Reena Bhardwaj

Born and raised in the vibrant city of London, Reena Bhardwaj is a name that resonates in the world of music, transcending borders and genres. A British Indian singer, songwriter, and recording artist, she has carved her niche in the industry with a unique blend of Indian traditional, Bollywood, world, and popular styles. Her multilingual repertoire, spanning Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and English, reflects not only her versatility but also her deep connection to her cultural roots.

Early Years and Education

Reena's journey into the world of arts began at a tender age when she displayed an innate talent for both music and dance. Training in the North Indian classical dance form Kathak, she took the stage at just nine years old, captivating audiences with her graceful performances. As her teenage years unfolded, her focus shifted towards singing, and she effortlessly tackled complex compositions, showcasing a natural vocal talent that would soon attract the attention of musical pioneers in both India and the UK.

Despite her undeniable musical prowess, Reena chose to pursue a professional career in Business Management, a decision that reflected her commitment to academic excellence. After graduating with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the prestigious London School of Economics, she briefly ventured into corporate marketing and communications in the City of London.

Musical Career

Reena's foray into the world of music, as she describes it, was a "turn of fate." It was during her pursuit of a master's degree at the London School of Economics that she received an unexpected call from none other than her favorite Indian composer, A. R. Rahman. Her debut song, "Yeh Rishta," recorded with Rahman for the Bollywood film soundtrack Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, directed by the renowned MF Hussain, marked a transformative moment in Reena's life. This enchanting composition catapulted her from the realm of academics to the summit of the Indian music charts. Notably, Reena became the first British Asian artist to be nominated for a Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer and the MTV Immies Award for Best New Talent in 2004.

Following this milestone, she lent her soulful voice to "Baba Kichhu Tha," a Tamil romantic duet with the revered playback singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, featured in the Rajinikanth and Manisha Koirala starrer Baba. Reena's collaboration with A. R. Rahman extended to several other Bollywood and Tamil/Telugu film soundtracks, including Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Sakkarakatti, and the beautiful song "Khilli Re" for the Mani Ratnam-directed Raavan.

Collaboration with Nitin Sawhney

Reena's musical journey took an intriguing turn with her collaboration with British Asian Composer/Producer Nitin Sawhney. The association commenced with her soul-stirring rendition of the epic Indian poem "Heer" by Waris Shah for Sawhney's 2003 album Human (V2). This collaboration blossomed further, with Reena co-writing the popular song "Mausam" for Sawhney's 2006 album Philtre (V2). The collaboration with Nitin Sawhney also saw Reena's noteworthy performances on tracks like "Koyal - Songbird" and "The Search." Their artistic synergy reached new heights with Sawhney's London Undersound, where Reena co-wrote the track "Ek Jaan" and shared the stage with none other than Sir Paul McCartney in the soulful "My Soul."

Special Bond

Reena's partnership with Nitin Sawhney extended beyond the studio to live performances, gracing some of the world's most culturally elite venues. From the Glastonbury Festival and WOMAD in Taormina (Sicily) to the Jazz Café and The Royal Festival Hall, her presence added a unique musical dimension to these prestigious stages. Notably, her performance at The BBC Proms 2007 at The Royal Albert Hall, alongside Nitin Sawhney, Natacha Atlas, and Anoushka Shankar, remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed it.

She not only lent her voice but also contributed to Sawhney's film scores, including Channel 4's Second Generation, Bharat Bala Production's Hari Om, and the 1929 silent Indian classic A Throw of Dice by Franz Osten. The latter premiered with the London Symphony Orchestra and was subsequently performed with national orchestras in the Netherlands, Italy, New Zealand, the US, and Canada.

Diverse Collaborations and Discography

Reena Bhardwaj's musical odyssey is marked by diverse collaborations, showcasing her ability to navigate through various genres seamlessly. She collaborated with the UK's biggest dance duo, Basement Jaxx, renowned percussion king Trilok Gurtu, Talvin Singh, and the award-winning British songwriter Guy Chambers. The list of her contributions extends to various film soundtracks and compilations, including Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2006), Sakkarakatti (2008), London Undersound (2008), and Raavan (2010). Reena's voice has also found a place in compilation CDs like Ministry of Sound's Angel Beach, Pathaan's Indian Sunset, and Sony Legacy's 2009 Compilation CD The Best of A R Rahman.

