There’s ‘different’, and then there’s Geetu Hinduja. A Mumbai-based singer-songwriter whose music video Sisterhood is making waves on the worldwide circuit, the 56 year-old says, in many ways, the song mirrors her own life. Co-written with a friend, the single celebrates womanhood, and the sense of empathy and compassion women have towards each other. Rachna Virdi caught up with the elegant musician with her signature chic silver crop, who is having the time of her life.

What gave rise to the video Sisterhood?

Last year, five of us did a bunch of concerts called ‘Girls and Guitars’. We were all very different but, as women, there was a strong bond between us. During the concerts, one of the singers, Kelli Eagan from Boston, and I wrote a song together. We called it Sisterhood and sang it at the end of every concert. Later, I got some more musicians, tweaked it a little and launched it on YouTube, MTV and VH1 on International Women’s Day (8 March) this year.

What was the idea behind the video?

The video comes from the space that is my history—the kind of life I have led and the concerns I’ve had. I have grown up in a woman-centric family and spent a lot of time with women. We are four siblings; three of us are sisters. After marriage, I had sisters-in-law. I also have three daughters. To some extent, I find women far more interesting than men as they have an interesting way of resolving problems and overcoming difficulties. There are amazing stories about the grit and resilience they exhibit.

A collaboration of different musicians… what was the energy like working together?

Yes, it was a collaboration of eight fabulously talented women. Apart from me, there’s Vivienne Pocha, an established Indie musician who sings for Bollywood occasionally; Vasuda Sharma, Shubhangi Joshi and Alisha Pais, all three unique powerhouses who are singer-songwriters and play various instruments, ranging from the ukulele to electric guitar; Nandini Shankar, an accomplished violinist; Mynah Marie who plays the accordion and the keyboards; and Naama, who plays the drums.

What does Sisterhood aim to achieve?

The video aims at bonding between women from all over the world. A woman is able to understand or empathise with another woman much more than someone from another sex. Ultimately, empathy, compassion, generosity and sharing of space go a long way.

Tell us about your romance with music.

I’ve been singing for 30 years and have played the guitar for an almost equal number of years. I got into music when I was a teenager but in an irreverent and unfocussed manner and never took it into a professional arena. After my marriage and second daughter, I studied the guitar once again and continued to do some online courses in Hindustani classical music to evolve on my own. Later, I got into art consultancy but music was always my first love and I found my way back into music.

What inspires you in life?

I get inspired by people and their stories. Period. I love listening to interesting stories of humans, their lives, how they survived and what drove them—that inspires me.

What’s next for you?

Music. I’ve just finished doing a new EP [extended play] called About time.

Photo courtesy: Geetu Hinduja
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
October 2016