Surabhi Dashputra

Dashputra's introduction to music came through her family, with her mother being her first musical influence and her aunt Sandhya Tailang a continuing source of inspiration. Her foundational training in alankars began with her cousin Rasika Kalgaokar. Her father played a decisive role in her musical development, accompanying her to competitions and connecting her with leading teachers throughout her early years.^[4]

She completed a six-year Visharad in Hindustani Classical Vocal from IKSV Chhattisgarh, followed by a Diploma in Semi-Classical and Light Music from the same institution. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indian Classical Vocal from RDVV Jabalpur, where she graduated as Gold Medallist, a Master of Performing Arts in Indian Classical Vocal from the University of Mumbai, and an M.Phil in Indian Classical Vocal, also from the University of Mumbai.

In 2005, following the completion of her school studies, she began training under Suresh Wadkar at his gurukul in Mumbai. Under his guidance she developed her understanding of timing, expression and diction, and deepened her practice of riyaaz. It was also at the gurukul that she first met composer Arjuna Harjai, a musical partnership that would span more than two decades.^[5] She served as a faculty member at Ajivasan Music Academy from 2006 to 2016, having begun teaching at Suresh Wadkar's gurukul as part of her training there.

Dashputra began her professional career composing jingles and working as a vocalist in the Bollywood entertainment industry.^[6] She appeared as a vocalist on MTV Coke Studio Season 3 alongside music producer Hitesh Sonik^[7] and Vijay Prakash.^[8]

Her feature film work includes the soundtracks for Calapor (2013) and Titoo MBA (2014), the latter featuring her collaboration with composer Arjuna Harjai on songs including "O Soniye", featuring Arijit Singh, and "Atyachaari". She also contributed to the soundtrack of Chudail (2014) and Judgementall Hai Kya (2019).

From 2021 onwards Dashputra expanded significantly as an independent artist, releasing original music through digital platforms. Her releases including "More Sajan", "Rahiya Ve" and "Dil Vich Rab" have collectively crossed 2 million streams on Spotify, reaching 1.2 million yearly listeners with her music heard in over 100 countries.^[9]

In 2025 she co-wrote the lyrics for "Dhul Gaye",^[10] composed by Arjuna Harjai and sung by Arijit Singh, released under Oriyon Music. The track was noted for its emotional depth and Dashputra's lyrical contribution to the narrative.^[11] She and Harjai were also featured together in Rolling Stone India in September 2025 for their single "Jism Ya Rooh".^[12]

In 2026 she collaborated with Arjuna Harjai on the Punjabi pop track "Ludhiyane Waleya", released through Aart Sense Records, described as a crossover between her classical training and contemporary global production.^[13] She is also working on a four song EP with Aart Sense Records alongside fusion pieces blending folk and classical elements.^[14]

In March 2026 she was interviewed by BBC Introducing West Mids and Warwickshire,^[15] and her work has also been covered by the Times of India,^[16] Free Press Journal^[17] and Firstpost.^[18]

In 2016 Dashputra founded ASM Academy in Mumbai, offering structured training in Hindustani classical, semi-classical and light music. The academy holds an academic affiliation with Gandharva Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Miraj, and has an active student base across India and the United Kingdom. The growth of online learning expanded the academy's reach to students internationally.^[19]

In 2019 Dashputra performed at three cultural events in London: a Women's Day cultural event at Osterley with an audience of 1,200, the Asian Food and Restaurant Awards at the Hilton London with an audience of 5,000, and a New Year's Eve celebration at Osterley Park Hotel with an audience of 4,000. In 2023 she performed at the WOW Awards at NMACC Mumbai. In 2025 she performed at the Adaaygii Thumri Concert in Mumbai and at GhazalishQ at A&M Studio.