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Jaaved Jaaferi Backs A.R. Rahman's Criticism of Indian Music Industry

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 3:10 GMT by The Hans India
      Locale: INDIA

Mumbai, India - January 22nd, 2026 - Veteran actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi has lent his voice to a growing discussion surrounding the evolution - or some might argue, the transformation - of the Indian music industry. His recent comments, responding to composer A.R. Rahman's controversial remarks on the industry's focus, underscore a significant shift in how music is created, consumed, and valued.

The controversy stemmed from A.R. Rahman's recent statements highlighting a perceived decline in the focus on standalone musical artistry. He expressed concern that the industry is increasingly tailoring music for visual platforms like YouTube, prioritizing visual impact over intrinsic musical merit. Rahman's critique resonated deeply within the Indian film and music community, prompting reactions from prominent figures, including Jaaferi.

Speaking to reporters, Jaaferi affirmed Rahman's assessment, stating, "He is absolutely right. The industry has changed. We are in the age of visual media where a song is made for the visual and not for listening." This sentiment encapsulates the core of the issue: the rise of visual media has fundamentally altered the relationship between music and its audience. The days of iconic songs standing alone, revered for their lyrical depth, melody, and arrangement, appear to be waning.

Jaaferi elaborated on this shift, pinpointing a significant change in audience preferences. "The way the audience is consuming music has changed. The listeners prefer to see a visual with the song. They want to see the actors dancing or the storyline unfolding. So, we are making songs for the visual." This observation points to a powerful trend: music is now frequently viewed as a supporting element, a sonic backdrop to a larger visual narrative rather than an independent artistic creation. The emphasis has moved from crafting compelling songs to crafting compelling visuals around songs.

This evolution is driven by a complex interplay of factors. The proliferation of streaming services and short-form video platforms like YouTube and other emergent visual sites has undeniably reshaped audience habits. The desire for instant gratification and easily digestible content fuels the demand for music that is immediately engaging, often meaning a visually stimulating accompaniment is crucial.

It's important to note that this isn't the first time A.R. Rahman has voiced concerns about the current state of the Indian music industry. He has previously criticized the prevalent lack of originality and the troubling reliance on imitation within the sector. His consistent commentary suggests a long-held concern for the artistic integrity of the music being produced.

The debate sparked by Rahman and now amplified by Jaaferi raises crucial questions about the future of Indian music. While visual integration can undeniably expand a song's reach and engagement, the potential cost - a decline in the creation of truly independent, artistically significant works - is a significant one. Many industry analysts are now predicting a further fragmentation of the music landscape, with distinct branches catering to purely visual consumption versus those seeking to preserve the tradition of standalone musical artistry. Some smaller independent labels are already attempting to carve out niches dedicated to producing music for listening, hoping to recapture a lost audience. Whether this can stem the tide remains to be seen. The shift, however, is undeniable and requires careful consideration from artists, producers, and audiences alike.

This discussion isn't solely about lamenting a perceived loss; it's about understanding how the industry must adapt and innovate to thrive in the evolving digital landscape while still honoring the rich legacy of Indian music.