MUMBAI: In honor of International Women's Day, let's have a look at the wondrous women currently active in the India music world. However, we cannot appreciate the present without acknowledging the past. Be it Gauhar Jaan, not just woman, but the first artiste to have recorded her performance or Jaddan Bai, Sarawasti Devi or Usha Khanna and Lata Mangeshkar, for paving ways for music composing to the newer generation of women. These women were courageous and busted myths in the music world. We at Radioandmusic give a big salute to all these women.

Monica Dogra

Indian-American singer, musician and actress Monica Dogra is, without any doubt, a force to reckon with. A part of Shaa'ir + Func since its inception in 2005, this powerhouse artist has also hosted four seasons of The Dewarists and judged The Stage. Her recent single See Me Now draws inspiration from a Dogri folk song and received a positive response. 

Vidya Vox

Queen of mashups, Indian-American YouTuber and singer Vidya Vox (Iyer) has taken the originals route of late and we couldn't be happier. Drawing inspiration from Western pop, Indian classical music and EDM beats, her work has drawn praise from the likes of Major Lazer and Hrithik Roshan. She was a recently seen in India's first YouTube originals, ARRived, on A.R. Rahman's channel.

Pragnya Wakhlu

Srinagar born and Pune raised singer-songwriter Pragnya Wakhlu's music magically introduces the world to the nuances of Kashmiri culture. Her album, Kahwa Speaks, bares testament to her talent - in fact, a song from this album, Katyuchuk My Love, earned her Bronze at this year's VIMA in the genre-bender song of the year category.

Amanda Sodhi

Washington, DC born singer-songwriter, lyricist and filmmaker Amanda Sodhi relocated to Mumbai in 2012. From translating several of Prasoon Joshi's lyrics from Hindi to English for his anthology Sunshine Lane, to releasing singles such as Behind My Sunglasses and Puppet Life that received Tweets from the likes of AR Rahman and Kalki Koechlin, Amanda's latest single - Takiye Pe Sar was in association with Drishyam Play. When feeling disheartened with harassment in the industry in Mumbai this brave songstress relocated to Kolkata in mid-2017 to give things another shot in a new location instead of giving up and moving back home. One of the few female lyricists in the industry, Amanda's penned lyrics for Sagar Desai for Zoya Akthar and Reema Kagti's series, Made In Heaven. 

Paloma Majumder

The refreshing voice behind tracks like Fly A Little Paloma Majumder of Paloma and Adil's work has garnered fans from all over India. Based in Kolkata, this amazing singer-songwriter's repertoire of originals is a must-add to any music buff's playlist. 

Kanchan Daniel 

Hailed as one of the next big things in India's Blues Rock scene, Kanchan Daniel's sultry vocals, powerful stage performances and outstanding songwriting skills make her an all-rounder, indeed. A trained clinical psychologist, Kanchan is a cancer survivor whose journey is nothing but inspiring. Catch her with her band, Kanchan Daniel and The Beards, and you're bound to be mesmerized. 

Maalavika Manoj

Known by her stage name Mali, music has been a part of Maalavika's life ever since her childhood days. From featuring in Dhanush's Sachin Anthem in 2012 to performing on Kappa TV to releasing a critically acclaimed five-track EP, Rush, her melancholic style of songs is endearing, indeed. She's also lent her gorgeous voice to Tamil feature films from time to time and major ad campaigns like the Siyaram ad featuring Ranveer Singh. 

Suyasha Sengupta 

Ganesh Talkies front-woman Suyasha Sengupta is better known as Plastic Parvati to fans around all of India. Winner of the prestigious Toto Music Award, this Kolkata based artist's album Songs About Lovers is a wonderful example of honest song writing on full display! 

Gowri Jayakumar 

Kozmi Cow, Pulpy Shilpy, Mama Kitty and Run Pussy Run, Gowri Jayakumar has as many musical names as her versatile style! Born in Trivandrum, raised in Delhi and now living in Pune, this ace singer-songwriter first picked up the guitar when she was 15. With a variety of songs under her belt, Gowri's talent transcends genres. 

Tipriti Kharbangar

Vocalist and guitarist of India's finest blues rock band Soulmate, Tipriti Kharbangar's journey as an Indian female blues artist is quite something! A powerhouse performer who lights up the stage with her presence and outstanding vocals, she has represented India at music festivals around the world. Even the likes of Carlos Santana found her music fabulous! 

Sneha Khawalkar

Sneha is an Indian music director who works in Hindi films and is best known for her score for the film, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and also for Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1 and 2. She earned a nomination in Filmfare Awards best music director category, exactly 28 years after Usha Khanna, the first woman to earn a nomination in the Filmfare category.