She is also part of an upcoming English film namely Dreams of Fire as a composer. Additionally, Rajagopalan is celebrated for her role in India’s pioneering Playback Opera Aria, Nesam Maruma/Sneham Maruna, a unique reinterpretation of Puccini’s famous aria, Nessun dorma. Her diverse contributions highlight her dynamic range and growing influence in both the Indian and international music scenes.

One of Rajagopalan’s most remarkable achievements came in September 2023 with the Indo-Polish Multicultural Music concert series in Klodzko, Poland. This groundbreaking project marked the first time an Indian composer had created cross-cultural music blending Indian and Polish traditions. Rajagopalan served as the principal soloist, composer, and orchestrator, showcasing her ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical elements. The concert series, supported by both the Polish government and public, highlighted her exceptional talent and global appeal.

Rajagopalan’s symphonic and operatic performances further illustrate her versatility. She has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra in Germany and the Shanxi Symphony Orchestra in China. Her role as the principal Carnatic and Western vocal soloist in the “Sai Symphony” concert, composed by German jazz pianist Mike Herting, demonstrated her ability to bridge different musical traditions on an international stage.

In addition to her performance career, Rajagopalan has made significant contributions as an educator and mentor. She has worked with Neena, a transgender singer who won the “Rising Star of the Year” award after studying with Rajagopalan. Her composition “Unadhu Mounam Paladhum Pesum” (2020) celebrated the bond between children with disabilities and their parents, showcasing her dedication to socially impactful projects.

Rajagopalan’s creativity extends beyond music into the realm of visual art. Her independent single “Thedal,” accompanied by a genderless, hand-drawn 2D animation video, reflects the struggles and triumphs of an artist’s journey. Her recent project, Rakthi – An exploration of Pleasure, performed at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, delves into evoking sensations of pleasure through a fusion of Turkish, Arabic, Carnatic, Hindustani, Marathi folk, and Western classical music.

Currently, Rajagopalan is working on a new project with legendary composer A.R. Rahman and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, promising yet another innovative cross-cultural collaboration. Her extensive and diverse body of work continues to push the boundaries of music, affirming her position as a leading global artist. She also works in Dubai at A R Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra & Studio as a Music Producer, Orchestrator, and Business Developer.

Anjana Rajagopalan’s journey from Chennai to the international stage is a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for music. As she continues to explore new horizons, her contributions are sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.