Harshit Saxena

Harshit Saxena (born 21 August 1985) is an Indian playback singer, composer, and music director primarily recognized for his contributions to Bollywood music.^[1][2] Originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Saxena holds a degree in physiotherapy but pursued a career in music after gaining prominence through singing reality television shows.^[3] He achieved early success as the runner-up on Amul Star Voice of India in 2007 and second runner-up on Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar in 2008, which paved the way for his entry into the film industry.^[1] Saxena made his playback singing debut with the song "Happy Ending" in the 2010 film Tees Maar Khan, followed by his composing debut with "Haal-e-Dil" for Murder 2 in 2011, a track he also sang that became one of his most popular works.^[1][2] For his composition of "Haal-e-Dil," he received the Radio Mirchi Award for Best Upcoming Music Composer in 2012.^[1] He has since composed additional songs for films like Hate Story (2012) and expanded into original soundtracks for OTT series, including his musical debut on the platform with Saat Kadam in 2021. In recent years, he has focused on devotional music, composing tracks like the title song for Shrimad Ramayan (2024) and releasing bhajans in Ayodhya as of November 2024.^[1][4][5]

Early life and education

Family background

Harshit Saxena was born on 21 August 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.^[6] He grew up in a close-knit family in the city, living with his parents, grandmother (dadiji), and brother Shobhit.^[6] His father, Abhilash Saxena, a retired subdivisional officer at BSNL in Lucknow, provided steadfast support, encouraging him to pursue opportunities despite uncertainties, such as auditioning for national singing competitions.^[6][7] His mother, Vandana, played a pivotal role in his early life, nurturing the household with her passion for music.^[8] Music was deeply embedded in the family dynamic, with both his mother and brother Shobhit recognized as talented singers who served as primary influences on Saxena's initial exposure to the art form.^[6] He learned traditional old songs and classical pieces from his mother, fostering a foundational appreciation for melody and rhythm within the home environment. The family's devotional practices further shaped his sensibilities, as Saxena often participated in singing bhajans during his youth in Lucknow.^[4] Lucknow's vibrant cultural milieu, known for its blend of Nawabi traditions and spiritual fervor, profoundly influenced Saxena's formative years and inclination toward devotional music.^[4] The city's temples, festivals, and community gatherings exposed him to a rich tapestry of bhakti expressions, which resonated with the devotional ethos instilled by his family and helped cultivate his enduring interest in spiritually oriented compositions. This upbringing in Lucknow laid the groundwork for his personal and artistic development before he relocated to Mumbai in 2007.^[6]

Initial musical training

Harshit Saxena completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) degree, initially pursuing a career in healthcare before fully committing to music.^[9][6] His musical journey involved a combination of formal training and self-directed efforts. He trained for three years with Ustad Gulshan Bharti in Lucknow and developed his skills through listening to Bollywood classics and devotional compositions from a young age, inspired by his admiration for singers like Kishore Kumar.^[6][9] He also received foundational guidance from his mother, a trained singer who introduced him to old songs and classical numbers, drawing from her roots in Varanasi's rich tradition of semi-classical and devotional music.^[6][7] During his school years in Lucknow, Saxena honed his abilities by participating in local singing events, including winning the state-level Lucknow Mahotsav competition for four consecutive years starting in the ninth grade.^[6] He frequently performed at family gatherings, where music was a central part of the household, supported by his mother and brother, both accomplished singers.^[6] These early experiences built his confidence and exposed him to diverse audiences before his transition to national platforms.

Career beginnings

Participation in reality shows

Harshit Saxena first gained public recognition through his participation in the singing reality show Amul Star Voice of India in 2007, where he reached the finals as runner-up to winner Ishmeet Singh Sodhi.^[10][11] During the competition, Saxena, then a student from Lucknow, auditioned despite the risk of missing his physiotherapy semester exams, demonstrating his commitment to pursuing music over his academic commitments.^[6] He highlighted the challenges of adapting to the intense performance pressure, noting that maintaining patience amid tough competition and critical feedback was particularly demanding.^[6] Building on this exposure, Saxena appeared as a finalist in the 2008 season of Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star on Star Plus, where he finished as second runner-up, competing alongside established singers like Abhijeet Sawant and Rahul Vaidya in a format that pitted challengers against champions.^[12] His performances in the show further showcased his versatility in Bollywood and classical styles, helping him connect with mentors and build a growing fanbase in the industry.^[12] Saxena continued his television presence in early 2010 as part of the team format in Music Ka Maha Muqqabla, where established singers from prior reality competitions collaborated in musical challenges against rival teams.^[13] These appearances solidified his network in Mumbai, where he relocated following his Star Voice of India stint to pursue opportunities in the music scene.^[6] Throughout these shows, Saxena emphasized the value of education, expressing plans to complete his physiotherapy degree while navigating the uncertainties of a performance-driven career.^[6]

