For several decades, India’s popular music industry revolved around film soundtracks, solo playback stars, and independent singer‑songwriters. But over the past three years, something distinctly different has been taking shape in the mainstream music scene. After the rising popularity of bands like Parikrama, Pentagram, Agnee, and Indian Ocean, Indian pop—or “I‑pop”—has now evolved into a carefully developed ecosystem with global‑facing branding strategies.

Fall isn’t just a season—it’s a mood. The air feels lighter, the nights are a little colder, and everything around you seems to slow down in the best way possible. What better way to soundtrack that than with the perfect mix of soulful R&B, K-pop softness, and heartfelt lyrics? Here are five songs that capture the vibes of fall and make every moment feel like you’re the main character of a rom-com.

This week’s been heavy in ways I can’t quite put into words—and my headphones have been my safe space. You know that feeling when a song just gets you, like it’s been eavesdropping on your thoughts? That’s been me—leaning on these artists who, in their own ways, tug at different corners of my heart. If these songs were people in my life, they would be...