Devika Chawla is an Indian pop singer who started vocal music training in New Delhi at a very early age. Devika continued her music training and advanced into the enthralling world of Hindustani Classical Music and Ragas. The classical training offered Devika, a sound base for extension to other popular styles. She frequently performed in her high school, Modern School, New Delhi. Devika utilised both classical and popular styles to enthral the audience. She received training under the supervision of great teachers including Chandra Rao, who was a student of famous violinist Dr. N. Rajam. Currently, Devika is training under Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan and Ustad Sukhawat Ali Khan, sons of renowned Ustad Salamat Ali Khan.
Devika Chawla experimented at the time of her undergraduate study in Georgetown University, Washington DC, with a fusion of Indian Classical Music and electronic music. With Holmes Ives, an electronic music creator and producer, she formed a team to create the album titled Satyriasis, the track of which was remixed many a times. Devika`s solo self-titled debut album bagged the honour of being a unique collaboration amongst artists from three countries, India, Pakistan and the US. She collaborated with Holmes Ives and performed vocals for her album, Satyriasis. Shehzad Hasan, also known as Shahi, a music director and producer composed the musical score for the album. The additional compositions have been composed by Anshuman Chandra, composer of the movie French Fries and Curry, Noor Lodhi and Manesh Judge. Phat Phish Records, winner of the 2005 MTV Immies Best Video of the Year award, directed the video for the title track named, Kehnde Ne Naina.
Sony BMG India released a collection titled Teri Deewani with her hit track Kehnde Ne Naina in August, 2007. The compilation has been rated as the Top 14 Sufi Music Tracks of all time. Various other artists featured on the compilation such as, Kailash Kher, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sona, Roopkumar Rathod, Rabbi Shergill, A. R.Rahman, Shafqat, Rekha Bhardwaj and Devika.
The theme of her debut album was love and each and every song elucidates love through a new implication. A range of styles has been spanning through her songs, which include lounge, Punjabi, club, film and easy-listening. The main aim of the album was to manifest the versatility of her vocal performance. The end product was such that, every listener can find something to connect with. Devika, with Shahi Hassan, Manesh Judge, Noor Nodhi and Anshuman Chandra released Satyriasis a compilation; Teri Deewani is yet another compilation with classic artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Kailash Kher.
Devika Chawla`s 2nd solo album titled Saari Raat was released by Saregama India Limited, on November 17th, 2009. Saari Raat consists of contemporary Sufi music. Saregama also released a collection named Colours: Sufi Ke Anek Rang, in December 2009, featuring tracks from Sonu Nigam, A R Rahman, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Devika`s track Kotthay Uttay was remixed and licensed by the producers of the movie, A Beautiful Wife, which featured Barbara Mori in the lead.
In April 2009, Devika Chawla performed along with Bohemia, in Noida at the launching concert for Bohemia`s album titled Da Rap Star. Again in August 2009, she performed with Bohemia at the Desi Chill Music Concert in Delhi, which featured Bohemia, RBD and others. In July 2010, Devika performed in Saari Raat Concert with Manesh Judge, Noor Lodhi, Mike Anand, Asim Wali. It was performed live at the Lesher Center of Arts in Walnut Creek, California.
