Chitralekha Sen is a powerhouse in the indie and folk music scene, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sounds. Her journey from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to the global stage has been filled with challenges, but her unwavering passion for music has made her a force to be reckoned with. With viral hits like Banna Re, collaborations with national and international artists, and a strong belief in fair opportunities for female artists, Chitralekha is setting new benchmarks in the industry.
RAGA2ROCK met up with her at the KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP, an initiative by Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) and Sony Music Publishing, aimed at empowering female music creators through collaboration and mentorship.
In this exclusive conversation, Chitralekha opens up about her journey, the changing landscape of folk music, and why financial independence is crucial for artists.
R2R: Chitralekha, folk music has been a big part of your journey. How do you feel about the way it is being received today?
Chitralekha: It’s been a long journey. Initially, when I started, people would say, “Why are you doing folk music? Try something new.” But now, those same people are reaching out to collaborate on folk projects. It’s amazing to see how the perception has changed.
I’ve worked on songs like Bajre Da Sitta with Novek, Jiyo with Mamba (which is abhajan), and Rajasthani folk tracks like Sarak Sarak and Uchi Re Deewana. It’s fun to collaborate with these artists because they genuinely respect my work. The best part? I always receive my payments on time, which is very important in this industry.
R2R: Your song Banna Re was a massive hit. Did it change things for you?
Chitralekha: Banna Re was a turning point in my career. It became a global hit with 25 million streams on Spotify—without any promotion! For an independent artist, that’s huge. What’s even more interesting is that for the first three months, I had no idea how much money the song was generating. Someone else was handling my earnings. But once I studied and understood how streaming platforms work, I took over that part of my career. Since then, I make sure that my music is not just creatively fulfilling but also financially rewarding. Artists deserve to be paid fairly and on time—just like people in corporate jobs receive a monthly salary. This is something I strongly believe in and advocate for.
R2R: Coming from Jodhpur and having no musical background, was it tough breaking into the industry?
Chitralekha: It was definitely challenging. When I first came to Mumbai, I struggled a lot. I also faced criticism for my height and appearance. In the beginning, it made me doubt whether I belonged in this industry. But over time, I realized that talent speaks louder than any external factor. When I started representing folk music on an international level, I met music producers who respected me purely for my work. That changed my perspective—I stopped caring about what people said about me. Now, my focus is on making good music and working with people who respect my art. If someone wants to collaborate with me, I’m open to it, but I won’t chase opportunities that don’t value my worth.
R2R: Tell us about your involvement in KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP
Chitralekha: KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP is an incredible initiative by IPRS and Sony Music Publishing that focuses on collaboration among female artists. The industry is still male-dominated, and women often don’t get the same opportunities. This camp is about changing that. It’s not just about networking—it’s about real collaborations and real opportunities. It’s refreshing to be in a space where female artists can come together, create, and be heard.
R2R: What’s next for you?
Chitralekha: More music, more collaborations, and more growth. I want to continue blending folk with modern sounds and work with artists who are just as passionate about music as I am. And of course, I will keep pushing for fair treatment of artists—because talent deserves respect.
