The Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk at IFFI unfolded like an evening where memories, instincts and ideas blended into one long, thoughtful conversation. Instead of beginning with heavy discussions on technique or philosophy, the session eased into warmth as filmmaker Ravi Kottarakkara welcomed the speakers and reminded everyone why music continues to comfort, unite and heal. His words set a gentle tone, allowing the event to feel less like a formal talk and more like a shared musical journey.
Composers Vishal Bhardwaj and B. Ajaneesh Loknath sat down with critic Sudhir Srinivas to explore how they think about sound, creativity and the world around them. Their conversation moved fluidly, from early inspirations to the craft behind composition, from personal instincts to the unknowns of modern technology. Despite their different approaches to music, both the composers carried the same deep respect for the art form and the emotions it can hold.
When the topic of artificial intelligence came up, it sparked some of the most honest reflections of the evening. Ajaneesh Loknath spoke with calm clarity, explaining that technology is ultimately a matter of personal choice. He shared that while he does not personally rely on AI, he believes no one should be forced to avoid it. He said that what matters is how and why it is used. He recalled his early days as a composer, when he could not afford solo musicians and had to improvise with whatever he had. In that sense, he felt AI could become a helpful tool for young artists who lack access to studios or large teams. For him, technology becomes meaningful only when it serves a real need.
Vishal Bhardwaj added a broader, more reflective perspective. He remembered the fear that surrounded computers decades ago, when people believed machines would take away every job. He pointed out that life without computers seems unthinkable today. Progress, he said, has always been part of artistic evolution, whether through digital tools, sound loops or new recording techniques. But there is one area he believes AI can never enter which is the emotional core of human experience. Love, loss, the fragility of life and the depth of feeling that shapes a melody – these, according to him, will always belong to people, not machines.
The evening ended not with a debate won or lost but with a gentle acceptance that art and technology will continue to grow side by side. And as long as musicians carry their hearts into their work, the soul of music will remain distinctly human.
