‘On February 1, 2026, everyone in India, please light a diya. Because the Grammy is coming home.’
IMAGE: Singer-composer-producer Siddhant Bhatia presents the Grammy-nominated album Sounds of Kumbha to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who features in the album. Photograph: Courtesy of Siddhant Bhatia
This marks a historic Grammy nomination for an Indian artist.
The album Sounds of Kumbha is notable for its scale, uniting 50 global artists in a record timeframe, now vying for a Grammy.
Delhi-born composer Siddhant Bhatia‘s album has been nominated in the Best Global Music Album category, alongside Anoushka Shankar and Shankar Mahadevan-led Shakti Band.
Inspired by the Maha Kumbh 2025’s devotion and timeless rhythms, this project is a collaboration between Network18, HistoryTV18, and Universal Music India, commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh government.
In an exclusive with Divya Nair/Rediff, Siddhant shares how the universe aligned to bring together artists like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Grammy winner Jim ‘Kimo’ West, Grammy-nominated Raja Kumari, and many more for this landmark album.
Watch: Siddhant discusses the challenges of creating such a large-scale project
Manifestation or Divine Intervention?
IMAGE: Raja Kumari, who co-wrote and sang the Durga Trance for Sounds of Kumbha, poses with Abhishek Mehra and Siddhant Bhatia. Photograph: Courtesy of Raja Kumari/Instagram
For Raja Kumari, a second Grammy nomination for Sounds of Kumbha is a personal triumph.
“God’s timing is always divine,” says the American artist, who was working on her album Kashi to Kailash when this opportunity arose.
“I asked God for guidance, and Siddhant called me that same day,” she recalls.
The 39-year-old, who performed Durga Trance alongside Siddhant, Kanika Kapoor, and Siroyi, speaks of her deep connection to the album.
Don’t miss Raja Kumari’s excitement: ‘Watch out! The Grammy’s coming home to India’.
Recording Live Sounds at the Maha Kumbh Mela
Sounds of Kumbha uniquely incorporates live-recorded festival sounds into its tracks.
Raghav Mehta, composer and producer, shares the challenges: “Recording a single sound, like a temple bell, involves capturing other noises too. The energy around makes isolating clean sounds difficult.”
IMAGE: Raghav Mehta, centre, with Siddhant and PA Deepak at the All About Music event 2025. Photograph: Courtesy of Raghav Mehta/Instagram
“We needed cleaner sounds,” Raghav explains. “Once things aligned, the sounds weren’t just gimmicks; they became instruments themselves.”
“Tracks like Durga feature the havankund flame, and Sangam captures the sound of a boatman on the Ganga.”
Slumdog Millionaire to Sounds of Kumbha
IMAGE: A R Rahman with Siddhant Bhatia and PA Deepak. Deepak shares: “I was working with Rahman on many projects. When Siddhant wanted to meet him, Rahman welcomed him. We presented him with a token from the Sounds of Kumbha team.” Photograph: Courtesy of PA Deepak/Instagram
Grammy-winning engineer PA Deepak was speaking at BITS Pilani when the nomination was announced.
“It was surreal,” he recalls, sharing the news with over 3,000 students.
Having worked with A R Rahman and received a Grammy for Slumdog Millionaire, Deepak values each nomination.
“We don’t create music to win awards,” he says. “Each album is nurtured step by step.”
“Working with Rahman has taught us to listen musically,” he continues. “Every element must match the song’s pitch. I enjoy rhythm-heavy songs but also appreciate tracks with varied emotions. This album’s diverse range is its strength.”
“Sounds of Kumbha is unique, capturing the vastness of the Mahakumbh with global contributions.”
The Story of Kumbh
For Raghav, composing Colors of Kumbh was a highlight.
“I wore multiple hats, as a producer and songwriter. Playing alongside incredible artists was fulfilling,” he shares.
“Jamming with musicians like Jim Kimo West brought back college memories. It was organic, like a conversation between artists.”
“The album wasn’t just about tracks; it was storytelling about why we celebrate the Kumbh in India.”
What Worked for Sounds of Kumbha
According to Deepak, the album’s diversity and fresh musicality make it a global contender.
“Songs like Jai Ho stood out for their diversity. Similarly, Sounds of Kumbha offers a wide spectrum, appealing to varied tastes.”
Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff
