Interview of Radhika Das by Freya Bennett
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a deeper connection—to music, to meaning, to something beyond the noise—then Radhika Das might just be your next destination. A former Londoner turned global kirtan sensation, Radhika has spent the past 15 years immersed in Bhakti Yoga and the ancient art of mantra music, building a global following with his soulful, heart-opening performances. With over 45 million views on YouTube, sold-out shows across continents, and a new book hailed by Jay Shetty, he’s bringing his transformative Mantra That’ll Move Soul tour to Australia this spring. We caught up with Radhika to talk music, meaning, and the power of chanting your heart out.
Hi Radhika, thanks for joining us! How are you, and where in the world are you speaking to us from today, and what’s bringing you joy right now?
So happy to be here, thank you! I’m in London right now, just landed back after recording some very exciting music in Seattle with the world renowned Ryan Hadlock, producer for Vance Joy, Shawn Mendes and The Lumineers, to name a few! What’s bringing me joy right now? Honestly… hearing the final mixes, watching sacred sound come to life, and daydreaming about singing it with you all soon (especially down under!).
You describe your upcoming tour Mantra That’ll Move the Soul as a “soul awakening.” What can audiences expect to feel or experience at one of your live Kirtan events?
Think less “gig” and more “group heart activation.” There’ll be chanting, dancing, maybe a tear or two, but the good kind. It’s like a spiritual workout for your inner world. People come thinking they’re just attending a show, but end up feeling like they’ve come home to themselves. And yes, we’ll be doing all that in Australia very soon…come ready to feel.
Your journey into Bhakti Yoga began over 15 years ago—what was the turning point that led you from searching for truth to becoming one of the world’s most beloved Kirtan artists?
Let’s just say I tried a bunch of things that weren’t it: parties, playlists, pretending everything was fine, and none of it filled the soul gap. Then one day I wandered into a kirtan, heard people chanting the names of God like they meant it, and something clicked. It was like the universe whispered, “Welcome back.” I didn’t chase a career, I just couldn’t stop singing.
You’ve played everywhere from intimate retreats to major global festivals. How does the energy of a live crowd in places like Melbourne or Brisbane differ from, say, London or Rishikesh?
Oof, what a question! Melbourne and Brisbane have this gorgeous open-hearted energy, like people are ready to dive in, no holding back. London has a layered vibe: deep, thoughtful, sometimes a little cautious, but powerful once it opens. Rishikesh? That’s spiritual HQ. The River Ganga flows, and so do the emotions. But wherever we are, when people chant together, it’s always electric.
Your book Mantra Meditation has struck a chord with readers looking for calm and connection. For those new to Kirtan or mantra practice, what’s one simple starting point you’d recommend?
Keep it simple. Choose a mantra that resonates: Hare Krishna or Om Namah Shivaya are beautiful starts. Light a candle if you want, or just sit in your room and sing it quietly out loud. Don’t worry about the tune…your voice doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be yours. It’s not about being impressive, it’s about being prayerfully honest.
You’ve spoken about Kirtan as a communal, heart-opening practice. In an increasingly disconnected world, what role do you think music—and specifically sacred mantra—plays in helping us re-find that connection?
Music is the bridge, mantra is the medicine. When you sing a sacred name, you’re not just making sound, you’re tapping into something eternal. And when we do it together, there’s this wild kind of magic where strangers become family, phones are forgotten, and our hearts sync up. It’s not just a moment: it’s a memory your soul keeps.
Ready to chant, connect, and feel something real?
I’m heading to Australia soon: Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and I want to chant with you! Full details and tickets are over at radhikadas.com. Let’s make some soul noise together ✨
