From Training Rooms to 100 Million Views: The Steady Rise of Singer Janhavi Yerram
When singer Janhavi Yerram recorded “Amma Paata” during the lockdown period, she did not expect the song to become one of the most-shared Telugu independent tracks in recent years. Today, the song has crossed 100 million views, and the young vocalist finds herself receiving appreciation from listeners across age groups.
Born in Mumbai and raised between Mumbai and Hyderabad, Janhavi grew up in a musically inclined family. She completed formal training in Hindustani classical music under Padma Bhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, a revered name in the field. Her mentors recall her as a consistent learner who balanced academics and practice with discipline.
“Amma Paata,” written by Mittapalli Surender, revolves around the universal experience of maternal affection. The lullaby-like composition slowly gained traction through organic shares, eventually finding a dedicated listener base beyond Telugu-speaking regions.
Reflecting on the journey, Janhavi says the song’s success changed her understanding of independent music.
“A lot of people see their own story in the song. That connection is what kept it alive for more than four years,” she said.
Janhavi has experimented with devotional, classical-influenced, and light contemporary compositions in languages including Telugu, Tamil, Marathi and Hindi. She continues to work on new material while performing at cultural events and digital concerts.
The 100-million milestone, several industry observers say, highlights the shift toward digital-first music discovery, where independent singers can build an audience without film backing. Janhavi’s journey is seen as part of this emerging trend.
Born in Mumbai and raised between Mumbai and Hyderabad, Janhavi grew up in a musically inclined family. She completed formal training in Hindustani classical music under Padma Bhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, a revered name in the field. Her mentors recall her as a consistent learner who balanced academics and practice with discipline.
“Amma Paata,” written by Mittapalli Surender, revolves around the universal experience of maternal affection. The lullaby-like composition slowly gained traction through organic shares, eventually finding a dedicated listener base beyond Telugu-speaking regions.
Reflecting on the journey, Janhavi says the song’s success changed her understanding of independent music.
“A lot of people see their own story in the song. That connection is what kept it alive for more than four years,” she said.
Janhavi has experimented with devotional, classical-influenced, and light contemporary compositions in languages including Telugu, Tamil, Marathi and Hindi. She continues to work on new material while performing at cultural events and digital concerts.
The 100-million milestone, several industry observers say, highlights the shift toward digital-first music discovery, where independent singers can build an audience without film backing. Janhavi’s journey is seen as part of this emerging trend.