The young and very talented Shikha is a dedicated PhD student who has been immersed in music for a decade. She has showcased her musical talents on stage in Auckland for several years, gaining a loyal following.

Ekta Kumar,   with her melodious voice, has been drawn to music from a young age. She began her musical journey by performing in Bollywood shows and singing competitions early on. Under the guidance of Swar Sadhana Music Academy, she honed her skills to perfection and earned a diploma in Hindustani Classical music. Ekta considers it a privilege to have performed for Suneheri Yaadein and will once again take the stage for the upcoming show “Jab Chhaye Mera Jadoo” on August 10th at SkyCity Theatre.
Rachit, a singer-songwriter who started singing at the age of 3, has over 25 years of live performance experience across New Zealand, India, and the UK. Renowned for his soulful performances across multiple genres, Rachit excels in both classic Mohd. Rafi melodies and electrifying Sukhwinder Singh solos. His early participation in various competitions, including the national TV singing competition NZ Idol, reflects his passion for exploring diverse singing styles and musical compositions.

Ravi Shetty is one of the most sought-after singers for both stage performances and house concerts in New Zealand. Known for his impressive voice, Ravi has been a staple in Bollywood musical shows in the region for a long time. Under the name Ravi Shetty Concepts, he co-produces Suneheri Yaadein.
Gopal Nair is a versatile vocalist celebrated for his multilingual and melodious singing in India and New Zealand. A PhD researcher and disability rights advocate, Gopal excels in Hindustani classical music, Ghazals, and Bhajans. A top-voted singer on Idea Star Singer, he mentors music learners and studies under Sandhya Badakere and Vinod Sood.
Renuka has been singing since childhood, participating in various music competitions and events. Always eager to challenge herself and learn more about music, she won Tarana Idol in 2022 and has been performing in musical events across New Zealand since.
Vibha Trivedi has been associated with music since early childhood, known for her impressive voice that is rich, warm, and bright. She has been performing in Auckland for many years and runs the New Lynn branch of Swar Sadhana Academy, connecting the community with music. Vibha continues her training in Indian vocal classical with Sandhya Rao and credits her Guru Mata for her talent and musical development.

Sandhya Rao Badakere is the founder and director of Swar Sadhana Academy of Indian Music NZ. A professional singer from Mumbai, Sandhya has performed in Sri Lanka, the USA, Australia, and NZ. She has recorded for many well-known music companies and has a passio

n for both music and production. Involved in the production of various events in Mumbai, she also served as the Creative in charge of a historical series on UTV. Along with her husband Sanjay Badakere, Sandhya started Bollywood musical shows in Auckland in 2006, which were later branded as Suneheri Yaadein.
The collective efforts of these talented individuals highlight the rich cultural tapestry of Indian music in New Zealand. Their dedication to their craft and their commitment to sharing their passion with the community are truly commendable. Each artist, with their unique journey and achievements, contributes to a vibrant musical landscape, ensuring that the traditions of Indian music continue to thrive and inspire. -TIN Bureau