13 Contemporary Indian Women in Music You Should Listen To

Hailing from an elitist classical music background to making a name for herself as a versatile percussionist of indie outfit, Filter Coffee, Swarupa dabbles in the tabla, djembe, darbuka, cajon, dhol, duff and drums. Having sought training from tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha and his sons Ustad Zakir Hussain and Fazal Qureshi, Swarupa quit her day job to nurture Filter Coffee into the success story that it is today.

All of 18, bassist Mohini Dey knew that music was serious business to her when she picked up the guitar at the age of 3. Introduced by her bassist father Sujoy Dey, her talent was noticed and honed by her fathers friend Ranjit Barot. She is now working on releasing her own album which will feature well-known Indian and international artistes.

Born in Dubai and brought up in the USA, Rasika made her foray into a traditional male citadel when she was 13 years old. Strumming tunes as prolifically as her male counterparts, her flute spells melody. In order to diversify her musical capabilities, Rasika also croons Jazz Blues and Ghazal and has successfully collaborated with musical trio, Shankar Ehsaan Loy.Famous works 2 States, Kill Dill

To make a name without her fathers shadow is an achievement in itself. Choosing music over academics, Shankar accompanied her dad in his concerts at the tender age of seven. A four-time Grammy award nominee, Shankar enjoys unmeasurable repute at the global level alongwith her popular half-sister Norah Jones.Famous works Anoushka, Anuraag, Breathing Under Water

A maestro at veena, sitar, and guitar, Srikar had little interest in pursuing music professionally, being a Masters degree holder in Mathematics. A love duet with KK led her to collaborate with Ranjit Barot, Trilok Gurtu and Wally Badarou. She quit her software job and began to write advertising jingles. From advertising, she is now a successful name in the Hindi and Tamil music industry and continues to lend support to indie music causes. Famous works Ra.One, Agent Vinod, Queen

Being bred in a traditional Sikh household where her father owned a factory of musical instruments, Kaur started learning music at the age of six. A winner of two reality shows, Kaur forayed into playback singing for films. She is also noted for headlining many prestigious concerts around the world.Famous works Rang De Basanti, Band Baaja Baaraat, Rockstar, Jab Tak Hai Jaan

She is the quintessential bohemian queen of the indie music scene right now. This Shaair and Func vocalist is a classic tale of transformation to be told. From the indie music scene to having made a name in the commercial music space, Monica has tasted success in her own unique style. She has also tried her hand in acting with films like Rock On, Dhobi Ghat and David. Famous works Break Ke Baad, Dhobi Ghat

Anushka Manchanda was one of the five band members of the first all-girl, pop band Viva. When the band split, Manchanda stepped into playback singing for films. Over the last decade, she has also been associated with many youth reality shows and has also done a cameo in Akcents I am Sorry.Famous works Golmaal, Aisha, Dum Maaro Dum, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Singer Shilpa Rao was tutored by her father, S Venkat Rao who holds a degree in music. After a chance meeting with singer Hariharan, Shilpa was taken to singing and sought training under Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan on Hariharans suggestion. When she won a national-level singing hunt in Delhi, Shankar Mahadevan, who was also the judge at the hunt, asked her to settle down in Mumbai and helped her acquire advertising jingles through his associates. The rest as they say is history.Famous works Bachna Ae Haseeno, Dev D, Paa, English Vinglish

Starting out as one of the two female vocalists in the pop band, Aasma, Neeti Mohan has come a long way to become one of the most sought after playback singers in commercial films. Hailing from a family background deeply influenced by music and dance, little does anyone know that Neeti was also an NCC cadet during her college days.Famous works Student of the Year, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Gunday, Bang Bang

Young and vibrant, Shalmali Kholgades singing career is not only limited to films. She paid a two-hour tribute to her favorite singer Amy Winehouse, in Blue Frog, Mumbai and is also known to collaborate time and again, with Mikey Mc Cleary and Ali Zafar.Famous works Ishaqzaade, Cocktail, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Shuddh Desi Romance

Born in the Gwalior gharana of Indian classical music in Indore, the roots of Indian music were always strong within this young musician. Juggling the choice between animation and art direction, she finally found her calling in music direction. Earthy and contemporary, her tunes reflect the hybrid between traditional and modern India. Famous works Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Love Sex aur Dhokha, Gangs of Wasseypur, Khoobsurat

This engineering graduate with an MBA forayed into commercial music through advertising. Over the last decade not only has she made a name for herself in the movies, but is also an active participant in building the indie music industry. Famous works Delhi Belly, Talaash, Fukrey, Khoobsurat