Natania Lalwani Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Mumbai-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Natania Lalwani is an emerging contemporary voice known for weaving personal experiences into her music. In her latest single, ‘Nautanki’, she turns heartbreak into celebration.
A week after the track’s release, Natania, joining us from Los Angeles, talks about the inspiration behind the introspective theme of ‘Nautanki’. “I was thinking about how we don’t often celebrate broken hearts. I wanted the song to convey that feeling of celebration even when there is pain. It’s about an old relationship that endures because it was important to you – your mind may move on, but your heart takes its time to catch up. Our hearts are too big and clumsy and gimmick (Dramatic), but the degree to which they feel, with or without logic, is frankly beautiful!
Natania encourages listeners to see their broken hearts as a sign of courage and the beauty of loving deeply; That’s why ‘Nautanki’ is a song of broken hearts. “A broken heart means you loved! It doesn’t matter how it ended, the fact is that you opened up, you showed up, and you allowed yourself to be vulnerable. This is what hearts are made for, right?”
The bittersweet story of ‘Nautanki’ is based on Natania’s own experiences. “This song is very personal and reflects how I felt when I wrote it. I started with the lyric, ‘When I see the forest green, I can’t help but think of you,’ that’s exactly what happened that day,” she shares with a smile. .
She adds, “When a relationship is important, it never ends completely. It stays with you, brings a new perspective.”
‘Nautanki’ is also based on collaboration, with contributions from David Boo, Subhi, Aman and Zeek. “Writing with close friends gives you the freedom to say whatever comes to mind. We had a lot of fun making it and I think the energy comes into you when you listen to it.”
visual treatment
The dramatic essence of ‘Nautanki’ comes alive in its video, directed by Shariq Sequeira, Associate Director, Dharma Productions. Natania appreciates the collaboration: “Working with Sharik was a dream! She brought the music video to life with her vision and energy and was so much fun to work with.” The video transforms an inventive speed-dating concept into a fashion-forward visual spectacle. “I wanted to explore the different characters we meet in the dating world and show how our weirdness always matches. That’s magic! Sharik took this idea and turned it into a speed-dating narrative. The result is a fusion of art, music and fashion that truly captures the essence of the song.
‘Nautanki’ adds another layer to Natania’s exploration of womanhood and personal journeys. “My artistic narrative is about wearing your heart on your sleeve, no matter the situation; What better way to do this than with Nautanki’s heart dancing on your sleeve, even if you want to take it off!”
Natania’s first singles, such as ‘Candy Cane Lane’ and ‘Mess Me Up’, combined deep, personal lyrics with catchy melodies, setting her apart in indie and mainstream music. He has also shown his versatility through collaborations with well-known artists and producers across various genres. His work as a songwriter for global icons like J Balvin and Skrillex has also been featured on major brands like Apple and Spotify.
Signing to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Publishing, a major milestone in her career, Natania has established herself as a versatile talent. The track ‘Nautanki’ has also been featured in Katrina Kaif’s K Beauty bridal campaign, which features 18 beautifully styled looks.
(‘Nautanki’ is now streaming on all major platforms via Desi Trill.)
published – December 26, 2024 02:23 PM IST
