World Music Day: Vishal Dadlani on why young musicians deserve the spotlight
Synopsis
On World Music Day, Vishal Dadlani did more than post a tribute — he broke down on the sets of Indian Idol after contestant Anshika performed a Kishore Kumar classic, then delivered a heartfelt case for why young musicians are the true custodians of India’s musical soul.
Key Takeaways
Vishal Dadlani marked World Music Day on 21 June by celebrating young musicians on Indian Idol .
He called music “a power to connect people no matter where they come from or what language they speak.” Contestant Anshika’s performance of ‘Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na’ moved Dadlani to tears on the show.
The song is associated with the late Kishore Kumar , Lata Mangeshkar , and composer R.
Dadlani said of those legends: “These people are music.”
Music composer and Indian Idol judge Vishal Dadlani marked World Music Day on 21 June by honouring the next generation of artists, saying young musicians keep the spirit of music alive through passion, honesty, and dedication.
What Dadlani Said About Young Artists
Reflecting on his experience as a judge on the long-running singing reality show, Dadlani said music holds a unique power to transcend borders and languages. “Every song carries an emotion, every voice tells a story, and that’s what makes music so special,” he said. “On Indian Idol, I’m constantly reminded that extraordinary talent exists in every corner of our country.”
He added that watching contestants bring their own personalities, experiences, and musical influences to the stage is “both inspiring and reassuring for the future of Indian music.”
His World Music Day Message
Dadlani said the occasion is not only about celebrating established legends but also about recognising emerging voices. “It’s a privilege to witness dreams taking shape through music every week,” he noted. “On World Music Day, I celebrate not just the legends who paved the way, but also the young artists who continue to keep the spirit of music alive with passion, honesty, and dedication. Here’s to every melody that moves us and every voice that dares to be heard.”
The Moment That Moved Him to Tears
Dadlani’s tribute to musical legacy was underscored by a recent emotional moment on the show, when contestant Anshika performed the timeless classic ‘Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na’ — a song originally associated with the late Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and composer R. D. Burman.
Visibly moved and holding back tears, Dadlani said: “Nahi, this is not for public consumption. Pancham da musician nahi hai. Kishore da, Lata ji, Asha ji, Gulzar sahab jab yeh gaana likha hai matlab itne dur se, itne deeply kisi ka dil kaise tod sakte hai? Alag hi koi shakti hai.” (Translation: Pancham da is not merely a musician. Kishore da, Lata ji, Asha ji, Gulzar sahab — when they wrote this song, how can someone break a heart from so far away, so deeply? There is some unique power.)
He added: “I don’t know how to explain, but in sab ke liye mera sar hamesha jhukta hai aur jhukta rahega. These people are music.”
Why It Matters
Dadlani’s remarks come at a time when Indian reality television continues to serve as a primary launchpad for grassroots musical talent. His dual role — as a working composer and a mentor figure on national television — gives his endorsement of young artists particular weight. Notably, his emotional response to a song rooted in the 1970s golden era of Hindi film music highlights how deeply that legacy continues to resonate with contemporary musicians and audiences alike.
Point of View
But the more revealing moment is his breakdown over ‘Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na’ — it exposes a generational tension at the heart of Indian Idol itself: the show mines nostalgia while claiming to build the future. That a seasoned composer is moved to tears by a 1970s classic, rather than an original composition by a contestant, says something about where Indian popular music still finds its emotional centre of gravity. The real question for platforms like Indian Idol is whether they are creating new musical identities or curating reverence for the past.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Vishal Dadlani celebrate young musicians on World Music Day?
Vishal Dadlani said young musicians keep the spirit of music alive with passion, honesty, and dedication. As a judge on Indian Idol, he said he is constantly reminded that extraordinary talent exists in every corner of India.
What is World Music Day and when is it celebrated?
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is observed every year on 21 June to celebrate music and musicians across the world. It originated in France and is now marked globally.
Why did Vishal Dadlani get emotional on Indian Idol?
Dadlani was visibly moved after contestant Anshika performed the classic song ‘Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na’, originally associated with Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and R. D. Burman. He held back tears and called those legends ‘music itself.’
What did Vishal Dadlani say about the legends of Indian music?
Dadlani said: ‘These people are music,’ adding that his head bows and will always bow before artists like Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Gulzar. He described their ability to move listeners as a ‘unique power.’
Who is Vishal Dadlani?
Vishal Dadlani is a Mumbai-based music composer, singer, and record producer, best known as one half of the duo Vishal–Shekhar. He is currently a judge on the singing reality show Indian Idol.
