Anu Malik joins Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 as special judge for fourth time
Synopsis
Anu Malik is back on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa — for the fourth time. Joining a panel that already features Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan and Kumar Sanu, Malik brings his signature take that great singing is about emotion, not just sur and taal. The 2026 season also debuts a 360-degree set backed by over 100 live musicians.
Key Takeaways
Anu Malik has joined Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 as a special judge — his fourth stint on the show.
The full judging panel includes Shankar Mahadevan , Javed Ali , Neeti Mohan , and Kumar Sanu .
Actor Shreyas Talpade is hosting the season on Zee TV .
The 2026 season features a unique 360-degree set and more than 100 musicians and chorus artists performing live.
Malik emphasised that singing is about emotion, not merely technical mastery of sur and taal.
Veteran music composer Anu Malik has returned to the iconic singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 as a special judge, marking his fourth stint in that capacity on the platform. Known for his decades-long contribution to Hindi film music, Malik brings a distinct emotional perspective to the season, emphasising that great singing goes far beyond technical precision.
Malik on Music and Emotion
Speaking about his return, Anu Malik reflected on the deeper philosophy behind great vocal performance. 'I have been associated with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa over the years, so coming back to the show brings back some lovely memories,' he said in a statement.
He elaborated: 'It is always a joy to be around music and meet young singers who have so much passion and potential. I have always believed that singing is not just about sur and taal; it is about the emotion you bring to a song and how you make the listener feel. Every singer has their own style and their own story, and that is what makes music so beautiful.'
A Star-Studded Panel This Season
The 2026 season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa — airing on Zee TV — features an accomplished judging panel that includes Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, and Kumar Sanu. The show will be hosted by actor Shreyas Talpade. Malik's special appearance adds a layer of nostalgia and authority to an already formidable line-up.
What Sets This Season Apart
Malik also highlighted the production scale of this edition, noting the presence of a unique 360-degree set and more than 100 musicians and chorus artists performing live, enhancing the visual and sonic experience for viewers. 'It is wonderful to see a platform like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa continue to discover, nurture new talent and be Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan,' he said. 'I am looking forward to being a part of this musical celebration and experiencing the talent that the next generation has to offer.'
Malik's Legacy with the Franchise
Having previously served as a judge on the show on three earlier occasions, Malik's association with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is long-standing. His return underscores the show's tradition of rotating iconic figures from the Hindi music industry to mentor and evaluate emerging voices. The franchise has historically served as a launchpad for several prominent playback singers.
Point of View
And Malik's fourth return reinforces that formula. However, the show's real test in 2026 is whether the expanded production scale — 360-degree sets and 100-plus live musicians — translates into a genuine talent showcase or becomes spectacle for its own sake. With streaming platforms aggressively courting music reality formats, Zee TV's investment in live orchestration signals a deliberate counter-programming strategy. Whether that gamble pays off depends on the calibre of contestants the season surfaces, not its celebrity judges.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anu Malik on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026?
Anu Malik is a veteran Bollywood music composer who has joined Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 as a special judge on Zee TV. This is his fourth time serving as a judge on the long-running singing reality show.
Who are the judges on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026?
The judging panel for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 includes Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, and Kumar Sanu, with Anu Malik appearing as a special judge. The show is hosted by Shreyas Talpade.
Where does Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 air?
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 airs on Zee TV. The season features a distinctive 360-degree set and more than 100 live musicians and chorus artists.
What is unique about Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026?
The 2026 season introduces a 360-degree set and enlists over 100 musicians and chorus artists to accompany performances live, marking a significant step up in production scale compared to previous seasons.
What did Anu Malik say about singing?
Anu Malik said that singing is not just about sur and taal — it is about the emotion a singer brings to a song and how they make the listener feel. He added that every singer has their own style and story, which is what makes music beautiful.
