On World Music Day, Grammy-winning composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan shared his optimism about the growing global recognition of Indian music, stating that musicians from the country are “performing and doing wonders on the world stage” .
Mahadevan, who along with his band Shakti received two Grammy nominations this year, noted that Indian artists are “heightening Indian music and making it popular and desirable” . His comments highlight a transformative period for the country’s musical landscape, driven by technology and increased global connectivity.
A digital bridge for Indian music
Mahadevan emphasized that the internet has made global music more accessible while simultaneously taking India’s rich musical heritage to international audiences. “Since our music is available on their (global audience) phones, they also now understand the greatness of our musical legacy and culture which is thousands of years old but was not known to them,” he said .
He believes the blend of India’s traditional music with modern technology, including AI, is creating “unprecedented opportunities” . “This combination of traditional music and modern technology, including AI, is very deadly and creates wonders. Today, the biggest collaborations are happening,” he added .
Mahadevan pointed to the success of his fusion band Shakti—which won the 2024 Grammy for Best Global Music Album for “This Moment”—as a prime example of this phenomenon . Shakti, which brings together musicians from Eastern and Western traditions, has pioneered a blueprint for what is now recognized as world music .
A new era for independent music
The singer also predicted a strong future for independent music and artist-driven collaborations . He referred to Goongoonalo, an industry-backed platform that he describes as the “first artiste-led music platform” . “We musicians including Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Prasoon Joshi and Javed Akhtar have invested in the platform. So indi-music and collaborations will happen. Indi-music will reach greater heights,” he said .
Cinema music and the younger generation
Regarding film music, Mahadevan noted that the sector is going through a cyclic phase. While acknowledging that some music is “excellent” and “good,” he admitted that a lot of remixed or recycled songs are emerging “due to requests from producers and music companies” . He called for “new compositions with younger composers” to take center stage .
Mahadevan also credited the younger generation for keeping him updated. “We are getting to learn a lot with the younger generation who are in touch with the current. They know about technology, global artistes, and listeners’ taste. My sons learn from me, and I equally learn from them,” he concluded .
