Over the past few years, Homegrown has nurtured a steadfast passion for music — from our monthly playlists where independent artists across genres find their first spotlight, to intimate feature interviews and round-table conversations that delve into their creative vision. We’ve unearthed history through deeply researched pieces on legends who’ve charted new paths — from vibrant Bollywood composers to experimental pioneers, and brought marginal voices into focus. Along the way, we’ve explored cross-cultural musical influences, new emerging subcultures and traced the evolution of music itself. Whether spotlighting soundscapes from small towns or the decoding hits, our archives have always been a modest mirror to India’s evolving sonic identity.
Now, after years of listening, curating, and amplifying, we’re ready forcthe next chapter. With the launch of Homegrown Music, we’re affirming our belief in the power of independent voices, roots-rich narratives, and boundary-pushing storytelling. This is an extension of the community we’ve been building — one that connects listeners, creators, and the many stories that live between them. There’s much to look forward to, so stay tuned. Here’s what we have for you this week.
'Behind The Ears' By Namya Chadha
'Behind The Ears is an intimate documentary that reflects on the lived experiences of individuals with hearing impairments. Through personal narratives of 3 women, it examines the nuances of sound, and identity, challenging stereotypes while highlighting the everyday negotiations of access and communication. The film offers a thoughtful portrayal of the sonic realities that hard of hearing individuals face among themselves and in society.
Watch its trailer here.
'Surfers Of Bulleji' By Shahbano Farid
Surfers of Bulleji is an emerging documentary project spotlighting a community-led surf culture in Bulleji, a coastal fishing village near Karachi. The film follows 21-year-old Attiq Ur Rehman, who co-founded a grassroots surf club that now includes over 50 local youths defying geographical and economic odds to ride waves. Now in pre-production, the team is crowdfunding to cover costs — from shipping essential surf gear to post-production to bring this underrepresented story of passion, perseverance, and sporting ingenuity to a broader audience.
Donate to the documentary here.
'Dreamland' By When Chai Met Toast
When Chai Met Toast returns to Kerala with Dreamland, a tenderly multilingual single (in English, Hindi, and Malayalam) that unfolds as an affectionate ode to home. Co-written with Job Kurian, the track weaves traditional Kerala instruments into its warm, nostalgia-steeped soundscape, capturing the small, everyday moments that shape a lifelong bond with place. This single also heralds their upcoming album Small Town, Big Love, Little Homes, promising more of the heartfelt, rooted storytelling we love.
Listen to it here.
Miniatures By Homegrown Artists
If collectibles are your thing, here are three Indian artists turning iconic street scenes, cherished snacks, and cultural moments into tiny treasures you can actually buy. From beloved street-food carts and snacks as fridge magnets, keychains, and charms, to another replicas of local neighborhoods with detailed miniature streetscapes, these miniature artists distilling familiar stories from the Indian visual culture into intricately crafted keepsakes.
Get them here.
Cinema Lab 10 By Akshay Indikar
Filmmaker Akshay Indikar, known for the poetic films Trijya and Sthalpuran, is bringing his ethos of honesty and rooted storytelling to Cinema Lab 10 —a seven-day immersive workshop in Mumbai and Pune. Designed to take participants from concept to completion of a short film, the lab emphasises finding one’s cinematic voice, blending film study, hands-on practice, and collaboration. Conducted in Marathi, Hindi, and English, it offers both a creative community and a space to sharpen personal vision.
Register for it here.
One Night In Toki-O: Hyderabad
This weekend, Hyderabad gets its very own Izakaya experience as Homegrown and Suntory Toki bring a slice of Tokyo nightlife to Moai Kitchen. At One Night In Toki-O, chef Lakhan Jethani of Mizu Izakaya curates a pop-up menu, alongside music performances by Saranya Loona and Murthovic, a Japanese art lab by The Art Curry, gaming arcades, and plenty of Toki highballs. Equal parts food, music, and play, it’s a multi-sensory evening bringing Japanese food, culture, and craft together in an immersive format.
Grab your tickets here.
Homegrown Music: Label Preview
This weekend, Soho House Mumbai hosts the exclusive preview of Homegrown Music, a new label created to spotlight the future of Indian sound. The day features Creative Rights 101, a workshop led by lawyer Priyanka Khimani, followed by panels with Homegrown’s founders, Varsha and Varun Patra, and Shivam Pandya on the journey from cultural platform to music label, and a wider industry conversation with Aayushman Sinha of Represent and Priyanka who will talk about their work shaping India’s music ecosystem. A mixer with the founding team invites artists and collaborators to connect, before a second workshop, The Track That Spoke To Me, opens up space for shared listening. The night ends with an invite-only afterparty of Bollywood disco and hip hop.
RSVP here.
Shuffle Showdown By Panda Plays Pickle
Shuffle Showdown, India’s premier 'partner-shuffling' pickleball tournament, launches a 10-city tour this August, starting in Mumbai and running through December. In each city, 140 players are divided into 10 tribes with dynamic matchups that remix partners every round. The competition also features jungle-themed tribes, live music, food, and local culture across venues from Marine Drive to palace courtyards. Players accumulate points across cities toward a grand national championship with cash prizes, exclusive gear, merch, and leaderboard glory up for grabs.
Learn more about it here.
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