As he embarks on an exciting new chapter with a new poetry collection, an immersive live tour and fresh music, Navin Kundra reflects on family, purpose and the experiences that continue to shape his remarkable journey.

Few artists manage to balance longevity with continual reinvention quite like Navin Kundra. Over two decades, he has become one of British Asian music’s most recognisable voices while remaining grounded in the values that first inspired him to pursue his dreams.

For more than two decades, Navin Kundra has been one of the defining voices of British Asian music. From performing before 60,000 people at Wembley Stadium and breaking a Guinness World Record with Mehbooba, to entertaining King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St James’s Palace, his career has been filled with remarkable milestones. Yet, despite the accolades, success has never been the destination. Instead, it has become the foundation for continual growth.

As he prepares for the next chapter with Bollywood Candlelight, his debut poetry collection The Light Within and new music, Navin reflects on the moments that have shaped both his career and his outlook on life.

The turning point came on his nineteenth birthday when he became the youngest contestant on the Sa Re Ga Ma World Series. Performing before legends including Ustad Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh and Shaan gave him the belief that music could become more than a dream.

“It gave me belief. For the first time, I realised this dream could genuinely become my career.”

Winning the BBC Asian Network Unsung competition soon afterwards opened new doors, leading to performances around the world and establishing him as one of Britain’s leading British Asian artists.

Despite those achievements, Navin insists his success has always been a family effort.

“Building me into the singer and brand that I am today has always been a real home team family effort. My dad especially has been my greatest support, and my mum and sister have been with me through it all. It takes an army to build a powerful career, and I’m incredibly grateful that mine has always been rooted in my family. Everything I’ve achieved has happened because of the people who believed in me before anyone else did.”

That support continues to keep him grounded, even as his career reaches new heights.

For Navin, consistency has always been the key to longevity. Rather than chasing trends, he focuses on continual growth, believing every project deserves the same care and commitment as the last.

Reflecting during South Asian Heritage Month, Navin explains, “Music became the bridge between my British upbringing and my South Asian roots.” He believes music has a unique ability to unite people across cultures and generations.

That philosophy extends beyond music and inspired his debut poetry collection, The Light Within, a deeply personal exploration of reflection, resilience and life’s quieter moments.

“We spend so much time scrolling and rushing through life that we’ve almost forgotten how valuable it is to pause.”

“I feel like we spend so much of our lives searching outside ourselves for answers. The Light Within is a poetic reminder that everything we need to heal, rise and begin again is already inside us.”

His latest live experience, Bollywood Candlelight, presented in partnership with CIA Events, was inspired after attending candlelit concerts with his wife, Jasmine.

“I remember looking around thinking, ‘Why doesn’t Bollywood have this?’”

Behind every new chapter is another source of inspiration: Jasmine.

“Jasmine is my muse, my best friend and the love of my life. We both have busy careers, but we’ve learned that love isn’t about finding more time. It’s about making the time. We work hard and play hard together, celebrate each other’s wins and support one another through the difficult moments. Even after ten years of marriage, I still find new reasons to fall in love with her, and she still finds ways to surprise me and make life more beautiful.

Love is the greatest success either of us will ever achieve.”

One unforgettable moment from the Bollywood Candlelight tour came in Newcastle, when the audience joined him in singing Maula Mere Maula. It reminded him why live performance remains so special, and he explained how spiritual the experience felt, surrounded by candlelight and singing inside a church.

Inspired by the values instilled by his parents, Navin continues to support organisations including the British Asian Trust and Silver Star, using his platform to encourage others to give back.

Even after two decades in the industry, Navin has no intention of slowing down. Alongside Bollywood Candlelight and The Light Within, he is preparing to release Hungama, a contemporary dance interpretation inspired by one of Ghulam Ali’s most celebrated ghazals. Alongside this, he has a new release coming out with producer Rishi Rich, Jaan Lo, which he says is the most romantic song he has ever written.

When asked where he hopes to be in five years, his answer is simple: “A sold-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall.”

Beyond the music, the performances and the accolades is an artist who remains deeply connected to the people and experiences that shaped him. Whether through song, poetry, philanthropy or live performance, Navin Kundra continues to create work with purpose.

As he enters this exciting new chapter, one thing feels certain. His story is not defined by what he has already achieved, but by everything that still lies ahead.

Quick Fire with Navin Kundra

Tea or coffee?
Tea

London or Mumbai?
London

Morning person or night owl?
Definitely a morning person these days

Kishore Kumar or Justin Bieber?
Kishore Kumar

Favourite Bollywood love song?
Tumhi Mere Mandir

Piano or guitar?
Both. That’s impossible to choose!

One artist you’d love to collaborate with?
Bruno Mars

One song you wish you’d written?
Feel by Robbie Williams

Favourite Bollywood film of all time?
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Sweet or spicy?
Spicy

What’s always in your tour bag?
Water… and a good cup of chai

Credits:

Creative direction and styling: @anishavasanicreates
Photography and videography: @omj.studio
Menswear outfits: @bibiman__
Hair & Make-up: @fatinhmakeup