Darshan Raval is set to return to the road with his Love Letters India Tour, which will travel across five cities between November and December 2026. The run follows the release of his latest EP, The Everafter, a four-track project featuring “Naal Naal Ve”, “Sirf Tum”, “Jaadu” and “Karwaan”.
On the tour, Raval wants to introduce his fandom, ‘The Blue Family, to the intricate world of his new EP. “Music videos from The Everafter have a lot of little easter eggs for my fans. I’m looking forward to introducing them to the world we have built while revisiting the music they know me best for. It’s an exciting time,” he says.
He sat down with Billboard India to answer our On The Road questionnaire.
Where are you headed on this tour, and how many stops are there?
I’m headed to five different cities, all of which are very special to me. I’m starting the tour in Ahmedabad, my hometown. Then I’m going to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.
The tour kicks off in Ahmedabad. Does playing a hometown show feel different from the rest?
Of course. My friends and family live there, and they never miss a show when I’m performing. I think that adds pressure because I want them to enjoy themselves. I also feel the responsibility of giving my best to my city. Ahmedabad gave me the exposure, and people loved me so much that I could take myself to national and international platforms.
What’s the most memorable thing a member of the Blue Family has ever done or said to you?
This is the most difficult question. I was 19 when I came on television, and now I’m over 30. It’s been so many years of constant love. It’ll be difficult to pick out one particular interaction, but I can tell you about the little things. People travel four or five hours just to meet me once and enjoy a concert. There are fans who have seen my concert a hundred times and are still there in the front row, enjoying the shows. I’m just glad I get to meet all of them.
What are three things that always make it into your tour bag?
Lots and lots of clothes, especially for concerts. Different kinds of jackets. Perfumes too, I really love perfumes. Those and my new headphones. I’m in love with them. I need them to sleep, to listen to my mixes so they’re practically on me all the time.
What’s your pre-show ritual?
I do some breathwork. If I have some time, I pray, and then I do a few vocal warm-up exercises.
What’s your go-to snack on the road?
I really love eating chips, but I’m on a diet right now, so it’s mostly protein bars. They’re quick and they fuel me up. I also look forward to having basic, home-style curry with rice. Wherever I go, I want that city’s version of a home-style curry with rice.
What’s your go-to coffee or beverage order on the road?
I drink a lot of black coffee to stay awake and in my element. Anything bean or blend is fine as long as it’s black coffee. Even instant coffee works for me. I just need coffee.
Night out in a new city or a quiet night in?
I’m past my night out stage (laughs). Now I’d rather call my friends over to the hotel for a night in.
What’s one thing you always end up buying while travelling?
Sunglasses, and my wife hates the habit. I buy them in the morning at the airport, and lose them by the evening. I’m glad I’m fortunate enough to keep buying them.
And, of course, perfumes.
Hotels or BnBs?
Hotels. Things are a little easier to manage that way. I have a big team, so we need a few helping hands. You can just call someone and get things done at a hotel.
Flights or road trips?
Neither, I just want to reach the place. The sooner I get there, the sooner the fun starts.
I wish I could just time travel or have a door that takes me wherever I want to go. Just like, “Naal Naal Ve”, I wish I could simply walk through that door and reach a place.
Is there one of your songs you’re especially excited to perform on this tour?
One is the song I personally want to perform, “Sirf Tum” from my EP. I’ve also made a song on “Jaadu”, and while I was making it, I could already picture my fans, the stage and the fireworks. So I’m very excited to see how that one comes alive.
What’s one thing you’ve learnt about yourself from being on the road?
I have the best people around me, especially my band. I’m someone who really enjoys company. I’ve never liked stopping people from interacting with me or spending time with me. I have my band with me all the time, and my fans can also freely come and talk to me.
It’s not always easy, of course. When you’re on a hectic schedule, haven’t slept and are irritated, it’s easy to take it out on the people around you. But I try to clear my head and just remember, I wanted this life.
What do you miss most about home when you’re touring?
My wife. I never thought I’d say that because, when I was a bachelor, I’d just stay with friends, we’d pick up our bags and hit the road without a care in the world.
But things have changed over the last year. Now, the moment I leave home and see my wife standing at the door, I’m already missing her.
Who’s most likely to plan the day when you’re travelling with your team?
When I’m travelling for a show or a concert, I like to take command and plan how the day goes. I’m very open to suggestions, though. If something interesting comes up on the fly, that’s fine. But, yeah, I usually take charge.
Three songs on your road-trip playlist — go.
This is going to be boring. I’m mostly making my own songs and listening to them on trips.
I’ve recently sung a song called “Jaane Kis Mod Pe” for the film called Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar. That’s a great travel song. “Chaand” by Faheem Abdullah from the same film is also great.
Then there’s “Qayde Se”, one of my favourite songs by Pritam Da, Arijit Singh and Amitabh Bhattacharya. Arijit has sung a version of it, too. And, of course, I really love “Tere Hawale”.
I also remember hearing “Rangdaari” by Arjuna Harjai and Arijit Singh while we were coming down from Manali or Shimla after a shoot. That was an amazing song.
