Swaras of journey

Amruta Kolatkar reflects on music, balancing corporate leadership and artistic passion and her digital popularity

- Saachi Shinde

Amruta Kolatkar, a classically trained vocalist, digital-first artist, and senior APAC Administration & Operations leader at an IT firm in Pune, seamlessly bridges the precision of corporate leadership with the sensitivity of a performing artist.

Trained from the age of five in the Kirana gharana under Dr. Shailatai Pandit, with additional guidance in the Gwalior tradition from Usha Chiplunkar, she carries a deep-rooted musical foundation. Pandemic became a turning point, drawing her back to music and a growing digital presence. With more than 24 million views to her single, Amruta has arrived.

Excerpts from the interview:

What does music mean to you personally?

For me, music is far more than a passion or profession; it is a way of experiencing life. It transcends language and connects directly with our emotions. In the Indian tradition, concepts like Naad, Sur, and Laya remind us that music is about harmony, expression, and inner experience. As a student, I focused on learning from my gurus and understanding how great musicians expressed emotions through their art. Over time, the journey shifted from imitation to self-discovery—from asking, “How was this sung?” to “What do I want to express?” Today, I see music not as a pursuit of perfection, but as a medium for connection and expression.

You began classical training at the age of five but stepped away while building a corporate career.

I began classical training at the age of five, and music was always a part of my life. However, as my corporate career grew, my focus shifted, and performances took a back seat. The pandemic changed my perspective. It reminded me how fragile and unpredictable life can be and made me reflect on the things we often postpone for “someday.” I realised that if we are blessed with a gift, we have a responsibility to share it.