Surabhi Dashputra on Music, Discipline & Punjabi Pop Evolution

Surabhi Dashputra’s artistic journey does not follow a linear path from classical training to contemporary music. Instead, it evolves gradually—like a raag unfolding with patience, emotion, and depth. Rooted in a musically enriched Maharashtrian household and shaped by rigorous training under Suresh Wadkar’s gurukul, her foundation in music is deeply disciplined yet emotionally fluid.

Years of structured riyaz, early exposure to classical traditions, and a strong family influence shaped her understanding of music as more than performance—it became a way of life. This grounding continues to influence her work across ghazals, devotional compositions, semi-classical pieces, film music, and now contemporary Punjabi pop.

Her latest track Ludhiyane Waleya, created in collaboration with Arjuna Harjai, represents a vibrant shift in style while retaining her classical sensibility beneath its modern production.

“Riyaz Is a Way of Living”

Reflecting on her time at Suresh Wadkar’s gurukul after school in 2005, Surabhi describes the experience as formative and transformative. According to her, the most valuable lesson was understanding that riyaz is not limited to practice hours—it is a continuous discipline that shapes one’s entire approach to life.

Even in today’s fast-moving, trend-driven music industry, she credits this mindset for keeping her grounded and focused.

Raag Yaman and a Personal Connection

For Surabhi, Raag Yaman holds deep emotional significance. It is not only associated with her early recognition as a singer by her father but also tied to her earliest musical memories. A lullaby in her childhood, rooted in Yaman, further strengthens its emotional resonance.

She describes it as the raag that most closely represents gratitude and home.

Discovering Punjabi Music Naturally

Despite her classical upbringing, Surabhi never found Punjabi music unfamiliar. Her early exposure to the language in school, combined with her natural appreciation for its phonetics and rhythm, made the transition effortless.

Her interest deepened further through collaborations and exposure within the gurukul environment, where Punjabi musical forms were also appreciated and explored.

Classical Training as Creative Freedom

While Ludhiyane Waleya carries a youthful and contemporary sound, Surabhi emphasizes that her classical background does not restrict creativity—it enhances it.

Instead of limiting experimentation, her training gives her confidence, precision, and control. This allows her to explore modern genres without losing vocal stability or emotional depth.

Beyond Virality: A Listener’s Connection to Melody

Her recent independent releases, including More Sajan, Rahiya Ve, and Dil Vich Rab, have collectively crossed millions of streams. Surabhi believes this response reflects a continued audience appreciation for melody-driven, emotionally honest music.

She notes that listeners may engage with viral trends, but they still deeply connect with music that carries sincerity and strong melodic structure.

Evolution as an Artist and Mentor

As her career has progressed, Surabhi’s emotional expression has become more open and experiential. Earlier focused heavily on technical precision, she now prioritizes emotional truth in her performances.

Her role as a mentor has also influenced her artistic evolution. Working with students has made her more reflective, patient, and connected to her own journey.

Music Beyond Performance

Her experience as a creative assistant on acclaimed projects like Guddu Engineer and Prisoners of War has expanded her understanding of music as storytelling rather than just performance.

This perspective now influences her independent work, where she focuses on emotional structure, arrangement, and the listener’s journey as much as vocal delivery.

Teaching, Legacy & the Gurukul Spirit

As co-founder of ASM Academy with Arjuna Harjai, Surabhi continues to train students in Hindustani classical and light classical music, both in India and internationally.

Teaching has given her deeper insight into her own growth, allowing her to view her struggles and achievements with greater clarity. It has also reinforced the importance of discipline, consistency, and respect for sound and practice.

Even as music education evolves with technology, she maintains that the fundamentals of sur and riyaz remain non-negotiable.

A Message to Her Younger Self

Looking back at her younger self entering Wadkar-ji’s world, Surabhi emphasizes one key realization: timing in life has its own intelligence.

She believes that artistic growth is not about rushing outcomes but allowing experiences to unfold naturally, with patience and self-trust.