Singer Anjana’s debut EP turns love and doubt into music

Singer Anjana, aka Anjana Padmanabhan, turns songwriter with her debut EP, ‘Yes No Maybe?’ The five-track EP explores the different emotional stages of love — from wondering whether it is worth pursuing to heartbreak, the need for space and, ultimately, choosing oneself. Rather than being about ‘finding someone externally’, the EP looks inward, exploring the insecurities and struggles we navigate every day.

With Yes No Maybe?, Anjana wanted to create music that was honest and reflective of her current state. “The EP talks about the questions we ask ourselves when it comes to love, relationships and even our own identity,” says the singer, who had long created melodies without developing them into full-fledged songs.

The turning point came in 2025, when she and a group of friends created several 40-50-second songs during a stay in a wooden house in Dharamshala. Back in Mumbai, she picked a few to develop into an EP.

While Hai pyaar kya explores the meaning of love and its many definitions and forms today, Naseeb tu takes the opposite route: finding someone but struggling to see a future with them. Rjhaaun, featuring Nakul Chugh, focuses on battling insecurities while trying to make a relationship work. The two new releases in October, Kaise main kahoon and Azadi, delve into self-realisation and self-discovery.

Dealing with doubts

The title ‘Yes, No Maybe?’ came from the doubts and vulnerabilities Anjana experienced while deciding on the EP’s name. But the title goes beyond her own hesitation, reflecting the questions and uncertainty that creative people often face. “We work hard on every song, but many a time we wonder, ‘Does this line make sense?’ or ‘Will this melody work?’ Creative individuals constantly question and doubt their work while dealing with these emotions.”

Anjana, the first winner of Indian Idol Junior in 2013, returned to the franchise a decade later with a kazoo rendition of Darde-e-Disco on Indian Idol 14. The kazoo, a musical instrument that adds a buzzing quality to the voice, has since become part of her musical signature, alongside konnakol.

Diverse components

Incorporating diverse elements into her performances has been a highlight of Anjana’s musical journey. All the tracks on the album draw on her South Indian roots while connecting listeners to Indian classical music. “I have incorporated a Carnatic violin tune, konnakol, a verse in Kannada because I grew up in Bengaluru, and a kazoo, as they all connect me to who I am at the core.”

Anjana has sung in 14 languages across playback, classical and pop genres. While she also performs and collaborates with three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej and has recorded on several of his albums, her next live show is at BMT, Mumbai, on October 24.

For now, her focus is on her debut EP, which allowed her to create music that reflects her personal voice and perspective. “We constantly try to become a version of what the world wants us to be. When people listen to the tracks on the EP, they may be reminded of their own situations in life, but the last track, ‘Azadi’, will fill them with confidence as it helps them accept who they are and be where they want to be.”

Yes, No Maybe? is available on all major music platforms.