Mumbai– Singer Kailash Kher has reflected on the evolving music scene in India, noting a significant shift toward independent and folk genres as audiences and platforms expand beyond the traditional boundaries of Bollywood.
Speaking to IANS, Kher said he prefers not to view music solely through the lens of Bollywood, instead embracing a broader perspective that includes the surge of non-film and independent music. He credited this transformation to new platforms that have opened the door for diverse voices, including folk musicians and traditional community artists who are now finding national recognition.
“I don’t speak in terms of Bollywood music. I speak of music as a whole,” said Kher. “Independent and non-film music has grown tremendously in recent years—thanks in part to the platforms we’ve built. Folk artists like the Manganiyars and members of the Ghumantu tribes, who once sang only within their communities, are now getting stage time and visibility across the country. That kind of awareness is growing.”
Kher also weighed in on the current socio-cultural climate, where regional language politics and divisive narratives have often taken center stage. He urged people to reconnect with Indian culture through art and what he calls “the art of true living.”
“Today, we should be talking about art—education through art, evolution through art, cultural literacy through art. Learn the art of true living,” he said. “If you compare our lifestyle with that of the West, you’ll notice a profound difference.”
Kher is advancing this philosophy through his initiative KKALA—short for Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Art. The academy focuses on nurturing not just musical skill but also personality development, cultural literacy, and artistic self-discovery.
“KKALA is about more than just learning songs or ragas. It’s about learning how to live through art. Most music schools in India don’t teach you how to listen deeply, understand lyrics, or connect with our cultural roots. That’s what we’re trying to change,” said Kher, who was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to music.
He also pointed out the cultural contrast between India and the West when it comes to supporting the arts. “In India, when a musician performs, it’s rare to see actors or celebrities in the audience. But in the West, entire families of celebrities buy tickets and pack stadiums to support their artists. That cultural shift needs to happen here, too.”
According to Kher, the academy is designed not just for singers but for anyone with creative potential. “A student might come in thinking they want to sing, but we might discover they have a great sense for the camera—they could become an excellent director of photography. Or maybe their writing shows the soul of a poet. Our mentors and life coaches help them explore that. We help shape raw, untapped talent into something meaningful.” (Source: IANS)
