Ananya Sharma is growing up on her own terms

A quick scroll through her Instagram and it’s clear who the star of Ananya Sharma’s musical journey is. Just 18, Ananya is a self-confessed daddy’s girl—and honestly, he has every reason to be proud. The heart-warming videos of the father-daughter duo belting out soulful Bollywood numbers to her 1 million followers are a testament to dreams, dedication, and a whole lot of talent. Chatting with Ananya is like a breath of fresh air—equal parts inspiring and utterly charming. There’s a certain sparkle in her honesty that makes her instantly likeable. Bubbling with energy and focused on her goals, her passion for music is hard to miss. It reflects in every sentence she speaks and every clip she posts—whether she’s singing, dancing, or simply being her vibrant self. And though she has a solid fan base already, Ananya prefers to keep it real: “Just call me a music influencer,” she insists. 

One of the most lovable things about this teen? Her idea of a true “I’ve made it” moment was when someone referred to her parents as “Ananya’s parents”. Could she be any cuter? Her down-to-earth vibes likely stem from over a decade of riyaaz (practice) in Hindustani classical music, which she began at the age of nine. It’s here that she learnt the art of discipline, the value of resilience, and the sheer joy of hard-earned success. And let’s be honest—this Gen Z sensation has racked up some pretty impressive milestones already. She made it to India’s Top 25 contestants on a popular musical reality TV show in 2023, has sung covers for many music labels, and has even performed live on TV during the cremation of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar in 2022. A former student of Delhi’s Modern School, Ananya has now moved to Mumbai to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. All while prepping to fully dive into the world that makes her heart sing—music, of course.

Here’s a peek into the life of this rising star—a girl whose world revolves around melodies, movement, and her biggest cheerleaders: Her mum and dad.

Cosmopolitan India: Tell us about your early years and your connection with music. 

Ananya Sharma: I come from a musically inclined family. My father, whose dream was to become a professional singer, introduced me to the voices of legends like Lata Mangeshkar ji and Asha Bhosle ji. I began singing at the age of eight and started formal training at nine. It was my father who took the initiative—he’d drive me from Delhi to Noida every day for lessons and constantly motivated me to do riyaaz. His passion laid the foundation for mine.

C: Was there a specific moment when you realised music was your calling? 

AS: I must have been around seven or eight when my dad played Shaam-e-Gham Ki Kasam by Talat Mehmood for me. I was still a child and didn’t quite understand music. One night, I remember him sitting at our dining table with a speaker, completely lost in the song. Watching him connect so deeply with the melody made me wonder if this was something I wanted to explore too. That moment stayed with me. 

C: At just 18, how do you juggle academics and music? 

AS: To be honest, I didn’t have much of a choice. In 2023, I was part of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (a reality TV show) and also preparing for my 12th board exams. My pre-boards started just five or six days after I got back to Delhi from the show. I had to follow a strict schedule to balance both, and somehow, I made it work. 

C: Tell us about your Sa Re Ga Ma Pa journey that brought you into the spotlight. 

AS: Auditioning for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa was a spontaneous decision, but it turned out to be one of the best. I knew that being in Mumbai, surrounded by the incredible mentors of the show, would be a huge learning opportunity—and it truly was. More than the fame, it was my first experience performing on stage, and I learned so much. Singing in front of artists like Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan, and Anu Malik was surreal. While many speak of the intense competition, I found the environment to be like a warm, musical family. 

C: Is there a particular moment from the show that stands out to you? 

AS: Definitely—the mega audition round. I was paired with a contestant named Sana, and after our performance, Anu Malik sir complimented me, saying, “The way you shifted the scale and tempo mid-performance and brought it back was amazing.” That meant a lot to me. I performed Goree Goree Baake Chhore, a very unique song. And of course, being told that I was heading to Mumbai for the final round was unforgettable.

C: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music or performing? 

AS: I absolutely love dancing. It’s very personal and therapeutic for me. While music is something I pursue professionally, dance is purely for joy. After a long, exhausting day, I just put on my earphones and lose myself in dance. Apart from that, I love simply relaxing and doing nothing—just lying down and soaking in the moment. 

C: Do you think a career in music is financially viable today? 

AS: Careers in music—or any creative field—can be unpredictable and often short-lived. That’s why I’ve always prioritised education too. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mass Media and Communication from Narsee Monjee College in Mumbai. 

C: Do you enjoy performing live? 

AS: I love it! There’s a special kind of energy that comes with live performances—both from the audience and the stage itself. I recently performed in Durgapur and had so much fun on stage, dancing and singing, fully channeling my inner Sunidhi Chauhan! 

C: Any dream collaboration? 

AS: I’m thrilled to say that I’ve already achieved one of my dream collaborations—with Salim Merchant sir. He’s been on my wish list since I first came to Mumbai. I grew up watching him on MTV, and his music has inspired me for years. The day I received a message from his team saying he wanted to work with me was truly one of the most special days of my life. 

C: What’s inspiring you right now? 

AS: Honestly, it’s the million followers who support me. I’m incredibly grateful for them. Also, Salim sir continues to be a huge source of inspiration—the kind of commitment he has towards music is phenomenal. 

C: What projects are you working on currently?

AS: I’m working on a new single with my friend Anuj—we’re known as the “Bohemia Duo” on Instagram. Besides that, I love vlogging! I enjoy turning on the camera and just chatting with my followers—it’s a fun way to connect. 

C: What are you manifesting for the future? 

AS: I’m working on releasing my own original music. So far, I’ve mostly been known as a singer, but I want to evolve into a singer-songwriter. Also, I’m manifesting a collaboration with Amit Trivedi sir. I’ve always admired his work and would love to co-create music with him.

Editor: Pratishtha Dobhal (@pratishtha_dobhal)
Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)
Interview: Rewati Rau (@rewatinair)
Photographer: Sarang Gupta (@saranggupta)
Stylist: Surbhi Shukla (@surbhishukla)
Cover Design: Mandeep Singh Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)
Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)
Makeup Artist: Richelle Fernandes (@makeupbyriiiiii)
Hair Artist: Bhakti Lakhani (@bhaktilakhani)
Set Design: Janhavi Patwardhan (@theartnut_j)
Assistant Stylist: Lehan Devadhia (@lehandevadhiaa)                       
Assistant Hair Artist: Isha Kothari

On Ananya: Cutout top and mini skirt, Sandro (@sandroparis); earrings, Radhika Agrawal (@radhikaagrawalstudio); shoes, HEYDUDE (@heydude)