Savi Kahlon, who became an overnight sensation after Apa Phir Milange, has shifted his base from New Zealand to India

There are times when we intend to talk about work, but end up having conversations that are filled with nostalgia and hope. It was one such conversation with Savi Kahlon, the new singing sensation in town… quite literally!

His viral hits, including Apa Phir Milange, Tere Naal Pyaar Maaye, have changed his life overnight. These songs clicked with millions because of the emotions they convey, and as for Savi Kahlon, his songs are a reflection of his journey. From the inspiration behind his music to experiences of moving from New Zealand to India and the struggles of building a life and career in a new land, Savi has some interesting anecdotes and learnings to share with us.

When asked about the genesis of his song Apa Phir Milange, Savi reveals, "When I first moved to New Zealand, I had a CD called Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars that played in my car all the time. The song is about someone longing for their partner, hoping to connect in another world. That sparked the idea for the song, a hope that we will meet again someday."

This hopefulness isn't tied to any personal experience for Savi; rather, it reflects a universal longing. "It was more like someone else's thought that clicked in my mind," he explains.

Savi initially shared his song on TikTok, where it didn’t gain much traction. But after posting it on Instagram, which was around this time last year… it took off and how! "I’m not sure how, but people connected with it, liked it, and it grew on its own." By December last year, his life had shifted dramatically as the song went viral.

He was still in New Zealand when his song became a superhit. And life in New Zealand, while beautiful, was initially filled with its own challenges. "I faced struggles there but also achieved my dreams," he shares and continues, “From having done small jobs in the beginning to establishing my own businesses, I was now living a rather comfortable life there.”

But then came the call… to be in India where his family lived and his musical dreams could thrive. Leaving New Zealand for India was a tough decision for Savi. "I was getting offers from musical labels. So, I had to decide whether I wanted to pursue singing just as a hobby or give it a real chance.”

And Savi followed his heart. “Opportunities like this don’t come often, and I thought to myself, I shouldn't let it slip away," he says.

The pull of family and dreams was strong, yet the transition was not without hesitations. Reflecting on his businesses in New Zealand, Savi mentions, "I was involved in movie production and had a café there." Though he had to step back, he has been grateful for the support of his team and family.

Changes were many after he became a known face. Navigating fame has been an emotional experience for Savi. "It feels amazing... when someone comes up to you, talks about your work, or says they’ve heard your song," he shares, expressing gratitude for the love and recognition.

All of his songs are based on his life situations, whether it’s Tere Naal Pyaar Maye or his recent hit Dil Ton Yaari or the latest Saheli, featuring rap by Sultaan. The first one he wrote while missing his mother and her care in New Zealand, another he wrote when he found a true friend in a faraway land. When he found the love of his life, came a romantic track too.

He writes from the heart, crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners, and he thinks, “Because I feel they share those similar backgrounds as mine and I give voice to their life stories too.”

With new projects on the horizon, Savi is excited about the future. "There are new songs coming out, and I have many big collaborations lined up," he teases. While so much has changed, one thing he says will be a constant. "I only sing the songs I write because I’m emotionally connected to them."

As Savi continues to understand the music industry, he remains grounded, driven by a desire to create meaningful connections through his art. For those who can relate to his story, "My message to everyone is, don’t just chase fame. If you know you have a talent, focus on starting small and let it evolve."

As our conversation wraps up, Savi reflects on the journey ahead, "The first call I got when I came back was from Mumbai. I received so many calls from labels, but the first artiste call was from Aparshakti Khurana. So, all I can say is that we will be working together and it’ll be something really special."