Ace percussionist, drummer, and music composer Ranjit Barot believes that the information explosion and social media have both positive and negative effects. He acknowledges that while they can be empowering, they can also be alienating. Barot expresses concern that musicians relying solely on social media may lack the necessary skills to excel in the real world, while those who do not engage effectively with social media may struggle to gain recognition. Having lived through various trends, Barot appreciates the importance of embracing them while also recognizing the need to critically evaluate their impact.

Barot emphasizes the significance of collaboration in pushing oneself to excel, stressing the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who are more talented in order to continually improve. He values the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed musicians such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, and AR Rahman, viewing it as a rewarding experience.

For Barot, real music must possess substance and stand up to the works of legendary artists like Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson. He believes in setting high standards and benchmarks for creating music that endures.

Reflecting on the challenges of the music industry, Barot acknowledges that while being a musician is a fulfilling profession, it is also one of the least monetarily rewarded art forms despite being widely consumed.Subscription services charge a monthly fee, but only a small portion of that fee actually reaches the artists. Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable tool that can be beneficial for those looking for convenience. However, for individuals with true skills, AI cannot replace them. While AI may weed out those lacking talent, it cannot substitute for those possessing genuine talent and determination. The key to reshaping the music industry is to have more artists creating high-quality music. Despite the current situation where the music industry is largely dominated by lackadaisical individuals in India, there is still hope for improvement. Instead of relying on superficial factors like celebrity appearances in music videos, the industry should focus on promoting genuine talent. While there are some pockets of good music to be found, such as the works of AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh, there is a need for more artists producing quality music in order to bring about real change in the industry.

The speaker attributes their hard work and success to their mother, Sitara Devi, a renowned classical kathak dancer who served as a major influence. Growing up witnessing her mother's unwavering dedication and determination, the speaker believes they have inherited her spirit and drive. Today, they continue to push for innovation, self-expression, and meaningful connections with others, mirroring their mother's remarkable qualities.

On October 5th from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall, there will be an event named Beat Route, featuring a collaboration between director Roysten Abel and rhythm maestro Ranjit Barot. Leading the performance on drums, Barot will unite 10 master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala for a unique showcase of talent.