Purva Mantri’s ‘Homecoming’ EP Unfolds as a Four-Episode Extraterrestrial Love Story

Singer Purva Mantri’s new EP Homecoming is one she describes as a “cosmic love story,” with the narrative across four romantic tracks detailing how a Sci-Fi-obsessed writer in the Nineties falls for an alien, eventually having to let him return to his home planet.

Across four music videos for the songs “Kheta,” “Vari Jau,” “Gunghat” and “Hichki,” Mantri – along with composers like Nischala Mantri, Kushal Choksi, Veer Pandya and Shravan Mantri (who also raps on “Hichki”) and lyricists Munaf Luhar, Saveri Veema and Jeet Chauhan – creates what she is describing as a “music series.”

Mantri says in a statement, “Homecoming is an emotional return to the stories and sounds that shaped me.” There’s Gujarati, Marwari, and Hindi pop, with “Vari Jau” also adapting the Hindi bhajan of the same name. Often known for her high-energy performances – including garba nights during Navratri – Homecoming sees Mantri lean more on storytelling. She adds, “While my journey as a pop performer has been loud, energetic and unapologetic, this series allowed me to pause and listen to myself. These songs come from memories, from the traditions I grew up with, and from emotions we often don’t voice. I wanted to honor my roots without losing my identity as a contemporary pop artist.”

While “Kheta” is a vibrant and playful start to the EP that celebrates home, community and belonging, songs like “Hichki” showcase Mantri in more introspective moments. Elsewhere, “Gunghat” explores “femininity, tradition and inner strength,” according to the artist.

While the extraterrestrial love angle unfolds through a nostalgic Nineties lens – old vinyl, cassette tapes, typewriters, CDs and computer monitors all make an appearance as the narrative travels up to the present day – Mantri’s sartorial choices stand out as well. There are funky hairdos (almost for shock value), a room full of mannequins and more to look out for across four videos.