Shankar Mahadevan

Music industry is like fashion. Things keep coming, things keep going, trends keep changing.

In any musician's career, a film like 'Manikarnika' becomes a landmark dream project, which is challenging and musically enriching at the same time.

People like me in the entertainment industry can contribute to social change through our work.

There is nothing else is India which is as popular as Bollywood. Look at Indian classical music, how big and how respected it is in the West, but here in India, no one is interested.

Bollywood music is so international now, and our music has become global.

As responsible artists, it's our duty to let the youth know the importance of devotional music.

There have been many music reality shows on Indian television, but 'Om Shanti Om' is fresh and unique in all aspects. The show is going to bring the young generation closer to our heritage and culture.

It is so important to have the cushioning of humour in one's life for a smooth run.

Playing with words is like combining different notes in music.

Ideas are what we make a living out of. Whether it's a song or a talent search, we are in the business of thinking.

I always believe in using technology for a positive result.

There can be inhibitions, but there are millions of people who like to sing.

Geography can be a major restriction for people to not be able to showcase their talent.

There are so many factors that one needs to keep in mind while composing for a film. Every movie is different and demands a separate approach. Originality also plays an important role.

Ganesh Chaturthi is very close to my heart. The festival brings with it joy, love, and happiness for everyone.

I'm a proud mainstream musician, but having said that, I do firmly believe there's more to musical talent in India than just Bollywood.

Chinmaya Mission has been a very strong part of my life since childhood. I have been associated with Chinmaya Mission since primary school days, where I was part of group singing and bhajans in the Bal Vihar classes.

I believe that classical music comes through listening and practice, and it can be fun both for the singer or performer and the listener or audience, as long as the performer is taught to recognise the pulse of the audience.

Music connects all of us universally!

Music heals. Music grows new relations.

Economic background should not be a reason for not learning music!

Heartbreak is something which is part of every person.

Music is the highest form of communication.

Our sons are the next generation who are more clued into the new trends of music. So if I want to understand the vibe of the new generation, and if I want to stay relevant with time, they are my source of learning.

There is always a musical exchange happening between me and my sons.

If some independent artists are using film as a medium to reach out to an audience, it should be promoted. Cinema is a popular medium and has a broad reach. There have been films with ghazals, classical and folk songs sung by local artists, which gave them popularity.

I do watch singing reality shows.

With 'Mirzya,' we went deep into folk music. The film, unfortunately, did not do well because it was not marketed well. But we got freedom to do the music the way we want.

In movies, the composers and decision makers are different, so we don't come across classical songs often in films due to lack of interest. The decision makers are non-musical people, so one doesn't get to hear more classical songs in films.

Over time, people will notice what you are doing. Then you'll be in demand, and when you are in demand, you'll make money.

Music festivals are coming up everywhere in India, and that is the only way to go ahead. People are exposed to a wide variety of music, and the experience of being at a music festival itself is unique. It is an experience unlike any other.

There is so much talent in the country, and not all of that necessarily is confined to Bollywood. There are some great musicians from the independent music scenario in India making some great music.

I share a lovely relationship with Javed Saab. I understand his method of working.

When you do a pop album, the canvas is completely yours. There is no story situation forced on to your songs - you have the freedom to develop it right from the concept.

When you are busy with all the live shows and bands, world music and jazz music, it takes time to come back and do a pop album. It needs its own length of time.

The song 'Bolo Naa' from the film 'Chittagong,' which got me the National Award, wasn't even promoted in India, whereas the film won laurels all over the world.

It is the responsibility of music composers to add some classical music elements into their songs to make the music genre popular.

There is nothing wrong in electronic music or synthesised music.

Fatherhood changed me as a musician.

We cannot blame globalisation for diluting our cultural heritage and music, as our music is respected more outside India than here.

We have harmonies, folk songs, and compositions attached to each occasion - ranging from birth, harvest, to our festivals. Our country thrives on culture, music, and arts. Musically, ours is a very rich country.

Aartis and spiritual songs never get dated.

Lataji defines the sound of Indian music, and I always had a secret desire of recording with her at least once.

You have to be, become, the musician who can't be replaced.

Don't run after shows and money.

To sustain and become a musician of a certain calibre, you need to know and understand music completely. You need to have a good taste in music and should know your good music from mediocre ones.

I am proud of my kids.

'My Country, My Music' is about bringing music in languages like Tamil, Telegu, Kannada, Malyalam, and Marathi together. It's about bringing musical genres together, different scenarios in which music is displayed in our country in one show.

An artist must be open to both appreciation and criticism. It's a part of the learning process, or else there is no growth.

I feel music-making is more like a psychological game; each film has its own colour that needs to be identified and addressed.