Transition to professional music

Following his runner-up finish in the 2007 season of Star Voice of India, Harshit Saxena shifted from competitive reality television to a professional music career by relocating to Mumbai that year. A trained physiotherapist who had initially postponed his semester exams to audition for the show, Saxena later completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) degree while pursuing singing full-time.^[14][15][16] In Mumbai, Saxena secured early industry connections, including offers to collaborate with composers such as Sajid-Wajid, Aadesh Shrivastava, Jatin-Lalit, and Daboo Malik. These initial engagements positioned him for studio work, with commitments to contribute vocals to upcoming film projects produced by figures like Mukesh Bhatt, whom he had impressed during the reality show.^[17][15] Throughout the late 2000s, Saxena built his reputation through collaborations with established artists and composers, alongside non-film recordings and live performance gigs that expanded his visibility beyond television competitions.^[17]

Musical achievements

Playback singing highlights

Harshit Saxena marked his entry into Bollywood playback singing with the upbeat track "Happy Ending" from the 2010 film Tees Maar Khan, where he shared vocals alongside Prajakta Shukre, Abhijeet Sawant, and Debojit Saha, contributing to the song's energetic group chorus that captured the film's comedic vibe.^[18] This debut showcased his versatile tone in a lively ensemble piece, helping establish his presence in mainstream cinema soundtracks.^[19] A breakthrough came with "Haal-e-Dil" from Murder 2 in 2011, a soulful romantic ballad that Saxena both composed and sang, achieving widespread popularity and earning praise for its heartfelt lyrics and his emotive, yearning delivery that resonated with audiences seeking emotional depth in thriller soundtracks.^[20] The track's success, driven by its melodic structure and Saxena's raw vocal intensity, solidified his reputation as a go-to singer for poignant love songs, with critics noting its replay value and prominence in the romantic genre.^[20] Saxena further demonstrated his range in "Mahe Jaan" from the 2012 erotic thriller Hate Story, delivering a passionate, husky rendition that blended sensuality with rock elements in its version, receiving acclaim for amplifying the film's bold narrative through his commanding presence and stylistic shift toward more intense, item-number-like tracks.^[21] This song highlighted his adaptability, moving from tender ballads to edgier compositions while maintaining vocal clarity and emotional pull, contributing to the album's commercial appeal.^[22] In 2020, Saxena lent his voice to the melodic duet "Na Duniya Mangi Hai" from Sab Kushal Mangal, partnering with Bhoomi Trivedi in a light-hearted romantic number that emphasized his smooth, harmonious style and ability to complement co-singers, achieving strong streaming performance and positive reception for its feel-good vibe in family-oriented cinema.^[23] Across these works, Saxena's playback contributions spanned romantic ballads, upbeat anthems, and sensual tracks, with critics and charts alike underscoring his vocal versatility and lasting impact on diverse Bollywood genres through emotive expression and successes.^[16]

Composition and music direction

Harshit Saxena made his debut as a music director with the 2011 film Murder 2, where he composed the track "Haal-e-Dil," which he also sang, winning him the Radio Mirchi Award for Best Upcoming Music Composer in 2012.^[24] This composition marked his entry into film scoring, blending emotional melodies with contemporary Bollywood sensibilities, and contributed to the film's soundtrack success alongside works by Mithoon and Sangeet-Siddharth.^[25] In 2012, Saxena took on his first full album as music director for the erotic thriller Hate Story, composing all six tracks, including the popular "Mahe Jaan," which he performed and which featured rock and remix versions to incorporate modern production elements.^[26][27] The soundtrack's mix of seductive rhythms and melodic hooks reflected his ability to fuse traditional Indian vocal styles with electronic influences, achieving commercial appeal in the Bollywood thriller genre.^[1] He has occasionally sung in his own compositions, such as "Mahe Jaan," bridging his roles as performer and creator.^[1] Saxena's compositional style evolved toward innovative fusions by 2021, when he scored the web series Saat Kadam (also known as 7 Kadam), creating tracks like "Bondhu Re" with Bengali folk influences reminiscent of S.D. Burman and "Chakala Vakala," a high-energy anthem.^[28][29] His process is script-driven, adapting to narrative needs while drawing from his devotional roots in Lucknow, where he began singing bhajans, and responding to Bollywood's shift toward OTT platforms amid pandemic trends.^[4] This approach emphasizes blending classical and folk traditions with contemporary beats to suit diverse formats. Since then, he has continued composing for films such as Romeo S3 (2025) and devotional tracks including "Veer Hanumaan" (2024).^[30][4]

