Ritu Agarwal also known as “The Girl With The Guitar” is an independent Musician, Composer and Song Writer just at an age of 23. Ritu entered the first season of The Voice, India and made heads of the coaches turn and made it to the semi finals of “The Voice, India” (Team Shaan). Her Youtube channel has a massive 252,718 subscribers and 42,909,835 views till date. Known for her confident, powerful and melodious versatile singing, she’s a perfect combo of talent, grace and poise.A graduate in Hindustani Music & a trained Kathak dancer, Ritu loves to play an array of instruments like Keyboards, Tabla, Guitar etc. With her ultimate singing talent Ritu has won the hearts of millions.
In conversation with Ritu Agarwal:
1- How did music enter your life? How was the musical grooming since childhood?
Music was always there in my house as my mom-dad are great music lovers. My elder brother (Rishabh Agarwal) used to sing and play various instruments back in school. One day, without any assistance, I happened to play keyboard with my tiny hands and that’s when it hit my mom that I have some sort of music sense. That’s how it all started.
It’s been a great journey altogether, I’m still learning as it’s not a destination but a process. I have learnt Indian Classical music for around 17 yrs now, did Bachelors and pursuing Masters in Hindustani Music. I have been really blessed to have such a family by my side who supports me at every step, to have been taught by such great music gurus, it’s overwhelming to think that how much confidence do people have in your talent because they know your abilities more than you even know on your own.
2- Apart from a great music artist, you are a trained Kathak dancer too. What interested you the most since childhood?
To be honest, it might sound a little weird but I was never really inclined towards singing at all. All I wanted to do was dancing. That’s how I got into Kathak and other forms of dance. I always used to dig and learn stuff from the internet and I still do. I have highly enjoyed my “Dancing Keeda” till my college time. Lol!
But it was always my voice which used to stun people the most. They always, always used to tell me that I should join Bollywood (like its some sort of company waiting for me to join them. Haha!)
3- During your student life, how did music go hand in hand with you?
I have always been a studious, all-rounder and notorious kinda kid back in school. Studies have always been important to me and I luckily aced at it. Music was something which came naturally to me. When you are good at something, it doesn’t really feel as a burden, you rather enjoy it. Also, I get bored really easily. I’m a multitasking person. I need to be occupied with something at all times. That’s when music and dance came by!
4- When did you come up with the idea of choosing singing as your professional career? Who was your biggest support in your journey so far?
I think sometimes, you just need to do some things without bothering about where will that lead you to. At least that’s what I did. I was really confused about studying music in India (especially in the age of doctors and engineers). Music had become a crucial part of who I was and I couldn’t imagine my life without it . I took a risk, believed in my gut feeling and just went for it. I’m glad I took that leap of faith.
My friends, my family and especially my elder brother have always been the ultimate strength and support in my life. Being the youngest kid, I have been pampered, at the same time taught to be fearless and to follow my instincts. To be someone who dreams big and conquers them because you can do anything and everything.
5- You tasted success at quite a young age. How does it feel?
That’s really kind of you! 🙂 It feels amazing to know that my music is accepted and loved by millions of people across the globe.
I’m highly grateful to all my fans who take out time from their busy lives and appreciate my talent. It boosts my confidence, pushes me to do more incredible things in future and I feel super blessed.
6- Which was the most struggling part of your journey till now? How did you come over that?
It’s still a long way to go in order to achieve it all what I dream of, but I think, it’s been an eye-opening learning journey for me so far. And I look forward to what the future holds! 🙂
7- Your most memorable experience that you would like to share with your fans?
It was like a dream come true when I participated in “The Voice”, being able to perform in front of your idols like Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mika Singh and Himesh Reshamiya was a next level experience.
Also recently, I got “YouTube Silver Play Button” for my YouTube channel (thanks to my awesome YouTube FAM). When I saw it, I screamed like a kid! Lol.
8- How is life after becoming a great You Tube artist? What are your future plans?
It’s great, musical, sometimes stressful, but a super fun ride. Until the time you are true to your craft and your work ethics, no one can stop you. I believe that great things/work shall always be appreciated. Currently, I’m doing Masters in Music along with my YouTube Channel. Working on some interesting projects, lots of creative things on the way.
Stay tuned! 😀
9- What message would you like to give to the aspiring young singers.
If there’s something that I have learnt over the past few years of my existence is that not everyone gets to chase their dreams for some reason or the other. You need to work really hard to achieve your dreams. Things won’t go well always, but you still need to show up. Simply show up each day, take those small steps which will eventually create the ladder which will lead you to your dreams. Be unstoppable, be fierce. Be you! 🙂
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