Percussionist, drummer, and music composer Ranjit Barot believes the information explosion and social media have both empowering and alienating aspects. He observes that some musicians dependent on social media may lack the skills to perform in real-world settings, while others struggle with anonymity due to a lack of social media engagement. Barot emphasizes the importance of sifting through trends to discern their positive impacts and drawbacks, advocating for collaboration as a means to improve and push oneself in the music industry. He values creating music that can stand the test of time alongside great artists like Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Despite the challenges of being in the music profession, Barot considers it a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor.Subscription services charge a monthly fee, with a small portion benefiting the artists. Today, with the help of AI, lazy individuals find it to be a valuable tool. However, for those who are truly skilled, AI cannot replace their talent. While it may eliminate those lacking talent, it cannot replace individuals with genuine talent and motivation. There is a need for more artists producing quality music to transform the music industry landscape. In India, the music industry has been simplified to the point where creating intelligent music is considered niche. Currently, the industry is dominated by a group of apathetic individuals without any standards in place. The presence of a popular star in a music video tends to influence people easily, creating a cyclical trend. Despite these challenges, there are pockets of good music to be found, such as in the works of AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh. It is imperative to have more artists producing high-quality music to bring about positive change in the industry.

"My mother, Sitara Devi, was a significant influence in my life." My journey to where I am today has required immense hard work. I attribute my beginnings to my mother, Sitara Devi, a renowned classical kathak dancer who was extremely driven and accomplished. Witnessing her unwavering determination and commitment left a lasting impression on me. I believe I have inherited her spirit and determination, as today, I continuously strive for innovation, expression, and meaningful connections with others.

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