Nepotism does not guarantee success: Akasa

Akasa has slowly and steadily established herself in the music industry with a number of Bollywood as well as independent hits. And she is thrilled with the way indie music has made a comeback in the last couple of years. The singer, known for her indie tracks Naagin and Naiyyo, says, “I’m confident that pop/indie music is here to stay. I’m not saying it’ll take over Bollywood, but it’s standing shoulder to shoulder already.”

While the pandemic played a big role in the resurrection of indie music, Akasa adds that even though a lot of musicians felt that 2020 was a good year for them musically, it wasn’t the case for her. “2020 wasn’t a creative year for me. Sure, I learnt how to do a lot of things remotely. I learnt that singles could be dubbed in my room under a chaddar, but it was more of an emotional learning. And this is why I’m expecting so much from 2021, all that creative side that was curbed is now getting out,” she says.

The Dil Na Jaaneya (Good Newwz; 2019) singer has made a name for herself in the industry without any insider connections. So, ask her if she had to struggle a lot in the initial years, and she says, “I used to use this term struggle up until last year. I started in this industry back when I was 17 so it’s been almost 10 years and yet, some people think I was an overnight success with Naagin. It’s been a long journey with more failures than successes. However, when I think about it, it wasn’t struggle. It was learning,” she adds.

As far as nepotism and favouritism is concerned, and the role it plays in one’s journey, Akasa says success is never guaranteed. “This is very subjective. Just because there’s a scope of nepotism does not always mean it works. Some people hustle and grind, and make it. Some people have it a little easier with the opportunities because of nepotism, but they have to hustle, too. There’s a difference in their journeys. One definitely has it harder, but both their successes aren’t guaranteed,” she signs off.

Just because there is a scope of nepotism, that doesn’t mean it always works. AKASA, Singer