Exclusive Interview: Sairaah on Her Musical Journey, Songwriting & the Power of Emotional Connection
With a voice that effortlessly bridges Bollywood melodies, English classics, and soulful fusion, Sairaah is carving a distinctive space in the contemporary music scene. In this exclusive conversation with iCraze Magazine, the singer-songwriter reflects on her most cherished career milestones, the emotions that inspire her music, and how authenticity remains at the heart of every performance.
She also shares her thoughts on the power of social media in building meaningful connections with fans and reveals what she hopes audiences take away from her live shows.
Read on as Sairaah offers an intimate glimpse into her artistic journey and the passion that continues to shape her evolving musical identity.
Q: From intimate live venues to headlining your own international tour, what has been the most defining moment of your musical journey so far?
Ans: There have been many special moments, but if I had to pick one, it would be taking my music beyond familiar spaces and seeing audiences in different cities sing along to songs that mean so much to me. It’s a surreal feeling when you realise that music can connect people so beautifully. Every packed venue, every message from someone who connected with a performance, and every milestone along the way has reinforced why I chose this path.
Q: Your music beautifully blends Bollywood, pop, English classics, and fusion sounds. How do you strike a balance between versatility and maintaining your unique identity as an artist?
Ans: I’ve never looked at genres as separate boxes. Growing up, I listened to everything from Bollywood music to English classics. So all of those influences naturally became a part of who I am as an artist. While the sound may change from song to song, what remains constant is the emotion behind it. Whether I’m singing a Bollywood song, an English classic, or a fusion composition, I always focus on making it honest and heartfelt. I think that emotional authenticity is what keeps my identity intact, regardless of the genre.
Q: Songs like Jhol and Sajdaa E Sufi showcase a different side of you. What inspires your original songwriting process?
Ans: Most of my songwriting begins with a feeling rather than a concept. It could be a conversation, a personal experience, a memory, or even something I’ve observed in someone else’s life. I’m drawn to emotions that are difficult to put into words. With songs like Jhol and Sajdaa E Sufi, I wanted to explore deeper emotional spaces of life. Sometimes it’s easier to follow where the emotion leads you and let the music take shape around it.
Q: Having built a strong digital following alongside a successful live career, how has social media changed the way you connect with your audience?
Ans: Social media has made the relationship between artists and audiences much more personal. Earlier, people would only experience an artist through songs or performances. Today, they get to see the journey, behind the scenes, rehearsals, struggles, excitement before a show, and the everyday moments in between. For me, it has created a genuine two-way conversation. Some of the most meaningful interactions I’ve had have come through messages and comments from people who discovered my music online. It reminds me that music isn’t just about performing, it’s about building a family.
Q: If there’s one emotion or message you want listeners to take away from every Sairaah performance, what would it be and why?
Ans: I would want people to leave with a sense of connection. Weather that’s to a memory, a feeling, a loved one, or even to themselves. We live in a world that moves very fast, and music has the ability to make people pause and feel something deeply, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If someone walks away from Sairaah’s show feeling understood, comforted, inspired, or simply a little lighter than when they arrived, then I feel I’ve done my job as an artist.
Great content! Keep up the good work!