Harmonizing Cultures Through Melody

In the harmonious tapestry of British Indian music, one name resonates with versatility, cultural richness, and an extraordinary fusion of genres - Reena Bhardwaj. Renowned as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist, Reena has left an indelible mark on the industry, thanks to her exceptional collaborations with the maestros, A. R. Rahman and Nitin Sawhney. Her musical journey is a testament to her ability to seamlessly traverse various genres and languages, reflecting a deep connection to her Indian roots.

A Turn of Fate

Reena Bhardwaj's introduction to the world of music was nothing short of serendipitous. While pursuing her studies at the esteemed London School of Economics, fate took a musical turn when she received an unexpected call from none other than her favorite Indian composer, A. R. Rahman. This unexpected twist of destiny marked the inception of a musical career that would soon captivate hearts globally.

Bollywood Stardom with "Yeh Rishta"

In 2004, Reena catapulted into the limelight with the recording of the immensely popular solo song, "Yeh Rishta," featured in the Bollywood film soundtrack Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities. This musical masterpiece not only showcased Reena's vocal prowess but also swiftly elevated her to the summit of the Indian music charts. The song's success made her the first British Asian artist to be nominated for a Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer and the MTV Immies Award for Best New Talent.

The Rhythmic Journey with A. R. Rahman

Reena Bhardwaj's collaboration with A. R. Rahman extended beyond this initial triumph. She became a staple in the composer's hit Bollywood and Tamil/Telugu film soundtracks, contributing her soulful voice to various musical gems, from the stirring melodies of Mangal Pandey: The Rising to the enchanting "Khilli Re" in Raavan, Reena's versatile vocal range seamlessly blended with Rahman's compositions, earning her widespread acclaim.

Versatility Beyond Boundaries

Reena Bhardwaj's vocal prowess isn't confined to the realms of Bollywood and traditional Indian music. Her versatility extends to various genres, as seen in her collaboration with the legendary Sir Paul McCartney and the dynamic duo Basement Jaxx. Her ability to navigate effortlessly through different musical landscapes has positioned her as a versatile artist with a global appeal.

The Multilingual Maestro

What sets Reena apart is her fluency in multiple languages, allowing her to seamlessly switch between Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and English. This linguistic versatility not only adds a unique flavor to her music but also serves as a bridge, connecting diverse audiences and cultures.

Discography and Recognition

Reena Bhardwaj's discography reads like a musical journey through time and cultures. From the soul-stirring "Heer" in Human (2003) to the foot-tapping "Everybody" with Basement Jaxx in Crazy Itch Radio (2005), her contributions have adorned numerous soundtracks and compilations. In tracing Reena Bhardwaj's musical odyssey, one encounters not just an artist but a cultural ambassador, harmonizing traditions and weaving melodies that transcend time and space. Her journey is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures and create a harmonious world through its universal language.

Legacy

Reena Bhardwaj's journey in the music industry is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and the seamless fusion of her Indian roots with global sounds. Her ability to effortlessly switch between languages and genres has not only enriched the world of music but also bridged cultural gaps. Her legacy is not confined to awards and nominations, though she stands as the first British Asian artist to be nominated for a Zee Cine Award and an MTV Immies Award.

Instead, it lies in the emotions her voice evokes, the cultural bridges she builds, and the musical landscapes she has explored and enriched. As we traverse the intricate tapestry of Reena Bhardwaj's musical journey, it becomes clear that her story is not just about notes and melodies but about the universal language of music, speaking to hearts across continents and generations.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of music, Reena Bhardwaj has left an indelible mark through her versatile talent and cultural collaborations. From the unexpected call from A. R. Rahman to the chart-topping success of "Yeh Rishta," her journey reflects a fusion of genres and a celebration of diversity. Her enduring partnership with Nitin Sawhney has birthed soulful compositions like "Ek Jaan" and "My Soul," transcending cultural boundaries. Reena seamlessly integrates into the global music scene, sharing stages with legends like Paul McCartney and collaborating with Basement Jaxx. Her linguistic versatility, spanning Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and English, serves as a cultural bridge, enriching her music. Beyond being a singer, Reena Bhardwaj emerges as a cultural ambassador, reminding us that the universal language of harmony can beautifully connect people across the globe through the magic of collaboration and melody.