Akriti Kakar, known for her vocals in Khudaya Khair from Billu Barber and Iski Uski from 2 States, recently visited Ahmedabad for a private gig. Reflecting on her visit, the Saturday Saturday singer says, “I have visited Ahmedabad before, but I usually leave after my performance. As a big food enthusiast, I regret not having the opportunity to savour Gujarati delicacies, which I hope to indulge in during my next visit.”

She adds, “The affection and hospitality I receive here are immense and draw me back to the city.” In a chat with us, she talks about the emerging trend of remixes, her journey as a new mother, and more.

When asked if remakes are a boon or a bane, Akriti said, “Personally, I can’t make a definitive judgment. When a song is remade, it’s a testament to its greatness that contemporary musicians are recreating it for the younger generation. However, how a song is handled in the remake process is crucial. It should be treated with respect, and if that is done, I don’t mind listening to remakes too.”

Being in the music industry for over two decades, Akriti has many Bollywood and Bengali songs to her credit. Today with social media, people have faster ways to tap into the industry. What is the key to staying relevant?

“With multiple avenues now available for upcoming performers, an increasing number of individuals have gained the platform they need. Back in our days, we had to wait for a long time to reach out to the correct people in the industry, which today has become easy, with just a phone to record and an account to upload. Having said that, the immense number of people ‘trying to make it here’ has become the challenging aspect. Because even a 10-year-old has the same access as a 60-year-old. So with time, being different, true and dedicated towards your creation has become essential. Also, today people give up easily, which is sad. To sustain, one must keep working continuously.”

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Prakriti and Sukriti (Akriti's sisters, also singers) create music together, and my genre is different from theirs, so we don’t talk about work when we meet. But we do give each other creative input and love jamming together. Besides that, being the elder sister I am always having to be the peacemaker between our silly fights (laughs)

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My son, Mehraan is my most beautiful creation. I started performing after 28 days of giving birth and have been doing gigs since then. I just want to finish my show and rush to see my four-month baby at home. Managing these schedules has been easy with my family and my team’s support.

Singer Akriti Kakar has surprised everyone by returning to the stage just 28 days after delivering her son Mehraan on November 1. “Since my gynaecologist and my family know what music means to me, everyone was supportive of my decision to get back on stage if my body allowed. It’s a blessing to have a solid support system at home,” says Kakar, who prioritized comfort by going barefoot for her performance in Udaipur on November 29.

But, the new mum makes sure to plan everything in advance before leaving for work. “I take care of my diet and body as I want to breastfeed for as long as he’d like, so I plan his feeds. And amid all the cuddles, burps, loving and feeding, music helps me deal with postpartum in the best way possible,” explains the Iski Uski (2 States, 2014) hitmaker.

However, in the age of social media, wading through judgements and unsolicited advice can be stressful for new mums. But Kakar chooses to focus on the positives and says, “The judgement and advice is never-ending. But, I know my son will be proud of his mum for doing her best while not compromising on his upbringing.”

Admitting that “mom guilt” is as real as it gets, the singer adds that you can’t get rid of it “even if your child is 30”. “However, I’m inspired by many working women around me, including my mum, who resumed teaching after I and my sisters were born,” wraps up the 37-year-old, who is planning more gigs. 

“He’s my Lakshmi!” exclaims Akriti Kakar, as she talks about her newborn. The singer and her husband, filmmaker Chirag Arora, welcomed their son on November 1, making Diwali all the more special for the family.

“After becoming a mother, I am brimming with smiles and gratitude. It’s been just a few days and expectedly so, it’s been a roller-coaster for us! No matter how much anyone prepares you or you read about it, this journey of parenthood is unique to every parent and child. We’re just letting the feeling sink in for now and making sure we do everything right for our little one,” she tells us, adding, “He’s the most precious gift we could ever get on Diwali.”

The festival, for the 37-year-old, has always been about loved ones coming together for a wholesome celebration. “We don’t play cards, the focus is music, food, puja, elaborate rangoli and cosy family time. This time too, it’ll be the same — just way more special because we’ll have our little one with us!” she shares.

Kakar says they have a small puja planned for the day. “We will do a simple aarti with him in my lap. We normally do a hawan, but the smoke might bother my son. His nani (Akriti’s mother Nirmal Kakar) is making a customised dhoti-kurta in organic cotton,” she shares, adding, “We plan to gather and make a delicious dinner like every year. Only this year, everyone will be tip-toeing around the baby. We will have to keep it to just family and no outside visitors for now as we don’t want to give him any exposure.”

In terms of gifts, the Iski Uski (2 States, 2014) hitmaker says nothing comes close to experiencing the joy of motherhood. “Any kind of gift would be trivial in front of our little sunshine boy! He’s truly lit up our lives and filled our hearts. As a gift to him, we’re keeping aside some gold and also planting trees in his name,” she reveals.