The path from a television singing reality show to finding one's own voice in the vast Indian music industry is rarely straightforward. For singer Prateeksha Srivastava, this journey has been defined by resilience, self-discovery, and the unyielding spirit to carve her own niche.
From Reality TV to the Realities of Mumbai
Prateeksha first captured public attention as a young contestant on the popular show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. However, the leap from a child prodigy to a professional artist required a bold move. After completing her graduation, she made the pivotal decision to relocate from her hometown to Mumbai, the heart of India's entertainment industry.
She recalls this transition as a mentally exhausting period. "Bombay is not a forgiving city—it takes a lot from you before it gives back," Prateeksha states, highlighting the initial struggle of navigating a new life without a blueprint. Throughout this challenging phase, the unwavering support from her parents, particularly her mother, served as her anchor, keeping her grounded.
The Pandemic Pivot and Finding an Independent Voice
Prateeksha admits that formal training never felt sufficient. Initially aiming for playback singing, her career faced an unexpected halt during the pandemic and the post-lockdown lull. For nearly two years, work opportunities dried up completely.
This period of forced inactivity became a catalyst for change. "Waiting wasn't enough, I had to start creating my own music," she explains. This realization marked a significant shift in her artistic direction—from seeking opportunities to generating them. The struggle to define her unique identity finally began to take a concrete shape, moving her towards the independent music scene.
Breakthrough with 'Aankh' and Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
Her evolution is powerfully reflected in her breakthrough track, 'Aankh'. The song is a collaborative feat, featuring vocals by the renowned Sunidhi Chauhan and duo Rusha and Blizza, starring actress Sanya Malhotra, with music composed by Aman Khare and Paurush Kumar. Prateeksha describes the track as a blend of personal experiences, friends' stories, and cinematic inspiration.
"It's important to talk about the dark side of love, how pain transforms someone, changes their core. That's why I went all out," she says, emphasizing the raw honesty she aimed to convey.
Her journey in a male-dominated industry has been fraught with additional challenges. She openly speaks about facing constant pushback, self-doubt, and structural barriers. However, she has learned to navigate and disrupt these obstacles, viewing it as an essential part of her process. "I'm paving the way for other women, making it a little easier for those who come after me," Prateeksha asserts, acknowledging her role in a larger movement.
Ultimately, Prateeksha Srivastava's story is a testament to persistence. It is a narrative that moves from the structured stage of a reality show to the unstructured, often harsh realities of building an independent career in Mumbai. Her path underscores the importance of self-creation in the face of silence and the fearless honesty required to transform personal struggle into resonant art.
