Valentine’s Day: New Music and Events To Check Out
From pop artist Akasa to composer-producer duo Abhimanyu-Pragya and shows in Bengaluru and Mumbai, here are the lovefests on our radar
Valentine’s Day 2025 brings new music from Abhimanyu-Pragya (far left), plus must-attend concerts including Candlelight Concerts and Vasu Raina in Bengaluru. Photos: Courtesy of the artists
Ragini Tandan, Shwetang Shankar – “Maana”
Among the most common themes to come up on Valentine’s Day is the one dedicated to all long-distance lovers. “Maana,” a gentle, electronic-informed song by artists Ragini Tandan and Shwetang Shankar, takes the joyous, hopeful tone to the universal feelings of distance. With lyrics by Shiv Tandan and a split-screen music video directed by Saima Khan, there’s plenty of perspective in the mix. The artists say in a description for the video, “The track beautifully captures the longing, reassurance, and quiet joy of a love that stays strong despite the miles in between. The lyrics feel like a whispered promise, a gentle reminder that true connections don’t fade — they only grow stronger.”
Akasa, Karan Tara & Saranya Sharma – “Kar Mohabbat.AI”
As part of MTV Beats’ Valentine’s Day celebrations, they call on pop artist and singer Akasa, plus singers Karan Tara and Saranya Sharma in a love song “Kar Mohabbat.AI” for the current times. With shimmering, funky production from Rawnak and music composed by Aasa Singh, Akasa, Tara and Sharma’s Gen-Z and Gen Alpha-laden lyrics by Shayra Apoorva are pretty much directed towards the younger (and possibly more confused) lot in the dating pool, heaping on plenty of appropriate lexicon.
Abhimanyu-Pragya – “Ghar”
Composer and producer duo Abhimanyu-Pragya craft a straightforward song about longing with their Hindi love song “Ghar.” Adding elements as they go along with a waltzy flair, the swaying song is about a safe space within love. The artists say in a statement, “We wanted to create a song that feels like a warm embrace—something that reminds you of home, safety and love. Waltz has a timeless quality and bringing it into the indie space felt like the perfect way to capture this emotion.”
Vasu Raina
The Yard, Whitefield, Bengaluru
Feb. 14, 2025, 8 pm onwards
Get tickets here.
New Delhi-based singer-songwriter Vasu Raina will bring in Valentine’s Day with his slick, soulful tunes at Whitefield, Bengaluru’s eclectic new venue, The Yard. The venue says in a statement, “Known for his unique blend of folk, soul, and contemporary compositions, Vasu’s music speaks to the soul, exploring themes of self-discovery and offering reflective insights on the human experience.”
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
Sir M.V. Auditorium, Bengaluru
Feb. 14, 2025, 5 pm onwards
Get details here.
Candlelight Concerts has been a big draw in India ever since the intimate gig series had its debut a few years ago. On Valentine’s Day, this setting becomes even more apt to enjoy tributes. Pianist Raj Tamhankar will perform soundtracks from romantic classic movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Romeo and Juliet, and more at the M.V. Auditorium.
Celebrate Bandra ft W.i.S.H, Folk Masti
Mainstage, Carter Road Promenade, Mumbai
Feb. 14, 2025, 7 pm onwards
RSVP for free entry.
Among the most regular and beloved music, art and culture festivals taking place in Bandra, Mumbai, the Celebrate Bandra Festival’s mainstage on Carter Road promenade will light up on Valentine’s Day for two very diverse acts. Folk act Folk Masti will be on stage first, sharing songs bearing life’s perspectives and more. Soon after, girl group W.i.S.H will be bringing their high-energy pop set to the stage.
Love Songs from New Orleans: The Romance of Jazz ft Charu Suri
Feb. 14, 2025, 7 pm onwards
Royal Opera House, Mumbai
Get tickets here
Pianist and composer Charu Suri heads to Royal Opera House for a special set on Valentine’s Day that’s arguably for all the jazz lovers. Bringing in songs from New Orleans jazz, Suri – best known for her raga jazz style – will be joined by vocalist Sharmi Surianarain, bassist Shashank Das and drummer Arjun Chakraborty. A description for the event says, “The performance will offer a beautiful fusion of jazz, Indian ragas, and Sufi influences, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.”
Letters of Love 7
Sunken Garden, NCPA, Mumbai
Feb. 14, 2025, 7:30 pm
Get tickets here.
It’s not just concerts that are rolling out the carpet for attendees on Valentine’s Day, but also the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai with their theater productions. Letters of Love 7 is a play featuring actors such as Nikhil Katara, Kyla D’Souza and Ajinkya Ovhal among others, centered on the journey of Cupid “who suddenly finds himself struck by love.” In this change of roles, Cupid navigates love, with all its struggles and challenges, especially when it comes to finding the right words. A description for the event adds, “With the help of a postman, he embarks on a journey through time, exploring love letters from different eras. Through these heartfelt expressions, he learns how lovers across generations have poured their emotions into words, discovering the courage to write what his heart longs to say.”
