Aryan Aditya Naidu’s life is a beautiful symphony of passion, perseverance, and melody, deeply rooted in the vibrant Hindu musical tradition.
At just 21 years old, Aryan’s days resonate with the soulful sounds of kirtan and bhajan, melodies that have been the soundtrack of his life since he was five.
Born and raised in the close-knit community of Gaji Rd in Suva, Aryan’s humble beginnings could not dampen the music within him.
From the corners of his home at Lagilagi Housing, the young artist’s voice first blossomed under the gentle guidance of his uncle, Nawal Kishor Rohit, fondly called Babu, who introduced him to the spiritual rhythms of kirtan.
As he grew, so did his musical journey.
At 14, Aryan embraced the devotional bhajan tradition, nurtured by his father Dharmendra Naidu, known to many as Micheal, who became not only his parent but his mentor and guru in this sacred art.
“I started singing at the age of five,” Aryan said.
“Started off with kirtan and at the age of 14, I had started singing bhajan and have completed seven years in this bhajan field
“My inspiration is the legendary bhajan singer, the king of bhajan Mr Ashok Kumar of Tavua.
“He is my hero and my inspiration, and I have a wish to share a moment with him in future.
“My first kirtan guru is my uncle Nawal Kishor Rohit aka Babu and my bhajan guru is my father Dharmendra Naidu aka Micheal.”
For Aryan, music is more than a hobby; it is an expression of his soul and culture, a bridge connecting him to something greater.
The gatherings where he sings – whether at Indian funerals or after the recitation of Ramayan – are moments of deep communal connection, where his voice offers comfort, hope, and devotion.
His voice has also graced stages beyond his community. His first performance in Tavua was like a first note of a major symphony – a dazzling, life-changing moment that led to another show in Sigatoka.
Standing on those stages, singing alongside artists he once admired only through videos, Aryan felt his dreams taking flight.
“The first stage performance was done in Tavua and the second one took place in Sigatoka and it changed my life because the people I used to see in videos, now I get to sing bhajan with them.”
He said these experiences fuelled his resolve to blend his musical aspirations with his academic pursuits – studying finance at the University of the South Pacific – planning a future where he can support his family as an accountant while keeping his music alive.
“I want to become an accountant and a great artist and make my culture prouder and nature it a lot.
“Sometimes it becomes hard, but I have made a rule that in weekends or if I am free, then I can go out for my musical shows.
“As a student artist, I can keep doing my cultural work, but studies are most important.”
Yet his path has not been without its dissonance. Aryan faces a unique challenge of not being able to read Hindi script, which means sacred texts and lyrics are shared through others’ voices, requiring patience and trust.
Worse were the voices of doubt – critics who said he would never succeed in singing or be recognised. But with unwavering faith and the blessings of Shree Krishna, Aryan transformed these barriers into stepping stones, earning respect within his community.
“The biggest challenge I have faced is that I cannot read Hindi, so someone has to read the holy books to me and explain them, and the other challenge was discrimination.
“Most of the people said you cannot sing, you won’t succeed, you will never be recognised but with the grace of Lord Shree Krishna, I have gained a lot of respect and honour.”
He said his music is not just a personal calling; it is a cultural mission to nurture and elevate the heritage he holds dear.
To fellow young artists who juggle studies and cultural passion, Aryan offers a harmonious message: cultivate your art but never let education fall silent.
“Respect and honour your parents and those who came before you.
“Study hard and become successful. There’s no need to become a shadow of someone, just be yourself.
“Stay true to yourself and let your music be the voice that lifts your culture high.”
Aryan’s life story is a melody of hope and dedication — a testament to the power of music to change lives, transcend struggles, and create a legacy that sings through generations.
Aryan Aditya Naidu (middle) with his mother, Rajneeta and father Dharmendra at their residence at Lagilagi housing in Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Aryan Naidu (middle) with his group during his stage performance in Tavua. Picture: SUPPLIED