A new film titled ‘Her Song’ premiered at the Cinequest Film Festival, showcasing the artistic journey of Archana Raghuraman, an immigrant tech professional and trained Carnatic vocalist.
The film “Her Song” premiered on March 10, 2023, as the opening night feature at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California. The film, which blends visual storytelling with a music-driven emotional climax, stars Kalki Koechlin in her French-English debut. The narrative follows an American writer in the French Pyrenees as she uncovers her grandmother’s past of fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris.
At the core of the film’s music is Archana Raghuraman, known professionally as Arch, a New Jersey-based entrepreneur and software engineer who has carved a niche in the intersection of technology and music. Arch, trained in Carnatic music, integrates Indian classical traditions with Western styles, marking a significant milestone in her diverse career.
Background and Journey
Born in Chennai and raised in Hyderabad, Arch moved to the United States in 2013 to pursue an MBA at Drexel University after earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering in India. Prior to her artistic endeavors, she worked at Google for nearly five years in product management before transitioning into venture capital in New York’s financial district. Despite her corporate career, she maintained a strong foundation in music, holding a bachelor’s degree in classical music.
Arch reflects on her journey, stating, “I’ve never left my roots, and I just wanted to bring it to the U.S. because now I live here.” Her return to music was catalyzed by the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during early motherhood, which prompted a significant creative shift.
Creative Catalyst During COVID-19
“The catalyst for my creative foray was the isolation of early motherhood during the COVID-19 lockdown,” she explained. Arch noted that after the birth of her second child, she sought ways to channel her energy, leading to a reconnection with music. She expressed how the lack of support during the lockdown made it overwhelming for immigrant families and emphasized the importance of expressing oneself through art.
This creative resurgence led to the establishment of TheONCompany, a venture focused on utilizing music and technology for wellness, alongside its digital initiative CarnaticON, which aims to modernize Indian classical music. Arch stated, “We aim to build digital-first ecosystems that are rooted in preserving traditions, yet constantly innovating for relevance.”
Social Media and Industry Connections
Arch’s growing presence on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, played a crucial role in her burgeoning music career. “When I started putting out a lot of videos on Instagram, new opportunities came my way,” she noted, highlighting how composer Chandan Saxena’s outreach led to her first movie song recording.
Her collaboration with music label Saregama further increased her visibility, eventually leading to her involvement in “Her Song.” Producer Eléa Clair sought an Indian singer-songwriter to complement the film’s global narrative, which Arch described as a pivotal moment in her artistic journey. “Eléa Clair reached out to me, saying that she wanted an Indian singer-songwriter for her film,” she recalled.
Musical Contribution to ‘Her Song’
The song she contributed to the film merges Carnatic classical elements with Western jazz, encapsulating Arch’s identity as an Indian American artist. Collaborating with co-composer Dhruv Goel, Arch crafted an instrumental arrangement that aligns with the film’s emotional tone. “When it is in the context of a film, you have certain scenes that are given to you, and your song has to fit that vibe,” she explained.
The track features prominently during the film’s end credits, a placement Arch likened to a common Hollywood tradition. “Typically, they have a full film, and then in the end, when the credits are going on, they’ll play a major song,” she noted. Furthermore, Arch emphasized her work on the film as a tribute to its executive producer, James Ivory, renowned for his collaborations with the late Ismail Merchant.
A Reflection on Artistic Recognition
Arch perceives the opportunity to contribute to “Her Song” as a culmination of her efforts rather than a conventional pursuit of fame. “I’m not a conventional artist,” she said. “This feels like a reward for all the hustle and the hard work.” She also views her success as part of a broader legacy of Indian artists gaining international recognition, citing the influence of renowned figures such as M. S. Subbulakshmi and Priyanka Chopra. “Indians have always been on the global map,” she asserted. “I take inspiration from all the people who have done it before me.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Arch aims to continue creating bilingual and multilingual music that reflects the immigrant experience. “I want to continue down this path of creating bilingual music,” she expressed, envisioning this as a signature aspect of her artistic identity.