Recent projects and contributions

Television and devotional work

Harshit Saxena has made significant contributions to Indian television through his devotional music, particularly in mythological serials that emphasize spiritual themes. In 2024, he served as the primary playback singer for Shrimad Ramayan, a Sony SAB series produced by Swastik Productions, where he lent his voice to the title track "Ramcharit Manas," composed by Lalit Sen.^[31] His vocals extended to numerous shlokas, chaupais, dohas, and background devotional pieces, enhancing the serial's spiritual narrative drawn from Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. The show, which premiered on January 1, 2024, and concluded on March 10, 2025, resonated deeply with audiences, with Saxena's soulful renditions becoming a highlight that connected viewers to the epic's devotional essence.^[32] Saxena's work on Shrimad Ramayan earned him the Best Singer (TV) award at the 24th Indian Television Academy Awards in 2024, recognizing his emotive delivery in the title track and overall contributions. This achievement underscored his ability to infuse television devotional content with profound bhakti, briefly noted here as it stems directly from this project (detailed further in awards section). Beyond the serial, Saxena participated in launch events for related devotional initiatives, including a live performance at the "Veer Hanuman" event in Ayodhya in October 2024, where he sang tracks tied to Hanuman worship on the walls of Hanuman Garhi temple.^[33] These performances highlighted his role in bridging television production with live spiritual celebrations. In 2025, Saxena continued his devotional television work as composer and singer for the Sony SAB series Veer Hanuman, produced by Swastik Productions, providing the title track and additional bhajans that emphasize Hanuman's devotion and strength. His contributions to the series earned a nomination for Best Singer (TV) at the 25th Indian Television Academy Awards.^[34][35] His devotional oeuvre also includes standalone songs like "Pawan Bhakti De De Ram," a 2023 collaboration with Sonu Nigam focusing on Lord Hanuman's devotion and strength, which exemplifies Saxena's thematic emphasis on bhakti rasa in non-serial formats. Saxena's personal affinity for devotional music stems from a lifelong bond with Hindu deities, influenced by his upbringing in Lucknow, where family traditions fostered a deep spiritual outlook. This connection not only shaped his artistic choices but also amplified the emotional impact of his television work, drawing audiences into immersive experiences of faith during Shrimad Ramayan's run.^[32]

Film soundtracks post-2020

Following his earlier contributions to Bollywood soundtracks, Harshit Saxena took on the role of solo music composer for the 2020 romantic comedy Sab Kushal Mangal, directed by Karan Vishwanath Kashyap and starring Akshaye Khanna, Priya Bapat, and Priyaank Sharma. The album, released under Zee Music Company, comprises six tracks with lyrics primarily by Sameer Anjaan, blending upbeat romantic numbers with folk-inspired melodies. Notable among them is the duet "Na Duniya Mangi Hai," featuring Saxena alongside Bhoomi Trivedi, which highlights his versatile vocal style in a playful, rhythmic composition. Other songs include "Zamana Badal Gaya" by Sonu Kakkar and Vandana Saxena, and the title track rendered by Bappi Lahiri, Usha Uthup, and Akshay Dhawan. Despite positive notes on the music's light-hearted energy, the film's overall box office performance was dismal, earning approximately ₹1.15 crore nett in India amid the early COVID-19 disruptions, limiting the soundtrack's reach.^[36][37] In 2021, Saxena composed the score for the sports drama web film Saat Kadam (also known as 7 Kadam), an Eros Now original directed by Raajiv Mitra and featuring Amit Sadh and Ronit Roy. The soundtrack emphasizes emotional depth through tracks like "Chakala Wakala," a lively ensemble piece sung by multiple artists including Swaroop Khan, and "Bondhu Re" by Palash Sen, integrating motivational themes with contemporary orchestration. The series received appreciation for its father-son narrative, and the music contributed to its modest streaming success, though specific metrics on viewership were not publicly detailed. The compositions marked Saxena's expansion into digital platforms, with a focus on relatable, anthemic tunes.^[38][4] Saxena's most recent film project as of 2025 is the action thriller Romeo S3, released on 16 May 2025 under Pen Studios, directed by Guddu Dhanoa and starring Thakur Anoop Singh, Palak Tiwari, and Shivaani Jaadhav. Co-composed with the Sen brothers (Dilip Sen and Sameer Sen), the three-song soundtrack, again with lyrics by Sameer Anjaan, features high-energy tracks suited to the film's intense plot involving a drug cartel and revenge. Standouts include "Dhoka Dhoka," a pulsating betrayal anthem sung by Bhoomi Trivedi and Saxena himself, and "Elaan-e-Ishq" by Palak Muchhal, which infuses romantic tension with electronic beats. The overall score enhances the thriller elements without overshadowing the narrative. However, the film underperformed commercially, grossing approximately ₹0.94 crore worldwide, attributed to mixed critical reception and competition from larger releases.^[39][40] Post-2020, Saxena's film compositions have evolved to fuse modern production techniques, such as synth-driven rhythms and EDM influences, with traditional Indian melodic structures, creating accessible yet culturally rooted soundscapes that appeal to younger audiences while retaining emotional resonance. This stylistic shift is evident in the dynamic pacing of Romeo S3's tracks compared to the more conventional romance in Sab Kushal Mangal.^[16]

