Ranjit Barot, a renowned percussionist, drummer, and music composer, reflects on the impact of the information explosion and social media. He believes that while these platforms offer empowerment, they also lead to alienation. Barot expresses concerns about musicians who primarily engage with social media, questioning their readiness to perform in the real world. On the flip side, he acknowledges that many talented artists struggle with anonymity due to their limited presence on social media. Barot emphasizes the importance of understanding and navigating through the positive and negative aspects of current trends, as he shares insights on the significance of collaboration in pushing oneself to excel in the music industry. He emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with talented individuals to facilitate personal growth. Barot draws inspiration from legendary musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, and AR Rahman, highlighting the impact of being recognized by such icons. He stresses the essence of creating music that can stand the test of time and be comparable to the works of music legends like Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Additionally, Barot touches on the challenges of earning a living in the music industry despite its widespread consumption, underscoring the juxtaposition of fulfillment and financial struggles that come with pursuing a career in music.Subscription services charge a monthly fee, with only a small portion benefiting the artists. Today, with the presence of AI, some view it as a convenient tool for the lazy. However, for those truly skilled, AI cannot replace their talent. While it may remove those lacking in talent, it cannot substitute those with genuine talent and ambition. There is a need for more artists producing high-quality music to transform the music industry. Despite the current state where the industry is dominated by a lackadaisical group of individuals, there is hope for a positive change. In India, the level of sophistication in music has diminished, making it somewhat of a niche to create intelligent music. The music scene often revolves around featuring popular faces, lacking true benchmarking. Nevertheless, pockets of good music exist, with artists like AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh providing hope for the industry. It is essential to have more artists creating quality music to revamp the landscape.

Reflecting on his journey, the speaker credits his mother, Sitara Devi, a renowned classical kathak dancer, as his major inspiration. He recalls her unwavering motivation and superstar status, showcasing immense energy and determination. Growing up, he witnessed her dedication, which left a lasting impact on him. He attributes his own drive for innovation, expression, and engagement to her, as he constantly strives for excellence in his work.

An upcoming event named Beat Route, a collaboration between director Roysten Abel and rhythm maestro Ranjit Barot, will showcase a performance led by Barot on drums, bringing together 10 master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on October 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm.