Prateek Kuhad is a globally celebrated Indian singer-songwriter who has carved a niche in the indie music scene with his soul-stirring compositions and evocative lyrics. Blending Indian folk sensibilities with Western pop and acoustic influences, Kuhad’s music transcends language and borders, captivating audiences around the world. He rose to fame with hits like “Cold/Mess”, “Kasoor”, and “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan”, and is often credited with pioneering the indie singer-songwriter wave in India.
Born and raised in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Prateek’s journey began in a household with little connection to professional music. He later moved to the United States to study Math and Economics at New York University, where he simultaneously discovered his passion for songwriting and honed his musical identity. His breakout moment came when “Cold/Mess” was featured on former US President Barack Obama’s favorite songs of 2019 list — a remarkable global nod that cemented Kuhad’s position in the international indie scene.
Over the years, Prateek has released critically acclaimed albums and EPs, performed at major global venues and festivals, and built a loyal fan base that spans continents. Despite his soft, understated style, his impact on India’s alternative music industry has been profound — opening doors for countless independent artists and redefining what mainstream success looks like in the country. His live performances are known for their intimate vibe, emotional vulnerability, and poetic storytelling.
Let’s explore the fascinating life of this modern-day troubadour.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Prateek Kuhad |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Singer-Songwriter, Musician |
| Birthplace | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age | 34 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 23 March 1991 |
| Hometown | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Caste/Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 175 cm (5’9”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 68 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Father’s name | Not publicly known |
|---|---|
| Mother’s name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name | He has a twin brother |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Relationships
| Boyfriend/Girlfriend | Niharika Thakur (ex-girlfriend) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Currently single (as of 2025) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Vidyalaya, Jaipur |
|---|---|
| College/University | New York University, USA |
| Educational Qualification | Major in Math and Economics |
Controversies
Prateek Kuhad has largely stayed away from controversies. However, his breakup with longtime partner Niharika Thakur became a subject of public attention in 2022, especially after he confirmed the split during a media interaction.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Indian home-cooked food, Avocado Toast |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind |
| Favorite Actor | Irrfan Khan |
| Favorite Actress | Natalie Portman |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Amsterdam, Himachal Pradesh |
| Favorite Cafe | Blue Tokai (India) |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Uniqlo, Muji |
| Favorite Book | Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies by concert and licensing deals |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 – $2 million USD (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | www.prateekkuhad.com |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly known |
| Phone Number | Not publicly known |
| House Address | Mumbai / New Delhi (India) |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Prateek Kuhad |
|---|---|
| @prateekkuhad | |
| /prateekkuhad | |
| @prateekkuhad |
Personal Quote:
“I write about what I feel. That’s the only way I know how to be honest in my music.”
Early Life and Career
Born on March 23, 1991, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Prateek Kuhad grew up in a non-musical but supportive family. As a child, he listened to Hindi music, but his taste broadened dramatically after discovering Western artists like Elliott Smith and Bob Dylan. Encouraged to pursue academics, he followed the conventional path and earned a degree in Math and Economics from NYU. However, it was during his college days in New York that Prateek began to seriously explore songwriting and performing at open mics.
His return to India saw him shift his focus entirely to music. Starting with small gigs in Delhi and self-produced tracks on SoundCloud and YouTube, he gradually built a loyal audience. His debut album “In Tokens & Charms” (2015) received widespread acclaim, but it was “cold/mess” that catapulted him to international fame. The track, with its emotional vulnerability and minimalist production, struck a chord globally — culminating in the song being featured on Barack Obama’s favorite music list in 2019.
Current Life/Events
As of 2025, Prateek Kuhad continues to dominate the indie scene in India and abroad. His most recent album, “The Way That Lovers Do”, explored themes of love, loss, and solitude, and was accompanied by a worldwide tour that saw him perform in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
He’s currently working on his next studio album and collaborating with both Indian and international artists. Known for staying grounded despite fame, Prateek spends his time between writing retreats in the hills and packed live shows in metro cities. He is also an outspoken advocate for indie artists in India, frequently using his platform to support emerging talent.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Prateek Kuhad
- He has a twin brother, but they are not identical.
- Prateek was a math geek in school and was expected to pursue a corporate career.
- He’s multilingual — writing songs in both English and Hindi with equal ease.
- Despite his success, he avoids Bollywood playback singing, preferring artistic independence.
- His song “Kasoor” was originally a draft recorded on his phone — now it’s one of his biggest hits.
- Prateek has synesthesia, a rare neurological condition where he can associate sounds with colors.
- He started playing the guitar only in his college years.
- His live shows often sell out in minutes, especially in college towns and international cities.
- He meditates regularly and is deeply spiritual, though not overtly religious.
- Prateek is a minimalist and prefers a simple, clutter-free lifestyle.
