The Indian Idol sensation takes her music global with a power-packed multilingual performance and a heartfelt tribute to her cultural roots.
Mumbai, 07 October 2025 —Indian singer Anjana Padmanabhan is all set to make India proud as she takes the global stage at the 10th Anniversary of Diwali at Times Square in New York. From being crowned the winner of Indian Idol Junior at just 10 years old to returning as a finalist on Indian Idol Season 14, Anjana’s remarkable decade-long journey now reaches a defining milestone as she performs on one of the world’s most iconic platforms.
Her 30-minute showcase promises to be a dynamic fusion of solo and duet acts, including a special collaboration with Indian Idol 13 winner Rishi Singh. The setlist will feature multilingual medleys and high-energy tracks that blend Indian classical elements with global pop influences. Enhanced by immersive visuals, her act will deliver an electrifying experience for audiences worldwide.
Known for her extraordinary linguistic versatility, Anjana effortlessly performs in 14–15 languages, a reflection of her passion for connecting across cultures. For this landmark performance, she will sing in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, honouring India’s rich linguistic and musical heritage.
Adding her signature experimental flair, Anjana will present a unique jugalbandi that merges the Kazoo—a wind instrument that gained popularity during her Indian Idol journey—with Konakol, a South Indian rhythmic art form often described as India’s version of beatboxing. Through this innovative fusion, she aims to unite global audiences through rhythm, roots, and emotion.
In a meaningful tribute to her heritage, Anjana will wear a custom Indo-Western ensemble crafted from her grandmother’s and mother’s Kanjivaram sarees, designed by her childhood best friend Keerthika Sivashankar. The sustainable creation celebrates the women who have shaped her artistic and personal journey, symbolising legacy, pride, and cultural continuity.
Speaking about this milestone, Anjana Padmanabhan said,
> “Every performance is a chance to connect, to convey, and to evolve. It’s surreal to think that the little girl who dreamt of singing is now performing at Times Square. Music is how I communicate — it’s beyond profession; it’s identity. This moment represents not just me, but India’s diversity, languages, and spirit.”
Looking ahead, Anjana is gearing up for a series of independent releases and collaborations that will explore her personal sound — a seamless blend of tradition and contemporary expression aimed at sharing her story with listeners around the world.
