WHO IS BAWARI?
Mahima Dayal, professionally known as Bawari Basanti बावरी बसन्ती, is an independent storyteller and musician from India who creates music based on her conversations with beings of all shapes and sizes. Through these conversations, she uncovers philosophies and perspectives, exploring what it means to be oneself.
Bawari's journey as a solo artist began in 2014 when she released music with her duo Basanti aur Woah. She has since collaborated with notable artists and released several original tracks, including Chalein Kahin, Kya Bolein, and Izehar. Her debut EP, Underwater, was released in 2018, and she announced her sophomore EP, Aarzoo, during her tour across India in 2021.
Bawari started to learn music at the young age of nine, when her grandmother, late Smt. Lalita Dayal would take classes for classical music in their family home. A culturally rich environment at home provided the foundation for her art and later, she studied Hindustani Music at Prayaag Sangeet Samiti (2009-2012) and further, at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (2013-14/15).
Bawari has performed on prestigious stages for independent and folk art, such as the Jodhpur Riff Festival, The Mauritius Music Expo, HCL Concerts, and VH1 Supermoon. She was also selected as a OneBeat Virtual Fellow in 2022 on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and appointed as Jodhpur RIFF's artist for the commission 'Unearthed.' Her other notable stints in the OTT world include ‘Thirak Thirak’, an original soundtrack in collaboration with composer Sarvesh Shrivastava and Sahej Bakshi, part of the Sony Liv series, Good Bad GirL. ‘Shola’, an original composition, collaboration with Vaibhav Bundoo heard in the Timeliners Series, Sonu's Beauty Parlour and a soundtrack for Voot’s original show, Baked Season 2.
In addition to her music career, Bawari has composed and produced music for various brands and contributed to philanthropic activities through pro bono shows and campaigns. She directed and produced the musical Dilli Ke Dil Se, staged at The Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, in November 2022 to raise funds and awareness to empower underprivileged girls studying with the Prajana Foundation.
Her latest release, 'Tu Haina,' is an ode to female long-distance friendships and their true worth. While her next single, due to be released on May 14th is an empowering tune, to unite all mothers and daughters to come together and make their dreams come true. Bawari's music and storytelling offer a unique perspective on life, art, and culture, inspiring audiences worldwide.