Bengaluru, India – July 17, 2026 – In an era where independent artistry is flourishing and mental well-being is at the forefront of public discourse, acclaimed singer-songwriter Shakthisree Gopalan has released "Old Friend," a deeply personal and introspective track that marks a significant moment in her artistic journey. The song, born from the introspection of the 2020 lockdown, delves into themes of neurodivergence, mental health struggles, and the profound act of self-acceptance. Gopalan, known for her captivating voice in the film music industry, now offers her most vulnerable work yet, inviting listeners into a deeply lived experience that resonates with universal struggles and triumphs.
The Genesis of ‘Old Friend’: A Lockdown Revelation
The lyrical seeds of "Old Friend" were sown during the quiet solitude of the 2020 lockdown. Amidst the global uncertainty and personal introspection, Shakthisree Gopalan found herself questioning the direction of her life and revisiting past experiences. It was during one such reflective period that the poignant line, "Why should I pay a price to be myself when the world is going mad?" emerged. These words, born from a moment of profound self-awareness, would eventually form the emotional core of "Old Friend."
"It’s about my inner demons," Gopalan shared in a written note accompanying the release. "It holds everything – from my neurodivergence, my mental health, and above all, choosing myself." This candid admission underscores the raw honesty that defines the track.
The song’s journey to its current form is a testament to its deeply personal nature. "Old Friend" was first performed during a student concert at Berklee College of Music in New York City. While the initial performance offered a glimpse into its emotional depth, it was the subsequent years of personal growth and artistic refinement that truly allowed the song to blossom.
"Every time I have performed this song, some part of me healed," Gopalan confessed in an exclusive conversation with The Hindu. This therapeutic aspect of "Old Friend" highlights its significance not just as a musical piece, but as a cathartic outlet for the artist herself.
A Marathon of Self-Discovery: Echoes of Don Henley and the Power of Naming
The gestation period of "Old Friend" has been a lengthy one, spanning several years. This prolonged creative process has led Gopalan to draw parallels with legendary singer-songwriter Don Henley’s iconic track, "The Heart of the Matter." Henley famously remarked that it took him 40 years to write the song and four minutes to sing it.
"I feel I finally understood what he meant," Gopalan explained. She recounted a period in her life when she felt "broken, without holding myself with grace and kindness." The turning point, she revealed, was when she gave this internal struggle a name: an "Old Friend." This act of personification and acceptance, she believes, made navigating life’s challenges significantly easier.
The song’s lyrical exploration of choosing love over fear is particularly striking. Gopalan elaborated on this aspect, stating, "I would operate out of fear. Every time I go on stage, I would tell myself not to make mistakes… and every time, I would end up remembering only that." This tendency to focus on perceived flaws and anxieties is a common human experience. Gopalan’s deliberate effort to "train myself to focus on the good stuff, however small they may be," speaks volumes about her commitment to mental well-being and self-compassion.
The Unveiling: A Live Performance in Brooklyn and the Rise of Independent Music
"Old Friend" was recorded and filmed live in Brooklyn, New York, a setting that imbues the track with an intimate and raw energy. Its recent release on music platforms coincides with a vibrant period for independent music, both globally and within India. The burgeoning scene has seen artists like Kaber Vasuki gain traction with tracks such as his recent independent release, "Frangipani," which has also opened doors to conversations surrounding mental health.
Gopalan’s decision to share such a personal piece with the world was not without its initial trepidation. "When I first sang it, I felt naked and bare," she recalled. However, the cathartic release and the subsequent audience reception proved to be immensely rewarding.
"But the more I let it out, I felt a part of me healed," she said. "People would walk up to me and share that they saw themselves in it too." This connection with her audience underscores the power of authentic artistic expression.
While her career in film singing has allowed her to embody diverse characters and explore various musical landscapes, Gopalan finds a unique freedom in independent music. "Independent music gives me the freedom to channelise my voice," she asserted. "It’s like I’m opening my diary and saying: today, I feel happy, or today I feel sad." She firmly believes in the importance of artists being honest and sharing their authentic voices, a principle that "Old Friend" embodies perfectly.
New Openings: From Film Composing to Architectural Harmony
Shakthisree Gopalan’s artistic trajectory has been marked by a consistent pursuit of her passions. Upon her emergence in the film music scene with the hit song "Nenjukule" from Kadal (2013), she harbored two distinct aspirations: to attend music college and to become a music director. By 2026, both these dreams have been realized.
Her pursuit of musical education led her to Berklee College of Music in New York. Furthermore, she made her debut as a composer with the critically acclaimed 2025 film Test, starring Madhavan and Nayanthara. "The greatest learning from Test was figuring out a creative process," she stated. "It was exciting working with Sashikanth, who, like me, also has an architecture background."
This mention of architecture is significant. Gopalan is a qualified architect, a lesser-known facet of her multi-talented persona. Her architectural acumen has been applied to prestigious projects, including the design of A.R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory and the redesign of a portion of his recording studio, Panchathan.
"Emotionally, it meant a lot that I could add some value," she expressed. "This intersection of space and sound is the playground that I love puzzling in." Her passion for this interdisciplinary exploration is evident in her reflection on designing the KM Music Conservatory: "Designing KM Music Conservatory was a dream project for me – because my thesis project at architecture school was ‘designing music schools’."
Beyond her musical and architectural endeavors, Gopalan is also fostering innovation through her project, SoundGarden. This multisensory, interactive installation, which allows participants to engage with sound, light, and space, was last showcased at Sabha BLR in Bengaluru in 2024. She is currently exploring the possibility of an online version, alongside the development of an ear-training web application aimed at assisting aspiring young musicians.
"I’m an explorer at heart," she declared. Her current explorations extend to "vibe coding with Claude and presenting the SoundGarden concept in hackathons." This holistic approach to creativity, where she seamlessly blends her diverse talents and interests, promises further groundbreaking contributions to the art and technology landscape.
"Old Friend" is more than just a song; it is a testament to Shakthisree Gopalan’s courage, vulnerability, and artistic evolution. It serves as a powerful reminder of the healing power of music, the importance of self-acceptance, and the burgeoning potential of independent artists to connect with audiences on a deeply profound level.
“Old Friend” is currently streaming on YouTube and all major music platforms.
