Founder, Pagal Haina
Dhruv Singh is the founder of Pagal Haina, an artist development and label services company that works with several key artists in India’s independent music scene. With a multidisciplinary background spanning film, theatre, sports management, and event production, Singh developed an early interest in the creative arts. Since establishing Pagal Haina in 2010, he has focused on discovering and nurturing emerging talent, helping them build sustainable careers and loyal fanbases. Over the years, his work has contributed to elevating India’s indie artists onto both national and international stages.
Early Career & Music
Before fully transitioning into the music business, Dhruv Singh studied filmmaking at the APA International Film School in Sydney and explored multiple creative fields including film, theatre and sports management. These experiences helped him develop a broad understanding of storytelling, performance, and audience engagement. During this period, he began informally managing musicians and engaging with the independent music scene, which was still developing in India at the time.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
Dhruv Singh formally entered the entrepreneurial space in 2010 with the launch of Pagal Haina. It began as a small artist management operation, the company gradually expanded into a full-fledged management and label services platform. One of Singh’s early successes was discovering and managing singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, working with him between 2011 and 2018 as Kuhad grew into one of India’s most widely recognised independent artists. During this period, Pagal Haina also functioned as a label services partner, releasing projects including Kuhad’s breakthrough EP Cold/Mess, which helped propel him into wider global recognition.
About The Company
Pagal Haina is an artist development and label services company built around the principles of community building and fan engagement. The company has become known for identifying distinctive voices in India’s alternative and independent music scene and supporting them through long-term career building rather than short-term commercial cycles. Its roster includes influential artists such as Peter Cat Recording Co., Lifafa, and The F16s. They have also played a pivotal role in building the careers of Shantanu Pandit, Run It’s The Kid, Ditty, Karshni, Hashbass, Rounak Maiti, and Shashwat Bulusu. Through management, touring, and label services, the company has contributed to the growing global visibility of Indian independent music.
Impact & Vision
Dhruv Singh’s work has been instrumental in helping shape India’s contemporary indie music ecosystem by prioritizing long-term artist development and collaborative creative communities.
