Born in India, Kiran Ahluwalia was raised in Canada. After completin a university degree, she decided to embrace a musical career. The budding singer and composer went back to her native country to immerse herself in Punjabi folk music and Indian ghazals (an ancient poetic tradition popular in Persia in the 15th century). Returning to Canada after a 10 year absence, Ahluwalia was ready to record her first album, Kakish Attraction, which came out in 2001. Beyond Boudaries followed two years later. Her 2005 eponymous release landed her a JUNO for Best World Music Album. Subtly blending the romantic ghazal form with Portuguese fado, Wanderlust (2008) was very well received. Follow-up effort Aam Zameen came out in 2011.