Shankar Mahadevan

“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.”

“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.”

“Music connects all of us universally!”

“People should feel proud about the music that we have in our country, and that's my objective.”

“Fatherhood changed me as a musician.”

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

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

“I am proud of my kids.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Music is my friend, my constant companion.”

“'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.”

“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.”

“It is when you adapt that you truly grow. When you grow, you don't let your art become the breeding ground for inadequacies.”

“There are two kinds of music: good music and bad music. Both are and will continue to co-exist.”

“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.”

“Playing with words is like combining different notes in music.”

“Learning music must be made easy and fun.”

“I have always been fascinated by Krishna, the Indian deity.”

“I don't think you can have a calculated approach towards learning music.”