“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.”

Indian singer and composer

Shankar Mahadevan is an Indian singer and composer best known as a member of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, which creates music for Indian films. He has been active across playback singing and composition, and his work is closely associated with contemporary Hindi cinema. His songs and compositions have made him a familiar name in Indian popular music. In 2023, Birmingham City University awarded him an honorary doctorate, recognizing his contribution to music.