Known for her song in ‘14 Phere’ and her band Simetri’s success, talented Riya Duggal has won the Nexa Music Lab Award and collaborated with A.R. Rahman. A versatile artist, Riya blends Indian and Western music and aspires to expand her Bollywood playback singing career.

Known for her soulful voice and musical versatility, Riya Duggal is a talented Singer, Composer and Songwriter based in Mumbai. As a co-artist in the Pop Band 'Simetri' alongside her sister, Simran Duggal, Riya brings a unique blend of creativity and musical heritage to the forefront.

Riya Duggal’s breakout moment in Bollywood playback singing arrived with the film ‘14 Phere’, where she lent her voice to the song "Hum Dono Yun Mile" alongside Rajiv Bhalla. The song, featuring prominent stars Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda, is a  milestone in her career and has marked an exciting chapter in Riya's life.

Alongside her Bollywood success, Riya Duggal’s band, Simetri, achieved significant recognition by winning the prestigious Nexa Music Lab Award, which led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with the legendary music icon, A.R. Rahman. Further solidifying their reputation, Simetri teamed up with Clinton Cerejo and Priyanka Gomes to create the captivating track "Different Kind of Love". With such accomplishments, Riya Duggal continues to shine in the music industry, and her journey has been both fulfilling and deeply satisfying.

A third-generation musician, Riya's deep-rooted connection to music runs in her family—her paternal grandfather was a renowned lyricist, her mother is a gifted singer, and her father is both a composer and singer.

Singer Riya is trained in both Indian Classical music and Western choir-style music, giving her a unique ability to blend traditional and modern sounds. With years of experience in the music industry, Singer Duggal has developed a distinctive voice that resonates with listeners from diverse musical backgrounds.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Riya is passionate about travel, sports, music production, and poetry. Her diverse interests and rich musical background make her a standout artist in the industry, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective on contemporary music.

Her passion for music began at a young age, and her interest in playing the guitar was sparked by her father, who is also a skilled guitarist. Riya attributes her musical journey to the diverse experiences that have shaped her, resulting in a harmonious blend of Indian and Western influences. Her ability to seamlessly merge these two worlds sets her apart as a dynamic and evolving artist in the music scene.

Reflecting on her early years, Singer Riya Duggal shares that she was  born and raised in Mumbai. She hails from a rich musical lineage, where music has been an integral part of her family’s traditions. In her early years, however, Riya found piano and Indian classical music lessons rather dull, often drifting off to sleep during her piano classes as her interest in music had  not yet sparked.

The turning point came when she observed her father, a talented musician, playing the guitar. Inspired by his passion, Riya began learning the instrument and was immediately drawn to its strings. As she learned some basic chords from him, she discovered a sense of belonging and comfort, leading her to develop a deep connection with the guitar.

This newfound love for the instrument ignited her songwriting journey. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Composer Riya cherishes the vibrant jamming sessions that brought together both her maternal and paternal relatives during family get-togethers, further nurturing her musical inclinations.

Songwriter Riya Duggal shares that her ultimate goal is to release more music through her band, Simetri, alongside her sister Simran Duggal. Riya Duggal and Simran Duggal together aspire to travel the world, explore new places, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and build a loyal fanbase that resonates with their music. Their dream is to live a fulfilling life, both creatively and personally.

In addition to her band’s success, Simetri Artist Riya is eager to further her career in playback singing, aiming to lend her voice to more Bollywood songs. With a passion for blending diverse musical influences, Riya’s vision is to carve a significant niche in both the independent and Bollywood music scenes.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singer Riya remained a grateful soul, deeply appreciating the simple blessings of food and shelter. She was keenly aware that many artists had to leave Mumbai and return to their hometowns due to the crisis. As a musician whose main source of income came from live performances, the suspension of shows was a significant setback for Riya.

Additionally, the halt in commercial filming led to a temporary lack of work. Despite those challenges, Singer Duggal  made the most of her time by focusing on songwriting, practicing music, and honing her skills. She and her sister, Simran Duggal, who is also a talented musician, spent the time together, writing songs and working on their craft. This period of self-reflection and creativity became a vital chapter in Riya’s artistic journey, as she found ways to grow and adapt during a time of uncertainty.

Musician Duggal considers herself a leader in her professional journey, though she humbly acknowledges that her personality doesn’t always align with the traditional image of a leader. Naturally calm and composed, she had never envisioned herself as a dominant force in the conventional sense. However, as her passion for music grew, she discovered an undeniable drive to lead.

Her deep connection to music fueled her ambition, and she found herself taking charge in both her creative and professional endeavors. Riya emphasizes that her leadership was cultivated through experience, not something she was born with. It was a quality she developed over time, learning and evolving along the way, and ultimately, she became a leader through her work, determination, and love for music.

Riya Duggal, a passionate and ambitious artist, offers valuable advice to singers and songwriters: stay focused on your craft and avoid distractions that could hinder your growth. She encourages aspiring artists to dedicate themselves to continuous practice, honing their skills, and remaining committed to their journey. Riya emphasizes the importance of persistence, reminding them that success in the music industry is not achieved overnight. By staying true to their passion and never giving up, artists can overcome obstacles and ultimately achieve their dreams.

Riya the singer strongly resonates with the empowering quote: “People will throw stones at you; don’t throw them back; rather, collect them and build an empire.” Her personal experiences with social media criticism, including hate comments targeting her art, style, and singing, have given her a profound understanding of this message. She acknowledges that it takes time for audiences to embrace new ideas and perspectives, but she encourages everyone to “be who you are and continue with your journey.”

Riya Duggal dedicates her free time  to continuous learning, especially in the field of music, which she believes has endless possibilities for growth. She is passionate about music production and songwriting, dedicating much of her time to mastering these crafts.

Apart from her musical pursuits, Duggal is an avid sports enthusiast. During her school days, she participated in various sports competitions, with a particular love for table tennis, lawn tennis, and swimming. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and writing poems, finding joy in exploring new experiences and expressing herself creatively.

If given the opportunity, Riya Duggal would love to time travel back to the vibrant 1980s. She finds herself drawn to the iconic music and distinctive fashion of that era, which left a lasting influence on pop culture. The bold and innovative styles, coupled with the unforgettable melodies, resonate with her creative spirit. Riya’s fascination with the 1980s reflects her deep appreciation for music history and her desire to experience firsthand the cultural energy that defined that exciting time in music and fashion.