Bollywood’s global identity has always been closely tied to its music. However, veteran composer Anand Raaj Anand believes the industry has drifted away from what once made its songs unforgettable—their ability to drive the story instead of interrupting it.
Today, many songs are designed as promotional tools. Yet, Anand insists that emotionally driven music still has the power to elevate a film when it becomes a natural part of the narrative. According to him, audiences continue to value songs that make them feel connected to the characters.
Songs Once Carried the Story
Earlier, Bollywood songs did much more than entertain. They introduced characters, expressed emotions, and moved the plot forward. As a result, music became one of the strongest storytelling tools in Indian cinema.
“The world recognised Hindi cinema because of its songs,” Anand Raaj Anand says. “Today, many songs feel like promotional material rather than an integral part of the narrative.”
Because every song served a purpose, audiences formed a deeper emotional bond with the characters and their journeys.
Watching Audiences Became His Greatest Teacher
Interestingly, Anand Raaj Anand says his biggest lessons came from movie theatres rather than music schools.
“I used to observe audiences very carefully,” he recalls. “If people walked out during a song, I wanted to know why.”
That habit shaped his entire approach to composing. Instead of focusing only on creating memorable tunes, he concentrated on keeping viewers emotionally invested throughout the film.
A Song Should Move the Story
For Anand Raaj Anand, the rule has always been simple.
“A song should never stop the story. It should carry the story forward.”
Whether the moment calls for romance, heartbreak, or celebration, the music should strengthen the narrative. In contrast, songs that exist only for commercial appeal often feel disconnected from the film.
As a result, audiences quickly notice when music blends naturally into the screenplay—and when it does not.
Bollywood Has Changed
Over the years, Bollywood has seen a major shift. Traditional lip-sync songs have become less common, while filmmakers increasingly rely on background scores and montage sequences.
“Today, lip-sync songs have reduced considerably, and many films don’t give music the same importance,” Anand Raaj Anand admits. “That’s a change I genuinely miss.”
Although he understands that storytelling styles have evolved, he believes the emotional role of music has gradually diminished.
Audiences Still Love Meaningful Music
Even so, Anand Raaj Anand remains optimistic about the future of Bollywood music.
He believes audiences have not fallen out of love with songs. Instead, they simply want music that carries emotion and meaning.
“People haven’t stopped loving songs. They simply want songs that make them feel something,” he says.
Moreover, the success of several recent soundtracks proves that emotionally powerful songs continue to resonate with listeners when they emerge naturally from the story.
Preserving Bollywood’s Musical Identity
Finally, Anand Raaj Anand believes Bollywood should never lose the musical identity that made it famous worldwide.
“That’s what made our cinema unique across the world,” he says. “I hope filmmakers continue to preserve that identity because it’s something only Indian cinema does so beautifully.”
Rather than treating songs as marketing assets, he hopes filmmakers will once again see them as an extension of the screenplay. After all, music has always been one of Bollywood’s greatest storytelling strengths.
Ultimately, Anand Raaj Anand’s message is clear: great songs don’t interrupt a story—they become an unforgettable part of it.
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