Discography

As a playback singer

Harshit Saxena began his career as a playback singer in Bollywood with the upbeat track "Happy Ending" from the film Tees Maar Khan in 2010, marking his entry into professional film music.^[1] His subsequent contributions expanded to include soulful romantic numbers and versatile tracks across genres, often blending traditional and contemporary elements in his vocal delivery. By 2025, his playback work had amassed significant digital traction, with his hit "Hale Dil" from Murder 2 surpassing over 179 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025, establishing it as a streaming milestone in Indian music.^[30]

Film Songs

Saxena's playback singing credits in films span over a decade, featuring in more than a dozen projects where he lent his voice to lead and versioned tracks. Key examples include:

• Tees Maar Khan (2010): "Happy Ending" – A lively ensemble number composed by Vishal-Shekhar, showcasing his energetic style.^[1][41]
• Murder 2 (2011): "Hale Dil" (also known as "Haal-E-Dil Tujhko Sunaata") – A poignant romantic ballad that became his breakthrough hit; "Hale Dil (Acoustic)" – An unplugged rendition emphasizing raw emotion.^[1][42][41]
• Hate Story (2012): "Mahe Jaan" – A melodic Sufi-inspired track; "Mahe Jaan (Rock Version)" – A high-energy remix highlighting his vocal range.^[1][22]
• Welcome Back (2015): "Meet Me Daily Baby (Ibeat Mix)" – A funky, dance-oriented number co-sung with Pawni Pandey, adding a playful vibe to the comedy soundtrack.^[41][43]
• Super Nani (2014): "Dhaani Chunariya"; "Dhaani Chunariya (Rock Version)" – Folk-tinged tracks with a modern twist, evoking familial themes.^[44]
• Hotel Milan (2018): "Stepney" – A narrative-driven song reflecting themes of struggle.^[45]
• Sab Kushal Mangal (2020): "Na Duniya Mangi Hai"; "Sab Kushal Mangal (Title Track)"; "Naya Naya Love"; "Ishq Ne Mara Re" – Multiple upbeat and romantic numbers in this comedy-drama.^[46]
• Saat Kadam (2021): "Chakala Wakala" – An upbeat track from the OTT series soundtrack.^[47]
• Romeo S3 (2025): "Dhoka Dhoka" – A recent track from the original motion picture soundtrack, gaining early streaming buzz.^[30]

These selections represent his most notable film contributions, prioritizing tracks that achieved commercial success or critical mention, rather than exhaustive listings.

Non-Film Singing

Beyond cinema, Saxena has provided vocals for albums, singles, and remixes from 2007 onward, often in backing or lead roles for independent releases. Examples include acoustic and lo-fi reinterpretations of his popular songs, as well as original album tracks:

• "Hale Dil (Acoustic)" (2011) – A stripped-down version of his Murder 2 hit, released as a standalone single with over 7.9 million Spotify streams as of November 2025.^[42][30]
• "Hale Dil Lofi Mix (Remix by DJ Abhi India)" (post-2011) – A chill remix featured in lo-fi compilations, appealing to younger digital audiences.^[42]
• "Tu Hi Bata" (2020s single) – A devotional-tinged independent release, accumulating over 100,000 streams.^[30]

