In a world that often asks women to be quiet, they turn their music into a roar, says SAKSHI PRIYA
She walks with a tune in her heart. Sometimes it’s soft, a quiet comfort. Other times, it’s bold, full of fire. But it’s always there, her own story. A woman’s voice should be heard and felt. It’s in the music she creates, the words she writes, the art she shapes. It’s in every step she takes towards something bigger than herself.
Women have always been at the heart of creativity, yet their stories haven’t always been told the way they ought to be. They have broken barriers, redefined spaces and filled the world with art that speaks louder than words ever could.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate two remarkable artists, Saskia Rao de Haas and Chinmayi Tripathi, who have each carved their own path in music. Saskia introduced the Indian cello to the world, blending cultures through sound, while Chinmayi has breathed new life into poetry through song, keeping old traditions alive in a way that feels fresh and urgent.
Their journeys are different, but the heart of what they do is the same. They create with purpose, challenge expectations, and bring something beautiful into the world. Here, in their own words, they share what it means to be a woman in music, the struggles they have faced and the moments that make it all worthwhile.Their music is a reflection of their strength, their stories and their passion.
Celebrating the Strength, Resilience and Brilliance
On this International Women’s Day, we extend our warmest wishes to all our readers. We deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of women to society, those who inspire, lead and shape the world with their strength and determination. Today, we celebrate your achievements, honour your dedication and acknowledge the profound impact you make in every sphere of life.
To our esteemed readers of the Pioneer, may this day serve as a reminder of the importance of equality, respect and empowerment. Together, let’s continue encouraging a future where every woman’s potential knows no limits.
Wishing you a day filled with joy, recognition and the appreciation you truly deserve!
Happy Women’s Day!
Chinmayi Tripathi: Reviving Poetry through Music
Singer-songwriter Chinmayi Tripathi is redefining contemporary Indian music by blending poetry with melodies, giving new life to the works of renowned poets. She is also one of the few musicians playing the dotara, a Bengali folk instrument, bringing its unique sound to modern audiences. Through her music, she challenges gender stereotypes in the industry and creates a space for poetic storytelling.
Music and poetry have long been tools of resistance and self-expression for women. How has your journey as a female artist shaped your perspective on gender and creativity?
It has made me much more sensitive to the fact that it is not easy for anyone out here! Every one is constantly dealing with a lot of insecurities, trying to hustle, stay sane and stay creative at the same time — both men and women. However, being a woman there are other issues you have to deal with For example, women in music are often not taken seriously as composers or lyricists. It is assumed that if a woman is a musician, she must be a singer, not a composer or songwriter. There is also immense pressure to look glamorous on stage and in videos. These outdated notions force women to fit into rigid roles. But the world is changing. The key is to embrace your individuality, own it fearlessly and stay true to your art. That’s all that matters.
Your work revives the words of renowned poets through music. Is there a particular poem that speaks to the experience of womanhood?
Kaifi Azmi’s Aurat always comes to mind:
Beyond this, contemporary poets like Anamika, Jacinta Kerketta and Babusha Kohli, as well as the poetry of Vinod Kumar Shukla, speak to universal human experiences beyond class, creed and gender. Their words shake your soul and change the way you see the world.
The dotara is not a widely played instrument, especially by women. What does it mean to you to reclaim and redefine its space in contemporary music?
A lot of Indian music instruments are becoming extinct, as live music in general is getting replaced by electronic music very rapidly. However, you cannot exactly replace a live instrument as it is a living creature, it breathes, it has its own moods, emotions and soul. Dotara is not just an instrument for me, it is something like an extension to my body when I sing and therefore inseparable from my music.
On this Women’s Day, what message would you like to give to young women struggling to find their voice, whether in music, poetry or life in general?
There are much more avenues today to display/distribute your work. On the Internet, it’s very easy to get likes or views now to but still difficult to create a sustainable revenue stream out of it. So I would just say that whatever art you pursue, avoid shortcuts in it to get famous or achieve success quickly-invest in yourself, in your training and practising your art even if it takes years and then go all out to explore technology and all the other avenues to pursue your goals.
Saskia’s Journey with the Cello
Saskia Rao is a musician who speaks through the strings of her cello, bringing Indian and Western classical music together in a way that feels both natural and groundbreaking. With deep emotion and a quiet determination, she has redefined how the cello is heard in India, making it sing with the soul of a sitar and the depth of a sarod.
As a woman playing the cello in Indian classical music, which is not very common, when did you realise this was your path?
Was it an instant connection or a gradual process? I realised my path in music when I was around 12 years old. I loved playing the cello and knew this was what I wanted to do for life. My connection to Indian classical music came later when I studied music and encountered a class on it. I was especially drawn to the Dhrupad style. The combination of strict structure and complete freedom of expression in Indian classical music fascinated me. Over the next ten years, I immersed myself in this world, earning the freedom to express through rigorous practice. The connection was instant, but my decision to pursue it professionally over Western classical music came gradually.
Did you face resistance or doubt while pursuing something unconventional?
As an artist, doubt is necessary; it pushes you to work harder. However, as a woman and a non-Indian in this field, I had to learn not to make people’s prejudices make me doubt myself. My growth comes from my Gurus, peers and audience, not from societal bias. Over 35 years, I’ve been grateful for all experiences, as they shape me both as a person and an artist. Instead of ignoring doubt, I try to understand the lesson behind it before releasing it.
Can you share a moment when you saw the true impact of your music?
I am humbled by the emotional responses from my audience. One moment that stands out is when an elderly man in Maihar, who had heard all the greats, touched his head to my hands in tears and said, "Who says Saraswati is only Indian?" Another was at IIM Shillong, where we held a Silence Concert. We had students switch off their phones, refrain from applause and experience music from silence to silence. Many had never heard classical music before, yet they were deeply connected with it. These moments remind me that music is not just a performance but a transformative experience.
If you could change one thing for women in classical music, what would it be?
Despite the progress made by female classical musicians, we still operate in a patriarchal structure. I wish for women not to feel pressured to play roles but to focus on their personal journey. From childhood, women are taught that prioritising themselves is selfish. But when we play roles instead of being our true selves, we lose ourselves. Today, we have strong female role models in Indian classical music who inspire young artists to embrace their true selves.