Mangli’s name is synonymous with music. Satyavathi Chauhan sets the stage on fire every time she starts to croon in her powerful melodious voice. A trained Indian classical spiritual, traditional and folk singer, Mangli was born in Gooty, Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. Currently based in Hyderabad, she has crossed 3 billion + hits on YouTube. Not just that, she has won many awards and accolades including the Best Playback Singer-Female, SIIMA 2023 and others.

She recently performed in front of the Prime Minister Narendra Modiji and other esteemed dignitaries and was also invited to be a part of the Mysore Dasara performances alongside some of the country’s top-notch singers. She has also performed for Bathukamma at the World Famous Times Square in New York with Mayor Eric Adams in audience and at New Jersey’s Mayor Sam Joshi’s invitation who hosted the Diwali Bash representing India internationally.

Mangli also performed at the Global Spirituality Mahotsav in Kanha and performed at Isha Mahashivaratri to a rousing reception. She has made her mark in various film industries including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Banjara, Hindi, Tulu and Marathi. She has several hits to her credit including songs like Saranga Dariya in Telugu to Oo Anthiya Oo Oo Anthiya in Kannada to various chart-bursting hits in other languages. Her younger sister, Indravathi Chauhan, sang the hit song Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava from the movie Pushpa: The Rise with Samantha Prabhu dancing to the music on screen. Mangli has also acted in movies like Swecha, Guvva Gorinka and Maestro, besides several television shows.

Mangli graduated from S.V College of Music and Dance, specialising in Carnatic Music. Hailing from the Banjara community, she rose to upper echelons in the entertainment industry purely through her talent. Here’s Mangli in an exclusive candid interview on her musical journey.

What role did music play in your early years?
Music helped me shape who I am today, as a person. It paved way for a lot of things including introducing me to so many people and places, that I believe are close to my heart now.

What drew you to join the music industry?
I’ve always been very interested in music and dance since my childhood. The very urge to be a part of music led me to the music industry.

Who inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry?
My guru.

Where did you learn music?
SV College of Music and Dance, Tirupati.

What’s the story behind your stage name?
It’s my grandmother’s name which I picked up and instantly became well known.

Would you like to recall your first performance? Also please share your some interesting highlights from your journey?
My first performance will always be a memorable one in my life. There are so many learnings to take from it and now, when I look back, it helps me become better as a person and as an artist as well. Biggest high points have been performing in front of a large audience of over 10,000 people in the US who were crooning along with me. Also, performing at the world famous Mysuru Palace during Dasara, 2022 and recently again in October 2024.

How did you also become an actor and how has the experience been?
I believe music and dance are related to acting, as they are forms of expressions as well, other than for entertainment. So, acting comes naturally to me and it was a good feeling to be a part of the industry.

How would you describe your music style?
My music style is, earthy and fresh which connects with everyone – from a village goer to millennials all over the world.

Can you recall the recordings of your popular songs Saranga Dariya, Vaadu Nadipe Bandi, Ramuloo Ramulaa and Oo Anthiya?
I do recall all of them. Working on each song with the respective music director has been a very interesting and fun experience as what each person would bring to the table would be different from the rest and I’m sure their persona also influences the whole act of music creation.

Which musician do you admire the most, and why?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab, for his versatility and the way he has influenced the world of music through his voice.

If you could convey one message to your fans, what would it be?
I love them all and am thankful for them in my life. I am here because of all their love and encouragement.

How has your musical style evolved since the beginning of your career?
It did evolve in terms of my stage performances. From performing on a regular stage to performing at festivals, I feel, I’ve come a long way.

Can you tell us more about the music industry in South India and how it has evolved?
Music in South India and for that matter all over is always evolving. With new collaborations between artists locally and internationally and also due to the advent of the Internet and the social media, our music is now global.

You were a crowd puller at the recent Global Spirituality Mahotsav. How was your experience there and do you also practice meditation?
Thanks for that. My experience at the Global Spirituality Mahotsav has been incredible. My humble pranaams to Shri. Daaji (Kamlesh Patel) for inviting and my band to perform, as well know how important spirituality is for each one us. I feel blessed and honoured to have been a part of such a big global congregation. I am a spiritual person and I engage in a lot of spiritual activities and also visit temples and seek blessings of the gurus.

What is your daily riyaaz schedule? What are you currently working on?
I do practice, whenever I get time from my busy schedule. It helps me build on my creativity and voice further. I am currently working on a couple of my original songs which I pursue independently and also a few film songs are in the offing.

Rapid fire
Your favourite outfit?
Something very laidback and comfortable like pyjamas and tees at home as I’m usually dressed up in a traditional attire when I’m making public appearances.

Gym or yoga?
Gym

Straight hair, tied up or wavy hair?
Tied hair

Your favourite cuisine?
Andhra food.

Top 5 things you always carry in your handbag?
Phone, perfume, paper napkins, shades and sunscreen.

Your favourite singer?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Reshma Rathod.

Favourite food?
Telugu Cuisine.

Most memorable performance?
Mysuru Palace 2024 Dasara. Also ISHA foundation and Global Spirituality Mahotsav.