Arjun Kanungo: Marathi music was an unexplored space for me

After a period of quiet reinvention, Arjun Kanungo is back—this time through an unexpected doorway. The singer-composer’s latest work for the Marathi web series Ekaki marks his first foray into Marathi music, led by the track Porancha Ranga. For Kanungo, the project represents experimentation, recovery, and a deliberate shift in how, and why, he makes music.A First in MarathiKanungo says the decision to compose in Marathi came from a restless creative phase. “The last couple of years have been deeply experimental for me — across languages, genres, and soundscapes, and also in terms of personal growth as an artist,” he explains. “Marathi music was an unexplored space for me and I felt like the right opportunity to try something entirely new.”The brief itself encouraged boldness. “Ashish (Chanchlani) wanted something that sounded local and crazy,” Kanungo says. Long interested in blending electronic textures with street percussion, he found the perfect opening. Collaborating for the first time with Umesh Gawli and Siddhant Bhosle, he describes the experience simply: “It was fun.”Soundtracking Horror With HumourThe original soundtrack of Ekaki reflects the tonal duality of the show, a horror comedy that swings between tension and absurdity. “The sound of the OST came from a mix of where I am creatively and what the show demanded,” Kanungo says. “The music needed to move between fun and tension without taking itself too seriously.”That push and pull shapes the album. Tracks like Porancha Ranga and Market tap into a playful, high-energy Marathi sensibility, while Kehne Ko Kya Raha moves in a darker direction. “It’s more cinematic and moody, with a big indie feel,” he adds.Returning Without Chasing OutcomesKanungo’s reappearance through a web-series OST, rather than a mainstream album or film song, is intentional. After a long gap in releases, he is clear about his priorities. “At this stage, I’m trying to live fully rather than chase outcomes,” he says. “Success matters, but so does growth — personal and artistic.”The last two years, he notes, were spent refining his craft. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on my singing and songwriting, so that when I return, I have something more meaningful to offer.” Experience, he believes, fuels authenticity. “Artists can’t tell stories they haven’t lived. Levelling up my mind, body, and perspective has been essential.”Building Quietly, Building GloballyWhile Kanungo stayed largely out of the spotlight, his work continued behind the scenes through the independent music company he has been building with a small team. “What we’ve created has grown gradually, through consistent work rather than big breakthroughs,” he says.Today, he collaborates with over 50 writers and composers worldwide and has contributed to more than 250 songs. The company recently launched a distribution service for independent musicians and is expanding its music publishing relationships. After launching the company in Japan last year, the team is now exploring South Korea as its next international base.Several international projects are already out, including music videos shot in Tokyo. And the long-rumoured collaboration with A. R. Rahman did materialise. “The collaboration with A. R. Rahman also materialised,” Kanungo confirms. “While I have been out of the public eye, intentionally, the work has not stopped.” Recovery, Resilience and a ResetA hip fracture in 2023 forced Kanungo into an extended break from releasing music and reshaped his life. “The first year was undeniably difficult,” he admits. Recovery became a full-time commitment. “I spent close to a year in physical therapy and the gym just to regain basic movement — to walk and run normally again.”The outcome, he says, has been transformative. “Today, I’m more than fully recovered and in the best physical shape of my life.” He laughs about an unexpected side effect: “I’ve probably developed a mild powerlifting addiction — but I’ll take that trade-off!”Looking Ahead to 2026The period of recovery also reset his creative compass. “2025 has been a year of reset — physically, mentally, and creatively,” Kanungo says. Free from public deadlines, he focused on preparation and experimentation. “Ekaki feels like the closing chapter of that exploratory phase.” What comes next will be more deliberate. “What’s coming in 2026 is far more intentional, focused, and aligned,” he says. “I’m taking my time, but I’m building towards something significant.”