Published: 10:10 AM, 22 June 2026
Indian musicians are doing wonders on world stage
On World Music Day , Grammy-winning composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan says this is the most exciting phase for Indian music, driven by technology and global connectivity.
“The current scenario is great as Indian musicians are performing and doing wonders on the world stage. They are heightening Indian music and making it popular and desirable,” says the singer who got two Grammy nominations this year for their Shakti band.
According to Mahadevan, the internet has made global music more accessible while also taking India’s rich musical heritage to international audiences. “The way India is progressing, the entire world is focusing on us. With a mobile in hand, we have access to world music at a click. 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,” adds the 59-year-old.
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. Our Shakti Band with global artists with awards and recognitions awards are the best example. Indians will win multiple global awards in near future,” he says.
Mahadevan also predicts a strong future for independent music and collaborations, saying they will “reach greater heights”, referring to the industry-backed first artiste-led music platform, Goongoonalo.
“We musicians including Arjit Singh, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Shankar-Ehsan-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 adds.
