1.⁠ ⁠Prateek Kuhad (Musician)
Prateek Kuhad has been steadily climbing the indie music ladder with his introspective folk-pop tunes. In 2025, his latest album The Monster has garnered millions of streams, blending acoustic melodies with heartfelt lyrics about love and self-discovery. Known for hits like "Tum Jab Paas" and his soulful live performances, Kuhad's rise is fueled by Spotify playlists and international tours. He's a staple at festivals like Lollapalooza India, where his set in 2025 drew massive crowds. Why watch? His music resonates with millennials navigating modern life, making him a voice for the urban youth in the popular Indian pop artists scene.
 2.⁠ ⁠Raja Kumari (Musician)
Raja Kumari, the NRI rapper with Telugu roots, is exploding in 2025 with her fusion of hip-hop and Indian classical elements. Her track "Rani Rani" from the Sky Force soundtrack went viral, earning her spots on Amazon Music's Breakthrough Artists list. With powerful lyrics on empowerment and heritage, she's collaborating with Bollywood heavyweights and performing at global events. Her debut EP this year showcases her multilingual flow—English, Hindi, and Telugu. Why watch? In a male-dominated rap scene, she's breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of desi hip-hop fans, emerging as one of the top Indian hip-hop artists to watch.
 3.⁠ ⁠MC Square (Musician)
MC Square, or Abhishek Goswami, is the poet of the streets with his raw Haryanvi rap. His 2025 single "Taara" has over 50 million YouTube views, addressing social issues like farmer struggles and youth aspirations. Featured in Amazon's Breakthrough Artists to Watch, he's touring with sold-out shows and even collaborated with established names like Badshah. Why watch? His authentic storytelling and energetic stage presence are turning him into India's next rap sensation, especially among Gen Z in smaller cities, fitting perfectly into the trending Indian rap artists 2025.
 4.⁠ ⁠Anuv Jain (Musician)
Anuv Jain's folk-rock vibes are capturing hearts with songs like "Baarishein," which became a monsoon anthem in 2025. This self-taught artist from Delhi has built a massive following through TikTok and Instagram Reels, leading to his inclusion in Spotify's emerging artist radar. His album Roadrunner explores themes of travel and emotion, with acoustic guitar riffs that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Why watch? At just 24, his DIY approach and emotional depth are making him a festival favorite, from NH7 Weekender to international indie circuits, as a standout among new Indian indie artists.
 5.⁠ ⁠When Chai Met Toast (Band/Musicians)
This Delhi-based indie band, led by Rohan Mekie, is blending alt-rock with Indian folk in 2025's Baaton Ko Teri EP, which has been praised for its storytelling on relationships and urban chaos. They've been spotlighted in Rolling Stone India's emerging lists and performed at major venues like the Hard Rock Cafe circuit. Their harmonious vocals and guitar-driven sound appeal to a wide audience. Why watch? As a collective, they're fostering a community vibe, with viral live sessions that highlight India's evolving indie scene, positioning them as key players in the independent Indian music artists landscape.
 6.⁠ ⁠Jayeeta Chatterjee (Visual Artist)
Jayeeta Chatterjee, the 2025 recipient of the Asia Arts Future Award (India), is reimagining Indian mythology through mixed-media installations. Based in Kolkata, her works explore feminism and folklore, using textiles and digital elements to create immersive pieces exhibited at the Asia Society India Centre. Her series Devi Reimagined has been featured in international galleries, drawing acclaim for its bold colors and narrative depth. Why watch? At 28, she's bridging traditional Bengali art with contemporary global trends, positioning herself as a key figure in India's visual renaissance and emerging Indian visual artists 2025.
 7.⁠ ⁠Priyanka Aelay (Visual Artist)
Emerging from Hyderabad, Priyanka Aelay's abstract paintings fuse Deccani miniature styles with modern abstraction, focusing on themes of identity and migration. Showcased at The Art of India 2025 exhibition, her vibrant canvases have caught the eye of collectors and been highlighted in Homegrown's contemporary artist features. Using bold palettes and layered textures, her work reflects the chaos of urban India. Why watch? Her rapid rise through pop-up shows and online sales makes her a fresh voice in the South Indian art wave, aligning with top emerging Indian artists trends.
 8.⁠ ⁠Srishti Singh (Visual Artist)
Srishti Singh, a Mumbai-based sculptor, is making headlines with eco-friendly installations using recycled materials to comment on climate change and urban waste. Featured at the Richardson & Cruddas Warehouse pop-up during Homegrown Festival 2025, her pieces like Urban Roots blend sculpture with performance art. At 26, she's gaining traction through Instagram and collaborations with sustainability brands. Why watch? Her innovative use of found objects is timely, appealing to eco-conscious audiences and positioning her for international biennales, as one of the best emerging visual artists India 2025.
 9.⁠ ⁠Karan Aujla (Musician)
Punjabi sensation Karan Aujla is dominating 2025 with bangers like "Don't Look," which topped charts and earned him spots in Bollywood soundtracks. From Ludhiana, his trap-infused Punjabi pop mixes high-energy beats with street-smart lyrics, amassing billions of views. He's on the radar for global collabs and was mentioned in discussions around original Bollywood music's revival. Why watch? His crossover appeal—from desi clubs to international Punjabi diaspora—makes him a powerhouse in India's regional music explosion, among the most popular Punjabi artists 2025.
10.⁠ ⁠Guru Randhawa (Musician)
Guru Randhawa rounds out the list with his infectious Punjabi hits like "Saiyaara" from Housefull 5, blending romance and rhythm. In 2025, he's expanded into Bollywood with chart-toppers, while his independent tracks continue to trend on Reels. Known for his smooth vocals and collaborations, he's touring worldwide and featured in emerging artist roundups for his consistent output. Why watch? His ability to evolve from indie Punjabi to mainstream sensation shows the global potential of Indian pop, solidifying his spot in top Indian pop artists lists.
India's art and music landscape in 2025 is more diverse than ever, thanks to platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and festivals such as Lollapalooza and Homegrown. These artists aren't just emerging—they're reshaping cultural narratives with contemporary Indian art and the vibrant Indian music scene 2025. Keep an eye on them through social media, streaming services, and upcoming exhibitions. Who knows, one of them might headline the next big global event! What do you think of this list? Drop your favorites in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on India's creative pulse.

Varun Arya