#INTERVIEW: A L’Officiel Arabia Exclusive: Sunidhi Chauhan on bringing her “I AM HOME” Tour To Dubai

For a fan of Bollywood or simply cool Indian tracks, only a few voices would travel as far or feel as familiar. With more than 2,500 songs across 10+ languages and stages from New York’s Global Citizen Festival to sold-out arenas in London and the US, Indian music legend Sunidhi Chauhan returns to Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai with a world tour titled “I AM HOME.” In this conversation with L’Officiel Arabia, Sunidhi shares why Dubai feels like a second home, how her sound and setlist philosophy have evolved and why Indian music’s global moment is only getting started, plus what fans can expect on the night!

You’ve performed on the biggest stages worldwide - from Global Citizen in New York to sold-out arenas in London and the U.S. How does it feel performing across countries, and what makes Dubai special for you?

Performing in Dubai is always a special experience for me. There’s a strong sense of relatability here, and in many ways, Dubai feels like a second home, especially because of its proximity to India. The audience in Dubai is incredibly diverse and has an appreciation for a wide range of music. They’re open-minded and enjoy musical experimentation, which makes performing here even more exciting.

Every time I’ve performed in Dubai, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the audience’s positive energy and their openness to new sounds and styles. Their enthusiasm is truly inspiring.
Dubai will always hold a special place in my heart, and performing here never stops being exciting.

Love the title of your global tour “I AM HOME,” how does this sentiment shape the way you connect with your audience worldwide?

The title I AM HOME reflects the feeling that no matter where I’m performing, whether in India or overseas, it always feels like I’m singing at home. When you're at home, you’re your most authentic self - comfortable, real and true to who you are. That’s exactly how I feel when I’m on stage. I want my audience to feel the same way: completely at ease and immersed in the experience. My hope is that they enjoy the very best of what I have to offer and carry those memories with them long after the show ends.

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You’ve witnessed (and helped shape, might I add!) major shifts in Indian music. How has your relationship with your craft and your listeners evolved as the industry has changed?

Yes, I can proudly say that I’ve been a part of the positive changes that have taken place in the music industry over the years. Having started my journey at a very young age, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness these transformations unfold right in front of me. I feel truly lucky and blessed to have been part of that evolution. It’s been like watching a child grow seeing the industry mature, adapt, and flourish over time.

Your concerts are known and celebrated for their vibrant energy, versatility and emotional highs. What is your sauce for building a setlist for different audiences, balancing iconic hits with fresh interpretations and new sounds?

Firstly, I always strive to be completely honest, both during preparation and on stage. It’s a conscious decision to design the right kind of emotional and musical journey throughout the concert. I want my audience to feel what I’m feeling on stage. I begin the performance in a certain way, and then let the dynamics unfold naturally. I carefully craft the flow, from the beginning, through the middle, and all the way to a high-energy ending, so that the entire experience is engaging and memorable. My goal is for the audience to leave feeling uplifted and inspired, and to want to return to my next concert with the same excitement.
There are songs that people love and I love them too, so I enjoy bringing a fresh, current vibe to them. I like to play around with the sound, add my own touch, and it’s an amazing feeling when someone tells me, “That song was already my favourite, and you made it sound even better - like a new version.”

So I don’t overthink it, I just go with the flow, and somehow it connects with people. That’s the most rewarding part!

Your stamina on stage is legendary! What keeps you centred during an intense tour, and what’s one non-negotiable that supports your voice night after night?

Performing on stage can be physically and mentally exhausting, but it’s always worth it, because I truly love what I do. This doesn’t feel like a job to me; it feels like home. I believe I was born to do this, and with every performance, it only gets more exciting and meaningful.
Even in the middle of a show, I often find myself getting new ideas, creative sparks that keep me inspired. That’s how I know I’m in the right place. I genuinely enjoy my work, and I believe in letting things unfold naturally, as long as you stay in the zone and stay true to the moment.

Indian music now resonates far beyond its borders, from Bollywood to global streaming. Where do you see your sound, and Indian music as a whole, heading next - especially with cross-genre collaborations on the rise?

Absolutely! Indian music has gone global, and I believe this is a truly exciting time for it.
The kind of concerts we’re seeing now, especially in India, show just how much the audience has grown. People are attending shows by a wide variety of artists, which is amazing to witness.
And this is just the beginning. Things are only going to get better from here. I’m also seeing more and more cross-border collaborations, which is a beautiful sign of how music is bringing cultures together.

Dubai is so ready to welcome you back! What can fans expect from “I AM HOME” at Coca-Cola Arena, and is there one moment you’re especially excited to share?

I’ve performed in Dubai before at the same venue, Coca-Cola Arena and all I can say is: if you’ve seen the show before, get ready for something even better this time!

We’ve upgraded everything from the last performance, and it’s going to feel fresher, more energetic, and even more memorable. And for those coming for the very first time, please do come! Let’s make it an unforgettable night together. I’m here to make sure you leave with amazing memories. So welcome, and see you at the show- I AM HOME!