Independent musician Snigdha Sharma launches her band Snigdha Live in Hyderabad

The Hindu

2 days ago

Hyderabad's music scene has welcomed a fresh entrant: Snigdha Live. Launched on June 4, the band is fronted by independent musician Snigdha Sharma, formerly the vocalist of Panaah. The lineup includes Saleem Shayk on bass, Sathvik on guitar, Harry Paulson on keys, and Samuel Sanjeev on drums. Their debut was a nostalgic ride through Telugu and Hindi covers, interwoven with groovy mash-ups and a distinctive female-led sound.
Snigdha's sister Harika Sivaram, also a vocalist performed at the event. The launch gig doubled as a premiere of Snigdha's first original composition, 'Vinave Vinave'—a witty, introspective take on toxic positivity. 'It's about being overly optimistic, believing love can change someone,' she explains. 'I wrote it like a reminder to myself — and to women — not to play 'Bob the Builder' in relationships.' (A nod to the animated series featuring an ever-hopeful fixer.)
For someone who once believed lyric-writing was beyond her, Snigdha has penned three original songs — mostly while doing chores or curating playlists. 'Some recent experiences pushed me into that creative space,' she shares. 'I hide my pain behind a smile, but the songs speak for themselves.'
Nostalgia as inspiration
For four years, this promising voice in Hyderabad's indie music scene has drawn inspiration from nostalgia. 'Our setlists are unique,' says Snigdha. 'Most bands stick to the obvious hits from film albums — we perform those too, but we also bring in the lesser-remembered gems that deserve attention.'
Take her pick from Merupukalalu, the Prabhu Deva-Kajol starrer. While most would expect the ubiquitous Vennilave Vennilave, Snigdha chooses Ooolalala Ooolalala. Her band also plans to reinterpret vintage tracks like Keechuraalu, the 1991 title song originally sung by Usha Uthup, and S. Janaki's Aada Daani Oora Choopulo from the black-and-white classic Aradhana. 'What fascinates me is how these timeless songs are layered with jazz and blues influences. We rework them while keeping their soul intact.'
It was her mother, Lalita Kumari, who first recognised Snigdha's talent back home in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. A diploma holder in Carnatic music, Snigdha moved to Hyderabad in 2021 to sing with M.M. Keeravani's team. She later lent her voice to songs for composers Thaman ('Suguna Sundari' from Veerasimha Reddy, Bro) and Vivek Sagar (Swag), before gaining recognition as the lead vocalist of the band Panaah.
'The energy of performing with a band is something I truly missed,' she reflects. And so, Snigdha Live was born.
Snigdha Live performs at Taberna in Hyderabad on June 13