His non-film work often involves reworking film successes into album formats, contributing to sustained playback across platforms like JioSaavn and Apple Music.^[42]

Collaborations

Saxena has collaborated with various artists on playback tracks, enhancing soundtracks through shared vocals. Notable instances include:

• Tracks in Lofi Romantic Hits compilation (2020s) – Backing and featured vocals alongside artists like Tulsi Kumar and Mohit Chauhan, focusing on mellow remixes.^[42]
• "Dhaani Chunariya" from Super Nani (2014) – With Shreya Ghoshal, incorporating folk collaboration elements.^[44]

These partnerships highlight his adaptability in ensemble singing, often elevating film and album narratives.^[1]

As a music director

Harshit Saxena debuted as a music director in Bollywood with the thriller Murder 2 (2011), where he composed one track alongside Mithoon and the duo Sangeet-Siddharth.^[25] Over the course of his career, he has directed music for at least six major projects, including films and OTT series, evolving from contributing single songs in multi-composer albums to helming full soundtracks with a blend of romantic ballads, rock-infused tracks, and fusion elements that incorporate electronic production and traditional Indian melodies.^[48] His production style has progressed toward more polished, digitally enhanced arrangements, as seen in his solo compositions by the 2020s, emphasizing emotional depth through layered instrumentation.^[49] In Murder 2, Saxena's sole contribution was the poignant ballad "Hale Dil," which he also sang, setting a template for his melodic, heartfelt compositions. The full soundtrack album features eight tracks, with the following key credits: ^[25] Saxena took on full music direction for the erotic thriller Hate Story (2012), composing all six tracks in a sultry, rock-oriented style that marked his first complete album score. The soundtrack, released by T-Series, includes: This project showcased his ability to craft versatile tracks ranging from acoustic intimacy to high-energy remixes, without co-composers.^[27] Saxena composed the full soundtrack for the family comedy Super Nani (2014), blending folk and contemporary elements. Key tracks include: Released by T-Series, the album emphasizes emotional family themes.^[50][51] For Hotel Milan (2018), Saxena contributed compositions to the multi-composer soundtrack, including tracks he also sang. Notable credits: The album, released by Zee Music Company, features a mix of narrative and upbeat songs.^[52] By 2020, Saxena served as the solo music director for the comedy Sab Kushal Mangal, composing a five-track album that fused upbeat pop with folk influences, reflecting a matured production approach with richer orchestration. Released under Zee Music Company, the soundtrack credits are: He also provided vocals for multiple songs in this album. In 2021, Saxena composed the soundtrack for the OTT series Saat Kadam, his debut on the platform, featuring motivational and ensemble tracks. Key song: Released by Eros Now, it supports the series' themes of family and perseverance.^[47] In his most recent film project, the romantic drama Romeo S3 (2025), Saxena co-composed the soundtrack with the duo Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen, contributing to a contemporary score with romantic and dramatic elements produced under Pen Studios. The album, available on JioSaavn, features tracks such as "Elaan - E - Ishq" (sung by Palak Muchhal and Harshit Saxena) and "Dhoka Dhoka" (sung by Bhoomi Trivedi and Harshit Saxena), highlighting his ongoing integration of vocal performances into his directional work.^[53] Beyond films, Saxena has directed non-film singles, including the romantic track "Aur Kuch Baaki" (2021), which he composed and which was sung by Yasser Desai under Zee Music Company, exemplifying his shift toward independent releases with minimalist, emotive production. This evolution underscores his versatility, from collaborative film scores to standalone compositions that prioritize lyrical intimacy and modern beats.

