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Indian Idol’s First Junior Winner Hits Times Square; Anjana Padmanabhan’s Big NYC Diwali Debut

Anamika Rajput | 3 min read | 4 weeks ago | Oct 16, 2025 10:21 am IST
Indian Idol's First Junior Winner Hits Times Square; Anjana Padmanabhan's Big NYC Diwali Debut

Remember the very first winner of Indian Idol Junior? Yeah, it’s been a minute. But get ready for a massive update, because Anjana Padmanabhan is about to take one of the world’s biggest stages.

She’s slated to perform at New York’s Times Square in October 2025. And this isn’t just any gig. It’s for the tenth-anniversary celebration of Diwali at the iconic location. Talk about a huge deal.

For Anjana, who won the show over a decade ago when she was just 10, this is what she calls a “full-circle moment.” It connects her entire journey from that young girl on a reality show to a global representative of Indian music. Seriously cool.

So, What’s on the Setlist?

Look, this isn’t just a couple of songs. Anjana is planning a power-packed 30-minute multilingual set that promises to be a wild ride. She’s known for singing in 14 different languages, so you know she’s bringing that incredible range to NYC.

Here’s a little taste of what to expect:

  • A blend of pop, classical, and cross-cultural music.
  • A special duet with none other than Indian Idol 13 winner Rishi Singh.
  • A unique and playful “jugalbandi” that you won’t see anywhere else.

And that jugalbandi? It features two very different things. First, the Kazoo, which became her signature during her Indian Idol days. Second, Konnakol, the Carnatic art of vocal percussion. Imagine those two things together. It’s going to be a performance people talk about.

A Journey and an Outfit with Meaning

Winning Indian Idol Junior was just the beginning. She said it was her “biggest stepping stone” and completely shaped the artist she is today. After the win, she dived into formal music education, turning a hobby into a serious profession.

But honestly, it’s the little details that make this story even better. Her outfit for the Times Square performance won’t be from some big-name designer. It’s being designed by her best friend, Keerthika.

And the inspiration is so personal. It comes from her mother’s wedding album. Anjana wants the outfit to represent her cultural roots and her artistic identity all at once. From winning a show as a kid to lighting up Times Square in a dress inspired by her mom, it really has come full circle.

What do you think of her journey from a reality show stage to the heart of New York City? Let us know.