There is a saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” And Anamika Pandey’s life is a true reflection of this saying. Born amidst the rhythm of Sur and Taal, her mornings were filled with new melodies, and her nights were spent listening to the lullabies sung by her Nani. Anamika was born in 1989, and from an early age, she was surrounded by music. Her mother, Urmila Pandey, was not only her first guru but also her biggest inspiration. Anamika recalls growing up listening to her mother and Nani sing traditional songs, which became the foundation of her love for music.
Anamika shares how her Nani’s lullabies shaped her earliest memories. She fondly remembers being cradled in her lap while her Nani sang the traditional Bundeli song, “Sharan gayi ki, rakho mori laaj.” Even today, she hums this tune, cherishing the vivid memories of her childhood. She describes how these songs were more than melodies—they were lessons in culture and heritage passed down from one generation to the next. When we first spoke to her, it felt like we had known her for ages. Our connection felt as natural as a family in just a couple of conversations.
When we set out to meet her in Chhatarpur, there was an undeniable excitement, mixed with a little nervousness. But as soon as we met her, all our worries disappeared. Her smile was so warm and inviting that it filled us with new energy. The location was Jhanjhan Mata Temple, nestled in the hills, and though the path to it was a little challenging, there was no change in Anamika’s calm demeanor or the brightness of her smile. Even in the intense midday sun, she remained unaffected. After a short wait, we began the recording.
Her first song was a Dadra, with the lyrics, “mein toh sapran gyi belataal akeli, boonda machhariya le gayi,” which instantly made everyone sway with the rhythm. The playful mischief in the song echoed Anamika’s voice, perfectly blending with the lively tune. Her second song was a Rawla Vidha, typically performed at weddings, with lyrics that told the story of a woman’s day-to-day life: “Sughar naar paniya kha jave dohi roz.” It beautifully captured the essence of a woman’s life, and Anamika’s voice brought it to life with such grace.
Her childhood home was always alive with music. Anamika recalls sitting down to study only to hear her mother singing while teaching her students upstairs. Drawn to the sound, she would often abandon her books to lose herself in the rhythm and melodies. By the time she was a young girl, she had already memorized several Ragas. Her Mama, the late Deshraj Pateria, recognized her potential early on and encouraged her to hone her skills. Under his guidance, she learned the nuances of music and later pursued a formal education, completing her master’s degree in the subject.
In her team, there were two girls, Bhumika and Anamika Tiwari, both of whom had received training from Anamika and Urmila Pandey. Through conversations with Bhumika and Anamika Tiwari, we learned how they were being mentored under Anamika Pandey’s guidance and how much they were inspired by her. Mahendra, the Dholak player in the team, shared that he had been involved with music for nearly 15 years and had performed on many big stages alongside Anamika Ji.
Anamika Pandey’s son is also part of her musical journey, and she dreams of him following in her footsteps, immersing himself in music as he grows. Through our talks, it became clear that Anamika strives to connect the younger generation to Bundeli music, guiding them to return to their roots and rediscover the rich heritage of their culture. Her journey began with listening to the folk songs and lullabies sung by her Nani, and her mother, Urmila Pandey, became her teacher. It was Urmila Ji who entrusted Anamika with the responsibility of carrying forward this musical legacy, and Anamika has been fulfilling this role with grace and commitment.
Anamika’s journey is not just about music; it’s about keeping a cultural tradition alive and passing it on with love and dedication. She has made it her mission to teach Bundeli folk music to the younger generation, to make them appreciate the beauty of their roots. Her work continues to inspire and connect generations, as she beautifully carries forward the legacy that was passed down to her, never losing sight of the importance of her culture.
Through her music, Anamika hopes to inspire others to value and preserve their heritage. Anamika believes that originality is key to creating a unique identity in music. Her mother, Urmila, always encouraged her to compose her tunes. Her journey, from learning lullabies on her Nani’s lap to guiding new talents in her academy, is a testament to her love for Bundeli folk music. With every performance, she continues to keep the spirit of this vibrant tradition alive
