Swanand Kirkire, the acclaimed National Award-winning lyricist and singer, has voiced his apprehensions about the current state of music, particularly highlighting the diminishing lifespan of songs. As technological advancements and the integration of artificial intelligence reshape the music industry, Kirkire finds himself increasingly worried.
In an interview with IANS, he was asked if the rapid production pace or the short-lived nature of songs troubled him more. He responded, “What worries me is the shrinking shelf life of songs. Yes, definitely.”
Kirkire elaborated on the impact of AI, stating, “The speed of production is set to accelerate even further. With AI stepping in, it’s hard to predict what will unfold next.” He noted that artificial intelligence has already begun to permeate various facets of music creation.
“People are now utilizing AI for everything from music production to songwriting, and the pace is only expected to increase. Nevertheless, exciting times lie ahead,” he added.
While he acknowledged the challenges posed by these changes, Kirkire remains optimistic about the new creative opportunities that technology may bring. “Let’s see where it takes us. This isn’t just our issue; it’s a global challenge affecting the entire music industry,” he remarked.
Kirkire’s enthusiasm for the future is palpable. “Yeah, it’s going to be exciting,” he enthused. His latest project, the series Bandwaale, is currently streaming on Prime Video. This venture, co-created with Ankur Tewari, marks a significant milestone in his storytelling journey.
Throughout his career, Kirkire has achieved notable recognition, winning the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice—for the iconic song “Bande Me Tha Dum…Vande Mataram” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai in 2006, and for “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” from 3 Idiots in 2009. Additionally, he earned the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2018 for his role in the Marathi film Chumbak. He has also made memorable cameo appearances in Panchayat 3 and Qala, where he contributed as both a lyricist and singer.