There are composers who create music, and then there are those who shape how entire generations feel. Sandesh Shandilya is in the latter group. He composed songs for many iconic Bollywood films, independent music breakthroughs, and pieces for orchestras around the world; his music has long transcended the boundaries of format and geography.
His compositions have quietly become part of India’s collective memory, be it the grandeur of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” or the nostalgic warmth of “Jab We Met”, his compositions have quietly become part of India’s collective memory.
Sandesh co-founded The Shakti Collective, and he applies his experiences to create a new type of cultural ecosystem that is forward-thinking and fuses music with storytelling, as well as assisting in the discovery and development of new artists. As technology evolves and creates new methods of music creation and attention spans decrease, Sandesh reminds us that music is made from raw emotional energy and to stop, listen, and honestly create. In a conversation with Marksmen Daily, he shares his perspective on the transformation of the music industry by AI and encourages us to relate through the storytelling aspect of music creation.
Your music has defined the emotional core of films like Jab We Met and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Do you think today’s music still holds that same emotional permanence?
Yes, I believe it absolutely does. Emotions have not changed. Human experiences, relationships, and feelings remain the same across generations. Music is deeply connected to life, so as long as those emotions exist, meaningful music will continue to exist. What changes is not the emotion, but what we choose to remember. Every era has both good and forgettable music. Over time, we only carry forward the songs that truly touched us. That creates the perception that earlier music was more meaningful. But even today, powerful and emotionally lasting music is being created. It just takes time for it to be recognised and remembered in the same way.
You’ve moved from Bollywood to symphonic and independent work. What creatively excites you more today: scale, or storytelling freedom?
For me, storytelling freedom is always more exciting. At the core of any composition is emotion and narrative. That is what drives the music. Scale becomes relevant only when the story demands it. If the emotion and narrative require a larger canvas, then scale enhances the impact. But it should never lead the process. The music must always follow the story and the emotional journey of the characters. Today, having the ability to move between both worlds is what excites me. The freedom to tell stories authentically, and the option to scale them when needed.
With AI and digital tools reshaping music creation, what do you think remains irreplaceably human in composing?
AI is a powerful tool, but it is still a tool. It can assist, simplify processes, and make certain aspects of creation more efficient. But it cannot replace the human core of music. AI works on what already exists. It draws from past data, patterns, and previously created emotions. But true composition comes from lived experience, from new thoughts, from emotions that are being felt in the present moment. That originality, that instinct, that emotional depth, cannot be replicated. Music is not just structure, it is feeling. And feeling comes from being human. AI can support the process, but it cannot replace the soul of it.
Piya Basanti and Pyar Ke Geet were ahead of their time. Do you think India is finally ready to embrace non-film music as mainstream culture?
India is not getting ready for non-film music. It is already happening. Non-film music has always existed alongside film music. The difference today is access. With platforms like YouTube and social media, artists can now reach audiences directly without depending on traditional systems. At its core, there is no real difference between film and non-film music. Both are driven by emotion and creativity. A song connects only if it resonates with the listener, regardless of where it comes from. Today, because of digital platforms, an artist from a small town can create and release music independently and reach a wide audience. That has opened up the space significantly. So it is not about readiness anymore, it is about expansion.
As a mentor at TSC Academy, what’s the biggest mistake young artists make, what are they getting right, and how does the Academy bridge the gap to the real world?
One of the biggest mistakes is impatience. Many young artists want to release music quickly without building a strong foundation or giving themselves time to grow. They also tend to get discouraged early if things don’t work immediately. Music requires consistency, learning, and patience.
What they are getting absolutely right is their emotional honesty. This generation expresses itself very openly, and that authenticity reflects in their music. They are more fearless in putting their voice out there, which is a real strength.
At TSC Academy, we focus on balancing both. We help them build strong fundamentals while also nurturing their identity and mindset. Along with training, we give them real industry exposure and guidance, so they are not just learning, but actually preparing to build a sustainable career.
In a world where there is an increasing focus on speed, data, and automation, Sandesh Shandilya presents an important reminder that, at our core, the essence of music is still the same. Music has only changed in its evolution of finding its audience. His journey from creating iconic film scores to mentoring future generations through The Shakti Collective illustrates this amazing balance between legacy and reinvention. And maybe that’s what we should take away from this: while the tools, platforms, and formats will continue to change, the music that lasts will always be that which has the guts to feel great emotion and tells its story with honesty.
