Shankar Mahadevan’s insights on the music industry stir up the ongoing debate surrounding creative control in Bollywood.
Composer Shankar Mahadevan has responded to the ongoing discussion ignited by AR Rahman�s recent remarks about the shifting dynamics in the Hindi film industry. Rahman suggested that decisions affecting music are increasingly made by individuals lacking a creative background, a statement that resonated widely across both the film and music sectors.
The core of Rahman�s comments centers on his observation over the last eight years regarding the growing influence of non-musicians in decision-making roles. Many industry veterans have echoed Rahman�s sentiments, highlighting a perceived decline in artistic integrity as business-minded individuals take charge of creative projects.
In response, Mahadevan provided a thoughtful perspective on the issue. He articulated the distinction between the creators of music and those who influence its direction. According to Mahadevan, while musicians collaborate to produce art, the ultimate fate of their work often rests with non-musicians. He emphasized that this separation can lead to music taking unexpected paths, dictated more by market dynamics than by creativity.
AR Rahman later shared his thoughts through a video message on Instagram, where he spoke about his enduring relationship with India. He stressed that music is his medium for connecting with the nation and its cultural heartbeat. Rahman clarified that his intentions might be misconstrued and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the audience through his art, rather than engaging in disputes.
On a separate note, Mahadevan continues to receive accolades for his contributions to music. He and his band, Shakti, recently clinched a Grammy award in 2024 and are currently nominated for two awards at the upcoming 2026 Grammy ceremony. Additionally, Mahadevan has launched Goongoonalo, a platform designed to empower artists and foster creative expression and musical diversity.