08 October 2025, Mumbai : Indian singer, Anjana Padmanabhan, is set to take the global stage at the 10th Anniversary of Diwali at Times Square in New York. From emerging as the winner of Indian Idol Junior at the age of 10 to returning as a finalist on Indian Idol 14, her decade-long journey now comes full circle as she represents the nation on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
Anjana’s energetic 30-minute performance is guaranteed to be an exhilarating mix of solo and duet acts, including collaboration with Indian Idol 13 winner Rishi Singh. The curated setlist combines high-intensity tracks, multilingual medleys, and intertwines Indian classical flavours into a global pop soundscape. The performance will be supported by immersive visuals, offering a high-voltage auditory experience that transcends boundaries.
Well-known for her linguistic versatility, Anjana can perform in 14–15 languages, which demonstrates her talent for connecting across cultures. For her Times Square performance, she will sing in various Indian languages, like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, celebrating the country’s rich diversity
Not just that, Anjana will also showcase her signature experimental flair through a unique jugalbandi between the Kazoo (a wind instrument that went viral during her Indian Idol stint) and Konakol (a South Indian rhythmic art form commonly known as the Indian version of beatboxing). Every piece will reflect her roots, rhythm, and heritage, while embodying her firm belief that music unites people through shared emotions. This, in turn, is sure to bring international crowds closer to the intricate traditions of India
Adding a further touch of heritage to her global moment, Anjana will also do a Indo-Western ensemble crafted from her grandmother’s and mother’s Kanjivaram sarees, a sustainable creation that pays tribute to her roots. The attire, designed by her childhood best friend Keerthika Sivashankar, beautifully underscores this defining moment in Anjana’s life, celebrating the women who’ve shaped her path and creative spirit. It will express her legacy, pride, tradition, and the cultural influences that have moulded her journey as an artist.
Commenting on this highly anticipated milestone performance, Anjana Padmanabhan, said, “I strongly believe, every performance is a chance to connect, to convey, and to evolve. And, today it’s surreal to think that the little girl who dreamt of performing, is now singing at Times Square. Even though I’ve performed in the U.S. several times, Times Square is very special. To me, music isn’t just a profession; it’s the way I communicate. And right now, being on a global stage gives me the remarkable opportunity to represent what it means to be an Indian – our diversity, our cultures, our languages, and share that pride with the world. This moment is a dream come true for me, a manifestation of years of work, growth, and the support I’ve received along the way.”
Moving ahead, she has an exciting slate of independent releases, several projects and collaborations lined up over the upcoming year. This next phase will bring forward Anjana’s personal sound, blending tradition with modern expression to share her story with listeners worldwide.