Music composer Akhil Sachdeva has drawn a striking parallel between his own stage presence and that of ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, saying both share a rare ability to hold an audience in complete silence — or bring them to applause — with a single gesture. Sachdeva made the remarks following the release of 'Awarapan 2', the Emraan Hashmi-starrer for which he composed the song 'Piya Ghar Aaya - Homecoming', speaking to reporters in the BKC area of Mumbai on 25 August.

What Sachdeva Said About Jagjit Singh

'I have realised one thing — there is no language for music,' Sachdeva said. 'The charm of music and the people who have seen me perform on stage, they are connected to my aura and my charm on stage, which is very rare in artists.'

He invoked the late ghazal legend as the gold standard of audience command: 'I have seen it in Jagjit Singh. If he would close his fist, the whole hall would be silent. If he would open his fist, the whole hall would clap.' Sachdeva described this quality as 'such a blessing' and 'a sign.'

Fifteen Years of Stage Work Before Playback

Sachdeva was careful to ground the comparison in his own career arc. He noted that he was a stage artist long before transitioning to playback singing, with over 15 years of performing experience behind him. 'Whether people believe it or not, I feel I have inspired a generation at least,' he said. 'And if you inspire someone and if you touch someone's emotions through music, you become someone's home — it's a big deal.'

The remarks offer a rare glimpse into how Sachdeva views his own artistic identity — not merely as a studio composer, but as a live performer whose connection with audiences predates his mainstream recognition.

About Awarapan 2 and Its Musical Legacy

'Awarapan 2' is a sequel to the 2007 film 'Awarapan', which was initially labelled a box-office disappointment but went on to acquire cult status over the years, driven largely by its music and Emraan Hashmi's performance. Hashmi reprises his role as Shivam Pandit in the sequel. The film is currently running in cinemas, with 'Piya Ghar Aaya - Homecoming' among its key musical offerings.

The Broader Significance

Sachdeva's invocation of Jagjit Singh — widely regarded as one of the most commanding live performers in Indian classical and semi-classical music — is noteworthy. Singh's ability to modulate audience energy through sheer presence, without relying on amplification gimmicks or choreography, remains a benchmark rarely cited by contemporary Bollywood composers. That Sachdeva places himself in that lineage signals both confidence and a deliberate positioning of his artistic identity beyond the playback mainstream.