Devotional and non-film releases

Harshit Saxena has ventured into devotional music and non-film releases, focusing on themes of Hindu deities such as Lord Ram and Hanuman, often expressing personal spiritual devotion through soulful compositions and vocals. These works, primarily released as singles on digital platforms like YouTube and Spotify, highlight his ability to blend traditional bhakti elements with contemporary melodies, appealing to audiences seeking spiritual solace outside mainstream cinema.^[32] Among his notable devotional tracks, "Pawan Bhakti De De Ram," composed by Saxena and sung by Sonu Nigam with lyrics by Sameer Anjaan, was released in 2022 as a tribute to Lord Ram, featuring visuals of actors Anjali Sharma and Abhinandan Singh. This single, directed by Arpit Dawani, emphasizes themes of divine grace and bhakti, and was made available on platforms including YouTube and Spotify. In 2024, Saxena lent his voice to the title track of the television series Shrimad Ramayan on Sony SAB, composed by Lalit Sen, capturing the epic's devotional essence with lyrics invoking Ramcharit Manas; the track, integrated into the show's narrative, received praise for its emotional depth and was released officially on YouTube via Swastik Productions. Extending his devotional repertoire into 2025, Saxena released "Lanka Mein Doondh Rahe Hanuman" on May 23, a single composed by Lalit Sen under Om Kridha Muzik, portraying Hanuman's quest in the Ramayana with fervent bhakti vocals; it became available on streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, underscoring themes of devotion and divine search.^{[54][55][32][56]} In the realm of non-film singles, Saxena's independent releases often explore romantic and introspective themes, distributed primarily through YouTube and music labels like Zee Music Company. "Aur Kuch Baaki," a 2021 collaboration with singer Yasser Desai, features Saxena's composition and programming alongside lyrics by Dev Narayan, released as a Zee Music Originals single starring Vin Rana and Tridha Choudhury; the track, evoking lingering love, was uploaded to YouTube and streamed on platforms like Apple Music. Similarly, "Dil Terre Naam" from 2022 serves as the title track of Saxena's self-composed romantic album of the same name, with lyrics by Sameer Anjaan, portraying deep passion and devotion; released on December 6 via his official YouTube channel Harshit Saxena Studioz, it garnered over 1 million plays and exemplifies his independent production style. These singles, along with other YouTube uploads from his channel such as acoustic versions and bhajans, reflect Saxena's commitment to personal artistic expressions beyond film soundtracks.^[57][58][59]

Awards and honors

Key awards received

Harshit Saxena received the Upcoming Music Composer Award at the Mirchi Music Awards in 2012 for his composition "Haal-E-Dil" from the film Murder 2, recognizing his breakthrough as a newcomer in Bollywood music direction.^[1] This accolade highlighted the song's widespread popularity and emotional resonance, which propelled Saxena from playback singing into composing roles for subsequent projects.^[60] In 2024, Saxena won the Best Singer (TV) Award at the Indian Television Academy Awards for the title track of the devotional series Shrimad Ramayan, underscoring his versatility in blending contemporary and traditional vocal styles for television audiences.^[61] The win affirmed his growing influence in devotional music, where his rendition contributed to the show's cultural impact and viewership success.

Nominations and recognitions

Harshit Saxena's compositions for the 2012 film Hate Story garnered attention in Bollywood circles for their intense and sensual tracks, including "Mahe Jaan" and "Raat," which were highlighted as standout elements of the soundtrack despite the film's controversial reception.^[21] In devotional music, Saxena's vocal performances for Shrimad Ramayan (2024–2025) earned him a nomination for Best Singer at the 25th Indian Television Academy Awards, underscoring his impact in blending traditional bhajans with contemporary television storytelling.^[31]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Harshit Saxena married actress Samonica Shrivastava in an arranged marriage on February 9, 2023, at a five-star hotel in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.^[62] The couple had known each other as acquaintances in Mumbai prior to the wedding, which was facilitated after Shrivastava's mother contacted Saxena's family.^[62] The ceremony was an intimate three-day event that included engagement, haldi, and mehendi rituals, attended only by close family members and friends, such as lyricist Sameer Anjaan.^[62] Following the wedding, the couple planned additional receptions in Mumbai and Lucknow to accommodate their professional commitments and extended family.^[62] Saxena and Shrivastava reside in Mumbai, where he has lived since moving there in 2007 to pursue his music career.^[34] He balances his demanding schedule of live performances and recording sessions with family life by prioritizing visits to his parents and relatives in Lucknow during festivals like Diwali, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and traditions in sustaining personal relationships.^[34] Despite his public career, Saxena maintains a low profile regarding intimate family details, focusing public discussions on the supportive role his marriage plays in his professional journey.^[62]

Professional background outside music

Harshit Saxena trained as a physiotherapist, completing his education in the field prior to fully committing to a career in music.^[63] His academic background equipped him with knowledge in healthcare and rehabilitation, reflecting an initial professional path outside the entertainment industry.^[63] Saxena briefly pursued physiotherapy as a trainee in his hometown of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where he balanced his studies with emerging musical aspirations.^[15] In 2007, he made the decisive shift to music by relocating to Mumbai and forgoing his physiotherapy semester exams to audition for the reality television show Star Voice of India, marking the end of his non-musical professional endeavors.^[64]