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Natania Lalwani, the Mumbai-born, LA-based artist, is breaking boundaries with her latest single Nautanki. Featuring a bold fusion of Bollywood beats and contemporary LA fashion, the track and its stunning music video showcase her unique aesthetic.
Natania Lalwani, the Mumbai-born, LA-based artist, is redefining global pop with her bold single Nautanki.
When it comes to blending beats, Bollywood, and boundary-pushing fashion, Mumbai-born, LA-based artist Natania Lalwani is rewriting the rules. Fresh off the release of her explosive single Nautanki via DESI TRILL, she’s not just making waves in music—she’s a walking, singing, sartorial revolution. Recently signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Publishing, Natania’s artistry is as multifaceted as her music video for Nautanki, which boasts 18 jaw-dropping looks that marry South Asian maximalism with the sleek edge of contemporary LA fashion. Oh, and did we mention it’s featured in Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty bridal campaign?
From penning hits for global heavyweights like J Balvin and Skrillex to soundtracking ad campaigns for Apple and Spotify, Natania is reshaping South Asian representation in global pop
culture
with her fearless fusion of music, style, and identity. News18 Showsha caught up with this rising star to talk about her bold creative vision, the Nautanki aesthetic, and why she’s a maximalist at heart in a minimalist world.
Here are the excerpts:
What inspired your latest single, ‘Nautanki,’ and how does it reflect your personal or cultural identity?
Nautanki was inspired by a thought I had about the fact that we don’t celebrate broken hearts enough. When you have a broken heart that means you loved! You opened up, you showed up and let yourself be exposed, and how beautiful is that. The crossover between English pop and Hindi feel more like me than ever, and the song is so personal to me that it feels like wearing my heart on my sleeve!
The music video for ‘Nautanki’ features eighteen stunning looks. How did you conceptualize these outfits, and what story were you trying to tell through your style choices?
The styling was done by Malvika Dusad and Saloni! I knew I wanted the music video to be super fashion forward and vibrant. They really brought the vision to life and put so much creativity and passion into each outfit! My outfit was 100% hand stitched with so many details – it was truly incredible! I wanted each character to be wearing their personality and let their fashion speak boldly.
How does the collaboration with Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty bridal campaign tie into the themes of ‘Nautanki’?
I think the celebration aspect of Nautanki really tied into the campaign well. The song is shy and thoughtful in some parts and loud and celebratory in others and that’s what the campaign feels like to, I was so honored to be a part of it.
What challenges did you face in blending South Asian maximalism with contemporary LA fashion for the video?
I don’t think we had any challenges! To be blending both worlds together just opened the door to more choices, more fabrics, more of a playground to play in! And that was so exciting! Like we would throw out ideas being like how do we use these prints with this style of outfit and it was so fun creatively!
How do music and fashion intersect for you as an artist? Do you approach them as separate forms of expression or as complementary elements?
I would say both! They are different forms of expression which I love, but they always compliment each other! They are both bold and vulnerable, telling your story, your emotions, your statement. I love how an emotion in a song makes me want to wear a certain color or create a visual aspect to represent what I’m singing about.
South Asian elements feature prominently in your aesthetic. How do you balance honoring your roots while embracing the global appeal of your music?
I try not to think too much about it and let it hit – just flow naturally and I think that’s the best way to honor both sounds. I think the roots lay the foundation and then I get to experiment on how to create something new incorporating those elements.
Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your unique style and sound?
I love Taylor swift, Julia Michaels, Joni Mitchell, Pritam, Jasleen Royal and so much more! I also think just being vulnerable and not holding anything back really contributes to the sound and writing.
How do you see your music and style challenging stereotypes about South Asian artists in the global entertainment industry?
I would like it to show people that there’s room for everyone! We as humans listen to so many different kinds of music, there’s such a big global appeal for K-Pop, Latin and I think Indian music brings so much color and joy to the world so why not spread it everywhere!
You’ve written for global stars like J Balvin and Skrillex. How has working behind the scenes shaped your evolution as a solo artist?
I think it’s shown me how hard artists work and how much goes into one song, which I think really gives me the drive and perseverance for my project.
How does your work contribute to the growing conversation around South Asian representation in global pop
culture
? What do you hope young South Asian creatives take away from your journey?
I think the best way to contribute to representation and conversation is just by showing up and doing as much as you can with your art, and that’s what I try to do.
Do you feel there are misconceptions about South Asian
culture
in the global music and fashion industries that you aim to challenge?
I think when a lot of the outside audience think of South Asian music they just think of Bollywood but there’s also so much more and I just want to bring that to the world.
You’ve recently signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Publishing. What does this milestone mean for your career, and what opportunities do you see ahead?
It was such a huge milestone for me, I’m really proud and grateful that they believe in me the way they do. The opportunities are endless and I can’t wait for all that is to come.
Who are your dream collaborators in music and fashion? And are there any South Asian traditions or influences you’re particularly excited to explore in future projects?
I would love to collaborate with artists like Amit Trivedi, Jasleen Royal, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran (I could keep going haha!) I’d also love to collaborate with brands like Papa Don’t Preach, Dhruv Kapoor, Mahima Mahajan and so many more!
I’m currently in Jodhpur recording some incredible folk traditional music so I can’t wait to explore that creatively in my future projects.
What can fans expect next after ‘Nautanki’? Are there any upcoming projects you can share?
There is so much coming! I can’t wait! I can’t give any details but there’s a collaboration I’m so excited about, that releases in January.
