Abhijit Vaghani explains difference between making mainstream commercial and independent music
Mumbai, July 24
Music composer and producer Abhijit Vaghani, who has been the creative force behind many Bollywood songs in his 27 years of career, has chalked out the difference between making mainstream commercial music and independent music.
The music producer spoke with IANS at his studio in the city amidst a busy schedule, and explained that while film music comes with a lot of creative restrictions, indie music is more liberating.
When asked what is more exciting for him as a composer, to make music within set boundaries in a commercial zone or making indie music, he said, "That's a very good question. I've never been asked that question. But this is a very creative, subjective call for any individual. That, let's say, and when I say boundaries, it's not literally boundaries. It is a certain situation that you're given to do, or a certain topic. In independent music, if I woke up this morning and saw a bird, I would write a song about it. If I saw a yellow car yesterday, I would write a song about it. If I'm sad, I wrote a sad song. Independent music is very free, with zero situations, the situations you create".
He told IANS, "Let's say if it's a movie. Now, movies have very different situations, but they almost have common 5-6 situations which are there. Sometimes it's sad, it's love, it's a party song, it's a wedding song or a travel song. If you are in the industry for a long time, these situations are well-embedded in you".
"And if you're told even one word, that it's a travel song, then you understand what you're doing. So, in a way, it is helpful. In another way, let's say an independent person comes to me and tells me, 'I feel like I want to make a song in the mountains'. Their words might be different, but I know that they have a travel song", he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is such an interesting perspective. I've always wondered why some Bollywood songs sound so formulaic. Now I understand - when you're working on 5-6 situations for 27 years, you get good at it. But where's the magic? Where's the creativity that makes you stop and listen? The indie scene in Mumbai is growing and it's nice to see old-school producers acknowledging it.
True sir! But I feel commercial music also needs creativity na? Like AR Rahman sir ke songs are also mainstream but they are so unique. It's about how you use those restrictions. Independent music is great but without the mass reach, many good songs get lost. We need more producers like Abhijit Vaghani who can bridge Bollywood and indie. 👏
As a music lover, I appreciate both. But I wish more independent artists got attention. The local indie scene in Pune and Mumbai is thriving but the big music companies still only push Bollywood. Sir ka point about the 'travel song' scenario is spot on - itna formula ho gaya hai ab toh. Indie music brings back the rawness. Slow clap
Interesting take. I've worked with some indie musicians in Bangalore and Delhi, and the freedom he's describing is real. But independence also comes with its own set of challenges - no guaranteed audience, no big budget for production. For a producer with 27 years of experience, navigating both worlds must be tough. Respect for his longevity in the Indian music industry.
Waah! The bird and yellow car example ❤️ That's the beauty of independent music - pure spontaneity! But
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