Bass player and composer Mohini Dey spoke about her decision to move to the US, her musical journey and her connection with India at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday, October 22.
The musician, who performed as part of the opening act on the first day of the two-day summit, also urged audiences to support independent musicians.
Mohini, 29, was accompanied by her mother at the event. She opened the summit with a song she had written as a child before taking the stage with her band to perform some of her popular tracks, including The Dey Way.
Speaking about her move to the US, the bassist said she wanted to explore opportunities beyond India after receiving advice from people around her.
“I moved to the US because people told me I need to explore the world. I have played with a lot of artists, such as AR Rahman and Salim-Suleiman. Now, I’ve been touring with my world tour for the past three years,” she said.
She also made an appeal to audiences to continue backing independent artists. “Please continue to support independent musicians,” she said.
Mohini Dey Says She’s ‘Fortunate To Be Born In India’
Despite taking her music to international audiences, Mohini said India remains central to her identity as an artist. Born and raised in Mumbai, she spoke about the country’s cultural diversity and the values she associates with her upbringing.
“I am fortunate to be born in India where we have so many different cultures… We have mosques and temples existing with each other. We don’t judge, we respect each other,” she said at the NDTV World Summit 2026.
Reflecting on the influence of her hometown, she described her music as an expression of her roots.
“My music is the representation of my foundation, which is Mumbai, India”, she added.
Mohini Dey’s Journey From Mumbai To The International Music Scene
Mohini’s association with music began early in life. Her father, who worked as a session musician, started nurturing her interest in the instrument before she turned three. The family was struggling financially when she was born, but her father continued to encourage her musical abilities.
She received her first bass guitar at the age of nine and began performing when she was 11. Her talent caught the attention of Ranjit Barot, a friend of her father, who took her along on his band’s tours. She also received mentorship from jazz musician Louis Banks.
Over the years, Mohini has worked with several prominent names across genres. Her collaborations include AR Rahman, Salim-Suleiman, Steve Vai, Marco Minnemann, Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, Jason Richardson, Dewa Budjana, Zakir Hussain, Sivamani, Greg Howe and Willow Smith.
In August 2023, she released her self-titled debut album. She is also part of Gaan Bangla’s Wind of Change and Coke Studio India, and has performed with AR Rahman. In 2024, she was invited to join Willow Smith’s new band.
Mohini is also associated with MaMoGi, a band featuring her ex-husband, Mark Hartsuch, and drummer Gino Banks.
