Veteran composer Anand Raaj Anand has a clear message for musicians chasing trends: stop trying to recreate what has already worked.
At a time when the music industry is flooded with songs inspired by previous chartbusters, the celebrated composer believes that originality—not imitation—is the true secret behind creating timeless music. Having spent decades in Bollywood, Anand says every successful song earns its place because it has a unique identity, and that identity simply cannot be duplicated.
In fact, one of the biggest turning points in his career came when he was asked to compose another song on the lines of Sheila Ki Jawani. Instead of following the trend, he chose a completely different creative path. That decision eventually gave Bollywood one of its most memorable tracks—Jalebi Bai.
“The biggest mistake is asking for a song like another hit,” Anand said. “Every blockbuster song succeeds because it has its own personality. When you try to recreate the same formula, you only end up making a weaker version.”
Choosing Creativity Over Repetition
Rather than giving in to industry expectations, Anand trusted his instincts and decided against recreating the success of an existing hit. According to him, music should always surprise listeners instead of reminding them of something they’ve already heard.
Moreover, he believes composers should focus on discovering fresh ideas instead of chasing proven formulas. While inspiration is important, blindly copying successful songs only limits creativity and prevents artists from developing their own voice.
As Anand explains, every memorable composition carries its own emotional identity, and that’s precisely what audiences connect with.
How a Waiter Inspired Jalebi Bai
Interestingly, the story behind Jalebi Bai proves that great ideas can emerge from the most ordinary moments.
After rejecting the idea of creating another trend-driven song, Anand spent hours brainstorming with no breakthrough. Then, during a late-night dinner, a waiter casually listed the dessert menu and said, “Jalebi hai, bhai.”
Those three simple words immediately caught the composer’s attention.
Instead of overlooking the moment, Anand recognized its creative potential. What began as an everyday restaurant conversation eventually transformed into one of Bollywood’s most recognizable and energetic songs.
Reflecting on the experience, Anand said creativity doesn’t always arrive inside a recording studio. Sometimes, it comes from simply paying attention to the world around you.
Everyday Moments Can Spark Extraordinary Ideas
For Anand Raaj Anand, inspiration isn’t something that can be forced. Instead, it often appears unexpectedly through ordinary conversations and daily experiences.
“As composers, we’re always listening,” he explained. “Ordinary conversations become extraordinary ideas if you’re receptive enough.”
Furthermore, he believes creative people must constantly observe their surroundings because inspiration can appear anywhere—whether it’s a casual remark, a street conversation, or an unexpected phrase heard in passing.
The birth of Jalebi Bai is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
Audiences Can Tell the Difference
Another reason Anand strongly discourages imitation is because he believes audiences are far more perceptive than many people assume.
According to him, listeners can instantly recognize whether a song has been created with genuine passion or simply designed to copy an existing success. While trend-based music may attract temporary attention, it rarely leaves a lasting impression.
Instead, audiences naturally gravitate toward songs that feel fresh, authentic, and emotionally honest.
“People don’t fall in love with copies,” Anand said. “They connect with something they haven’t heard before.”
Why Chasing Trends Never Works
The music industry evolves constantly. Styles change, genres rise and fade, and production techniques continue to evolve. Nevertheless, Anand believes originality remains timeless regardless of changing trends.
Therefore, he encourages young composers to study great music without trying to duplicate it. Learning from successful artists is valuable, but copying their work only delays the discovery of one’s own creative identity.
Rather than asking how to recreate another hit, Anand advises musicians to ask themselves a different question: What new experience can I offer listeners?
According to him, that mindset is what ultimately leads to memorable music.
Anand’s Advice for Young Composers
Drawing from decades of experience, Anand Raaj Anand continues to encourage emerging musicians to trust their own instincts.
His advice is simple yet powerful: take inspiration, but never imitate.
Additionally, he urges aspiring composers to experiment fearlessly, embrace unconventional ideas, and remain open to unexpected moments of inspiration. Although originality may sometimes feel risky, it is often the very reason a song stands out from the crowd.
“Originality becomes your identity,” Anand emphasized. “Trends fade, but authentic music stays with people forever.”
A Lesson That Still Resonates Today
Ultimately, Anand Raaj Anand’s journey serves as a reminder that the greatest creative breakthroughs often happen when artists stop chasing trends and start trusting themselves.
His experience with Jalebi Bai demonstrates that extraordinary songs aren’t born by repeating past successes—they emerge from fresh ideas, curiosity, and the courage to think differently.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, Anand’s philosophy remains as relevant as ever. After all, while trends may come and go, originality is what transforms a good song into a timeless classic.
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