Anushka Sen made history as the first Indian artist to perform live on stage at New York City’s iconic Times Square. This performance marked her debut as a singer in the West, in collaboration with AY Young, the UN Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as part of his “Battery Tour.” The tour, focused on powering 1,000 concerts with clean energy, brought together global voices for a shared cause. Sen and Young performed their song “Graduation,” from Project 17, a music album dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ 17 SDGs.
The song, composed by Grammy Award-winning producer Ken Lewis, highlights Anushka’s advocacy for education, aligning with the event’s broader focus on climate change and sustainability. Her Times Square performance was a key highlight of Climate Week, an initiative by the Climate Group, and served as a major milestone in Anushka’s career.
Dressed in an upcycled outfit from a Jaipur-based designer, Anushka’s attire reflected her commitment to sustainability and promoting Indian craftsmanship on an international stage. She added a personal, cultural touch by wearing a small bindi, blending her Indian heritage with the global platform she was performing on. Accompanied by a live band, Anushka delivered a confident and heartfelt performance, representing India at one of the world’s busiest intersections.
Reflecting on the experience, Anushka shared her excitement, saying, “I am so grateful to be the first Indian to perform at Times Square. Performing in front of a global audience was exhilarating. I’m incredibly thankful to AY Young for giving me this opportunity and to Ken Lewis, who flew in just to support us. It feels like I’ve found a family in America. This journey is special because it’s more than entertainment—it’s about raising awareness for our planet and what we need to achieve for Mother Earth.”
Anushka emphasised the power of music to connect people from different cultures, adding that the audience’s warmth and support made her feel at home despite it being her first live performance. She also expressed gratitude for the presence of Indian fans who cheered her on, saying, “The bindi was my favorite part of my outfit. This is a new beginning, and I can’t wait to explore and experience this new journey in music.”
In addition to her music debut, Anushka has been working on her first international film, Asia, a Korean action thriller featuring actors from across the continent. At a young age, Anushka continues to break barriers, establishing herself on global platforms while staying true to her Indian roots.
