Kaveri. The name may not ring a bell. But if we throw in clues like Did You Know and Half A Heart, chances are you would log on to YouTube, listen to the songs... once again... and, obviously, connect the name with the songs! Kaveri is 17 years old. And she is the daughter of filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actor-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi. The Mumbai resident took on a few question from t2 over email as her third single, Again, is out (on Universal Music).

First came Did You Know. Then, Half A Heart. And now, Again. Ballads seem to be special to you.

Most of my songs are ballads. It’s never been something I had decided; I think the style just fits and helps me convey the emotion of my song. It also kind of allows me to focus on words, which is quite important to me.

You are 17 and you sing about love, which constantly changes. What does love mean to you?

I’m trying to think of a really clever answer for this but the truth is I haven’t had a lot of (any!) experience with it. I think love is such a complex thing and probably manifests differently for everyone. I feel, when I write, more than love I’m talking about vulnerability. So I guess that’s something that comes to my mind when I think of love, being completely vulnerable to someone (which is quite a scary thought). I don’t really know if I’m making any sense!

Your writings come across as far more mature than most 17-year-olds. How does music come to you?

It’s honestly different every time. Some times, I start with music and sometimes with lyrics. Usually, it’s a combination of both. Unfortunately for me, they usually come to me at school where I’m too shy to record it because there’s constantly people around me, and I don’t want to randomly start singing to my laptop. So I end up forgetting. I do however always discreetly write down the lyrics.

So how much of it is personal and how much of it is an exaggeration of feelings?

Most of it is an exaggeration of feelings. Some of it is completely arbitrary and I really can’t point to anything that inspired it. However, lately, I find myself writing sincerely about personal experiences more. I haven’t really experienced much, so I wouldn’t say that this is a good thing, because some of it just sounds stupid to be honest.

Any reason why you have stayed away from Bollywood music?

I guess I appreciate all types of music and they all have their charms. I wouldn’t say that I stayed away from Bollywood, but I’m very passionate about songwriting. My goal was always to be a singer/songwriter, ever since I was a little girl. I can’t picture myself doing anything else.

There is Shekhar Kapur, your dad. There is Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, your mom. Does public scrutiny make your job difficult?

I know that this field can come with a lot of judgement and/or negativity, and it will probably only increase when my career progresses, but somewhere I feel like my love for it kind of undermines it. Also, I have a really strong support system of family/friends that I’m really grateful for that. I know they will always make sure I keep my feet on the ground, but also give me a confidence boost when I need it.

You must have had several musicians visiting your house. Have they inspired you? Have any of their stories remained with you?

Honestly, I grew up listening to Hannah Montana, like a lot of kids in my generation. I think I even dressed up as her for one of my birthdays. But I’ve definitely met some amazing musicians in my life and I’m very grateful. I’ve known A.R. Rahman since I was born, and he has always been an incredible inspiration and support and more recently, a guide. Also, the first time I set foot in a recording studio was at Aadesh Shrivastava’s. He was always so wonderfully kind to me and without him I may never have discovered my passion and talent for songwriting.

You have trained in Hindustani classical music but now you focus on English music. Is it an easier language for you to express yourself in?

I think in English. So it’s a lot easier to express myself in that language. It’s just how my thoughts and feelings come to me. Very often, when I think of a melody, it comes to me with words.

There is a boy band fan hiding in you, which came through when you performed brilliantly with The Vamps in Mumbai....

Thank you! I was so nervous I thought I was going to spontaneously combust. They definitely have a fan in me and that was probably one of the most inspiring nights of my life. I don’t really know who the next big girl band/boy band would be, but I can say that I hope that band culture grows in India so maybe we can have some big names from here. 

What’s a usual day in your life like when you’re not making music?

I have school most days and then after school I have more classes (which are music related, so I don’t mind). Even when I’m not officially making music, I’m often writing or practising. I also hang-out with my friends a lot.

Do you have a career goal, a milestone you want to reach?

I’m trying to go with the flow. I haven’t really set concrete goals because I like to keep the mind open to doing different things, but also a little bit because if I don’t reach them, I would probably be really sad.

Finally, the best advice you have ever received?

Everyone has bad days and you can’t expect perfection from yourself.

Mathures Paul
What is your message for Kaveri? Tell t2@abp.in