Anything that pushes us out of our comfort zone feels difficult at first, yet it often becomes the very path that helps us discover our true voice. For singer and composer Aanchal Shrivastava—renowned for her unique blend of Sufi, folk, and Qawwali—this belief has shaped not just her personal musical journey but also the creation of her collective, Yatra with Aanchal. Launched in 2023, the band draws from her rigorous training in the traditional gharana system while embracing her explorations across diverse repertoires in Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. Over time, it has grown into an ensemble that seamlessly intertwines travel, stories, and emotions into deeply soulful performances.
Carrying this spirit of transforming journeys into shared experiences, Yatra with Aanchal will be performing in Pune on September 13 at Monalisa Kalagram, 7 pm onwards. The evening marks their second appearance in the city after a memorable debut in May 2025.
In a field like Qawwali, still overwhelmingly male-dominated, Aanchal has carved her space not by dwelling on challenges but by embracing her gift with positivity. Her voice embodies a unique duality—soulful yet powerful—that resonates strongly with audiences. For her, the artistic journey is less about external battles and more about an inward exploration of potential. This authenticity sets her apart and makes every performance a moving experience.
Adding another creative layer to the evening, the show will open with Pune-based writer and poetry curator Garima Mishra, founder of KavitaKAFE. Her poetry introductions, often staged at Monalisa Kalagram, create a space where words meet music—setting a lyrical prelude before Aanchal’s soulful journey begins.
Since her Pune debut, Aanchal has taken Yatra with Aanchal across the country—to Bangalore, Ludhiana, Delhi, Jaipur, and most recently to the Royal Opera House in Mumbai. Each performance adds depth to her artistry as she adapts with openness to audience feedback and collaboration. Pune, however, remains personal. Her debut here sold out swiftly, giving her the confidence to experiment further. The city also offered a humbling moment when one attendee critiqued her set’s flow. Rather than being discouraged, Aanchal reworked the structure in later shows, deepening her respect for her craft and her listeners.
Though women Qawwals remain rare, Aanchal believes she was born for this genre. Her intent is to present Qawwali in its purest form, whether through traditional pieces or her own luminous originals. With the support of her ensemble and audiences that respond with packed halls and heartfelt appreciation, she continues to stride forward with conviction.
Her repertoire reflects her range: soulful renditions of Mast Kalandar, Chaap Tilak, Din Shagna Da, and Kun Faya Kun alongside originals like Ishq Akela and Woh Shaam. Her unplugged cover of Maula Mere Maula and the music video Ye Ishq Nahi Aasan further showcase her sensitivity and depth in Sufi music.
What Aanchal ultimately hopes is that listeners carry home not just melodies, but the spirit of Sufi Qawwali—the solace of surrender and the poetry of devotion.
