Music composer Mahesh Mahadev and playback singer Dr. Priyadarshini has been honored with the
“International Music Duo of the Year 2025” award by the International Singer-Songwriters
Association (ISSA), based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The recognition was awarded for their recent
independent music album, “Jai Jai Ram Siya Ram”. The award ceremony took place at the Sandy
Springs Performing Arts Center in Atlanta and celebrated notable achievements in independent music
from artists around the world.
The ISSA hosts this annual event to spotlight excellence in independent music. The selection process
for the 2025 awards included public voting across more than 35 countries, followed by final evaluations
conducted by a jury panel comprising Grammy-winning artists and renowned music professionals.
Dr Priyadarshini, a Singaporean-Indian playback singer with over 180 film songs to her credit and
India’s first playback singer to receive Ph.D. Doctorate in film music research, expressed heartfelt
gratitude for the recognition. “We are humbled and honored to be acknowledged on an international
stage. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the universality of music,” she said,
proudly holding the crystal International Music Duo of the Year trophy.
Mahesh Mahadev, celebrated for both his film music and innovative independent compositions that
fuses Indian classical ragas with modern elements,continues to push creative boundaries in the global
music scene. “In 2024, I was awarded Best Male Album of the Year by ISSA, and this year’s
recognition again means a great deal to me—not just as a composer, but as someone who believes in
music’s ability to transcend boundaries. Being honored on a global stage is truly fulfilling,” he said.
Nominated for another International Award
In addition to their ISSA win, Mahesh Mahadev and Priyadarshini have received nominations at the
upcoming 11th Annual Josie Music Awards 2025, one of the largest platforms for independent music
globally. The event is scheduled for November 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The Josie Music Awards received approximately 86,000 submissions from independent musicians
worldwide. Only 2.8% of musicians were selected as nominees, with Mahesh Mahadev and
Priyadarshini being the only two artists from India to be included. Priyadarshini has been nominated
for “World Artist of the Year 2025”, while Mahesh Mahadev is nominated for “Songwriter of the
Year 2025” in the Personal & Pitching Portfolio / Male category.
The judging panel for the Josie Music Awards includes Grammy-winning artists, experienced
producers, and music executives, who evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and
overall impact within the independent music community.
These recognitions reflect the continued international presence and contributions of Mahesh Mahadev
and Dr. Priyadarshini in the evolving landscape of global independent music.