Exclusive: Mohit Chauhan says ‘music labels prioritise trends over melody’

Mohit Chauhan completes 25 remarkable years in the music industry. His journey remains defined by a commitment to melody, authenticity, and staying connected to his artistic roots. Best known for his iconic tracks like Tum Se Hi, Tum Ho, Ishq Mitaye, Chauhan’s illustrious career spans from his Silk Route days to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated playback singers. In a candid conversation with India Today Digital, he reflects on his career milestones, current projects, and his vision for music’s future.

Recently featured in the film Chamkila with two songs and a cameo, Chauhan says he has shifted his focus to original compositions. “I’ve done a lot of film songs, but now I’m revisiting my beginnings — independent music,” he shared. He added, “In my album, Fitoor, one of the songs which became hugely popular, Mai Ni Meriye, had a huge folk influence. All the singers in Bollywood did a cover of that song. In my earlier albums too, I always incorporated songs that are rooted in folk music.”

Folk continues to inspire his new ventures. His latest song, Jhumelo, embraces the essence of Uttarakhand, a place close to his heart and heritage. “It’s a happy and groovy song that represents folk music in a modern way while staying true to its essence,” Chauhan explained. Having incorporated folk themes throughout his albums, Chauhan hopes to highlight these traditions further. “Folk music needs modern representation to keep its soul alive,” he emphasised.

Throughout his career, Chauhan has championed the art of melody. Reflecting on his greatest hits, he shared, “Melody and meaningful lyrics make a song timeless. It’s these elements that touch the listener’s heart and create memories.” He expressed concern about contemporary trends, noting that many songs lack emotional depth and melodic structure, which affects their longevity.

“Today’s songs are often tailored to social media trends or rely on followership, rather than substance,” he said. For Chauhan, a well-crafted song transcends generations, much like retro classics that continue to resonate today. He finds pride in songs that become personal for audiences, explaining, “When I perform Tum Se Hi live, the audience completes the song for me. That harmony between the artist and the listener is what matters most.”

Chauhan also touched on the declining use of traditional instruments like the flute, harmonium, and mouth organ in modern music. He observed, “Musical instruments amplify the experience, yet we rarely see their inclusion anymore. The focus has shifted away from pure musicality to marketability.”

Recalling past experiences, he lamented how music production has changed. “The ones making films now are not taking note of music as much as they would before. Music in films has become a by-the-way thing now. They are not paying attention to it. The older filmmakers would sit in music sessions, work in tandem with the composers on lyrics and composition. Music was a territory by itself. Now, that’s lost.”

Chauhan highlighted the impact of commercialisation on creativity, describing how music labels once prioritised ringtone appeal over the soul of a composition. “Companies usually have this mandate that don’t make a lengthy song because it will fade out at radio stations. Earlier, I have heard labels and companies say that make a song that can be used for ringtones. That’s what I heard from people. That is so sad, because it kills the essence of music from India especially.”

One of the key reasons for his sustained success is Mohit Chauhan’s ability to remain unfazed by market trends. “I’ve always approached music with an independent mindset,” he remarked. For him, the priority is crafting meaningful music that strikes a chord with audiences, regardless of what’s popular. “Even during my days with Silk Route, it was about creating something genuine that touched people. That ethos remains unchanged,” he explained.

Chauhan firmly believes in producing music that transcends boundaries and unites listeners. “I want to express myself authentically. Whether I’m performing in a small club or at a massive festival, I focus on creating an emotional connection,” he added.

Currently working on his upcoming album, Musafir, Chauhan sees it as a natural progression of his artistic journey. It encapsulates his personal philosophy: to create music that feels real and honest. “I’ll continue making the music I believe in,” he asserted, unconcerned with external expectations.

Looking ahead, Chauhan is eager to collaborate with global artists. “Music has no boundaries. I’d love to work with artists around the world to create something unique and meaningful,” he said.

Chauhan’s vision is rooted in the idea of using music to bridge cultures, highlighting the universal language of melody.