Bhopal, (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 15, 2024: Divya Saxena stands out as a change maker in India’s typically male-dominated music business. This woman from the small town of Rajgarh has defied expectations and made her own path, eventually becoming the founder of Thrill Records, a prominent music label based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
“As a girl from a small town, I was often told what I couldn’t do,” Divya recalls. “But I’ve always believed that with determination and hard work, there’s no limit to what women can achieve.”
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Her academic career began at Rajgarh’s Kendriya Vidyalaya, and she later earned a degree in Computer Science Engineering from ASCT. Her initial work path took her into the management field, where she managed clinics. However, her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to establish Orion International School after identifying a gap in the education market.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes to Divya’s life, rekindling a Dlong-held passion for the performing arts, particularly singing. While she felt it was too late to pursue a singing career herself, she saw an opportunity to support other aspiring artists, especially women who often face additional barriers in the industry.
“I realised that there were so many talented individuals, particularly women, who just needed the right platform,” Divya explains. “That’s when the idea for Thrill Records was born. I wanted to create a space where artists, regardless of gender, could showcase their talents.”
True to her engineering background, Divya approached the music industry with a methodical mindset. She immersed herself in researching the complexities of the music industry, working closely with young talents to understand their needs and aspirations.
“We believe in complete transparency with our artists,” Divya states. “We offer technical consultations and work together to achieve the artist’s vision. We also give them the option of artistic curation. It’s about creating an environment where creativity can flourish.”
The label’s first original release, ‘Teri Memoriyan’ by Stanley Chacko and Shruti Agrawal, represented this approach. Their most recent release, ‘Ishq Mera’ by Aalap Bhat, further cements their commitment to diverse, quality music.
“We want to be a platform that discovers and nurtures hidden talent, especially among women who might not otherwise get a chance,” Divya says.
As a woman entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated field, Divya acknowledges the challenges but remains relaxed. “Yes, there have been difficulties, but I see them as opportunities to prove myself and pave the way for other women,” she shares.
Divya is quick to acknowledge that success in the music industry is a team effort. “I knew from the start that this wasn’t a one-person job,” she admits. “I invested my time in curating the right team, ensuring a good mix of talents and perspectives.”
Divya Saxena’s journey is an inspiring narrative of breaking barriers and creating opportunities. She is not only building a business with Thrill Records but also orchestrating a symphony of change by empowering artists and challenging gender norms in India’s music industry.
