Akshath Acharya: The Voice Behind 'Nadaaniyan' on Music, NH7 Weekender and His Next Big Move!

In a music industry driven by viral hits and ever-changing trends, Mumbai-based, Akshath Acharya has managed to carve out a space uniquely his own. His song Nadaaniyan became an anthem of longing and nostalgia, winning over audiences with its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics. But Acharya is more than just a one-hit wonder—his music reflects a depth of emotion, an evolving soundscape, and an authenticity that resonates across generations.

As he continues to evolve as an artist, we talk on the sidelines of NH7 weekender where he is going to perform next to talk to him about his journey, his creative process, and the experiences that shape his music.

The Making of Nadaaniyan: A Viral Phenomenon

With Nadaaniyan, the goal was to create something emotionally resonant rather than visually extravagant as he says. “A simple, heartfelt concept can often be more powerful than something visually complex,” he notes. “At the end of the day, everything in a music video—the visuals, the setting, the colours—needs to serve the song," he adds.

Beyond his music, Acharya’s visuals—his music videos, album art, and aesthetic choices—have a distinct, cohesive feel. “We’re in the process of making it a lot more intentional, but for the most part, the aesthetic choices happen naturally,” he reveals. “There’s definitely some intent behind it, though a lot of it is subconscious—it’s an extension of how I see and feel the music.”

With an online presence that exudes quiet confidence, Acharya’s fans feel a deep connection to him. But what’s the biggest misconception people have about him? “The most common misconception I hear is about my height!” he laughs. “Since my Instagram doesn’t really show it, people assume I’m not that tall. But when they meet me in person, they’re usually surprised to find out how tall I actually am.”

It’s a small but amusing insight into the way online personas can shape perceptions. With his willingness to experiment, Acharya resists being confined to any one genre. “I don’t think I fit into just one genre even now,” he says. “I’ve never seen myself sticking to a single sound for too long—experimentation is at the core of what I do.”

Comparing two of his songs—Saza and Nadaaniyan—he points out their stark differences in style. “They almost feel like they’re from different artists, even though they came out in the same timeframe.” For Acharya, reinvention isn’t about abandoning a sound—it’s about evolution. “It’s about constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and making sure my music stays fresh and exciting.”

The Art of Songwriting and Musical Identity

Acharya’s music is deeply emotional, often exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. But does he ever write songs directly inspired by his personal relationships? “My songs explore different aspects of relationships—not just romantic ones, but also friendships, personal connections, and the bonds we form with people over time,” he explains. “At some level, all my lyrics stem from life experiences, from the emotions and interactions that have shaped me.” 

Rather than crafting direct retellings of specific memories, Acharya blends moments, observations, and feelings into his songwriting. “Every song is a mix of different experiences—some personal, some observed—but all of them carry a piece of my journey.”

For an artist like Acharya, whose music feels both intimate and widely accessible, finding the right balance between personal expression and commercial appeal is a challenge. “The challenge is to create music that stays true to my emotions and experiences while also being accessible to a larger audience,” he admits. “It’s a fine line between crafting something deeply personal and making sure it connects universally.”

According to him, the magic happens when the lyrics, melody, and production work in harmony. “A song isn’t just about strong lyrics or a great melody—it’s about how the two work together. When the words carry raw emotion, the melody complements them, and the production enhances rather than overshadows; that’s when everything clicks.”

Despite the pressures of making music that appeals to a broad audience, Acharya relies on instinct. “If I stay honest with my storytelling and the music feels right, the balance tends to fall into place naturally. And at the end of the day, if the song moves people—whether on a personal level or in a way that makes them want to play it on repeat—then I know I’ve done my job well.”

New Music and Defining Moments

While fans find deep meaning in his existing songs, Acharya teases an upcoming track that carries even more emotional weight. “The song that I'm about to release—I can’t stress enough how emotionally difficult it was to write and bring to life,” he reveals. “It’s one of the most personal pieces of music I’ve ever created, and while it was challenging, I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out.” Now that it’s ready, he eagerly awaits the world’s response. “I’m really looking forward to everyone hearing it and experiencing it in their own way.”

As he continues to grow as an artist, performing remains a core part of his journey. His upcoming appearance at NH7 Weekender at Zee Studios in Jaipur on March 28 marks a significant milestone—one that brings him back to a festival he once attended as a fan. “NH7 Weekender has always been one of those events that holds a certain magic,” he says. “It’s one of the longest-running and most iconic music festivals in India—almost a rite of passage for artists and music lovers alike.”

Having spent years in the crowd, watching artists he admired, stepping onto that very stage now feels surreal. “It’s not just for me, but for the people I started this journey with—the friends I made music with back in college, the ones I stood in the crowd with, dreaming about moments like this.” With NH7 known for celebrating India’s independent music scene, Acharya sees it as an opportunity to connect with a passionate audience in a space that has long championed artists like him.

From viral success to festival stages, Akshath Acharya’s journey is only just beginning. His ability to weave personal stories into universally relatable music has made him one of the most exciting voices in India’s independent music scene. As he prepares to take the NH7 stage, one thing is clear—Acharya is an artist to watch, not just for his current hits, but for the promise of what’s to come.