Arushi Kaushal is a lyricist and writer who found her way into the world of songwriting by accident. Passionate about artistic expression in various forms, she grew up performing on stage but never imagined it would shape her career. With a background in journalism and television, her journey into music began when friends from the advertising industry encouraged her to explore writing for music. Inspired by her mother, a trained Hindustani Classical musician, Arushi’s love for music was always present, but it wasn’t until she moved to Mumbai that she discovered her true calling. Today, she thrives as an independent artist, exploring different genres and collaborations, including the recent KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP, an initiative by the Indian Performing Right Society and Sony Publishing, which she describes as an enriching experience.
RAGA2ROCK had a chat with Arushi Kaushal
R2R: Your journey into lyric writing was quite unexpected. Can you share how it all started?
Arushi: Absolutely! I never thought I would become a lyricist. I have always loved expression in any form, and performing on stage was something I enjoyed since childhood. My mother, being trained in Hindustani Classical music, was a big inspiration, and music was a huge part of my life. However, I never considered songwriting as a career. When I moved to Mumbai, I pursued journalism and then worked in television. Some of my friends in advertising music felt I had a knack for writing and gave me an opportunity to write for music. That’s how my journey as a lyricist began, and it has been an incredible experience ever since.
R2R: You recently participated in KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP. How was the experience for you?
Arushi: It was a completely different experience for me. I got the opportunity to work with some amazing female composers and producers, which was a first for me. The energy was fun, comfortable, and inspiring. We created some really good tracks during the camp, and I am looking forward to collaborating more with these talented artists in the future. It was a learning experience that helped me explore new creative dimensions.
R2R: You have worked independently as well as for films. What do you enjoy the most?
Arushi: I enjoy working as an independent artist because there are no restrictions or strict briefs. It allows me to explore different ideas freely. Recently, I worked with Achint on one of his projects and collaborated with Maati on the song Bawla. These experiences have been creatively fulfilling. While I am not currently working on Bollywood projects, I would love to do so in the future, provided the right opportunity comes along.
R2R: Your first big break in films came through Achint Thakkar. Can you tell us about it?
Arushi: Yes, my first film song was for Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, and it happened unexpectedly. Achint and I had worked together on advertisements and some of his independent projects. One day, he called me and said we had just a week to crack a song. It was about sports, a subject I knew little about, but he shared the melody with me, and I wrote the lyrics. He liked it and even asked me to attend the presentation. Later, I found out it was for Dharma Productions, curated by Azeem Dayani. Seeing my name in a Dharma movie was a dream come true and a huge milestone for me.
R2R: You have a keen interest in creating content for children. What inspires this passion?
Arushi: I have a daughter, and that has shaped my interest in kids’ content. I feel there is a significant gap in quality entertainment for children aged 5 to 10, and I want to create something meaningful for that age group. Entertainment plays a crucial role in shaping young minds, and I believe there is a lot of potential in this space. I already have a concept in mind and hope to develop it further in the future.
R2R: The music industry has evolved in terms of gender inclusivity. What has your experience been like as a female lyricist?
Arushi: My journey in the music industry has been relatively short, but I have always felt respected as a songwriter. I have never faced any limitations based on my gender—I have written for ads, films, and different genres without any restrictions. The industry, in my experience, has been gender-neutral when it comes to songwriting. However, the KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP was my first time working with female composers and producers, and it was inspiring to see more women in the space. I am excited to collaborate with more female creators in the future.
R2R: What are your future aspirations in music and writing?
Arushi: I want to continue working with good people and creating meaningful work. Whether it’s for independent projects, films, or kids’ content, my goal is to explore different forms of expression and bring something unique to the audience. I believe in letting creativity flow without limitations, and I look forward to the new opportunities ahead.
