Natania Lalwani: Breaking Borders, One Global Hit At A Time
Blending Punjabi soul with global pop, Natania Lalwani is reshaping the soundscape of mainstream music—one cross-cultural hit at a time.
From Mumbai to Los Angeles, from Punjabi beats to Hollywood soundtracks, Natania Lalwani is crafting a musical universe where culture meets pop magic with Rihanna, Disney, and even the Smurfs along for the ride.
For Natania Lalwani, music isn't just about melodies, it's about emotion, connection, and fearlessly crossing borders. With songwriting credits for global heavyweights like Nick Jonas, Rihanna, Cardi B, and now a coveted spot on the Freaky Friday reboot soundtrack, the Indian-born, LA-based pop singer-songwriter is making waves that resonate far beyond genre or geography.
'I've always believed that music breaks all borders," Natania shares. 'No matter the market or style, at the heart of it, we're all trying to create something that moves people." Whether she's writing a vulnerable breakup ballad or crafting a joy-filled tune for The Smurfs, Natania's north star is authenticity and it shows.
Repping Brown on the Global Stage
With a powerful voice both on and off the mic, Natania is part of a larger movement redefining South Asian representation in global entertainment. 'There's a growing respect and curiosity for South Asian voices," she says, beaming with pride. 'We're not just showing up, we're leading." She cites names like Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla as evidence of this shift, and her own career is a prime example: from viral desi-pop fusions to writing platinum-certified tracks for artists like Armaan Malik, Natania's discography reflects a bold, borderless sound.
A Disney Dream, Reimagined
Her latest milestone? Freaky Friday, Disney's reboot of the iconic film. 'It was a full circle moment," she says. 'My A&R sent in the song, and Disney loved it." A creative call with director Nisha Ganatra sealed the deal. The track itself, born from a serendipitous studio session with Jason Evigan, carries layers of heartbreak and hope. 'I was going through a breakup and just poured it all into the song," she laughs. 'It somehow matched the film's energy perfectly. It was fate!"
Smurfs, Soundtracks, and Surreal Moments
Then came The Smurfs. Her track 'Higher Love" brings a vibrant Punjabi-pop flavor to the animated film's international soundtrack. 'I grew up in Mumbai watching movies like this—it felt so far away," she reflects. 'To now be part of something global and still so personal, that's everything." The blue carpet premiere only added to the magic. 'Hearing my song, meeting Rihanna, it was electric!"
Bridging Cultures, Finding Her Frequency
Throughout it all, Natania's mission has remained clear: fuse her Indian heritage with the universal language of pop. 'It's like finding my own unique frequency," she says. 'It's heart-expanding. It makes me feel fully, authentically me." And fans have noticed, her work doesn't just blend cultures, it celebrates them.
The Rahman Dream and What's Next
When asked about a dream collaboration, her answer is instant: A.R. Rahman. 'It would be something timeless but fresh. Something that lives forever," she says. And while she stays tight-lipped about specifics, she teases more music on the horizon, with the Freaky Friday soundtrack dropping August 8.
As for the buzz around her recent studio time with Rahman? She calls it 'a pinch-me moment." No surprise, most of her journey seems like one, the kind artists dream of but few actually live.
But for Natania Lalwani, this is just the beginning.
Caption:
From The Smurfs to Freaky Friday, Natania Lalwani is India's rising pop force taking Hollywood by storm.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl...Read More
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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August 03, 2025, 19:05 IST
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