Ideas of India 2025: Mahesh Raghvan Weighs In On AI’s Role In Music —Threat Or Tool?

Music composer Mahesh Raghvan, classical vocalist Nirali Kartik, and sitarist-vocalist Mehtab Niazi explored the transformative power of music at ABP Network's Ideas of India Summit 2025.

The musicians shared their journey into the music industry, the intricacies of Indian classical music, and the evolving role of technology in the art form.

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Ideas of India 2025: Music composer Mahesh Raghvan, classical vocalist Nirali Kartik, and sitarist-vocalist Mehtab Niazi explored the transformative power of music at ABP Network's Ideas of India Summit 2025. In a thought-provoking session titled ‘Healing Power of Music’, they shared personal inspirations and insights in a riveting conversation with senior journalist Vir Sanghvi.

On the second day of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 Summit, the young and aspiring musicians shared their journey into the music industry, the intricacies of Indian classical music, and the evolving role of technology in the art form.

Early Journey into Music

Mahesh Raghvan, who is a music producer and performer, blends Indian classical with digital elements. With a strong background in music technology, he collaborates widely, leads bands, and serves as a music educator.

When asked about his inspiration for taking up music, he credited his family and said, "I was brought up in a South Indian family, where the main extracurricular activity is often either music or dance. For me, it was always music—any kind of music, especially classical. I grew up learning Carnatic music from my aunt, Mrs. Indra Krishnan, who was my first guru. I started learning when I was just three years old—both singing and playing the keyboard. I was naturally drawn to music, and my parents encouraged me from the beginning."

Nirali on Cultural Influences

On the other hand, Hindustani classical vocalist Nirali Kartik attributes her musical journey to her mother’s deep passion for music. She said, "Unlike Mahesh, I don’t come from a musical family. I was raised in a traditional Gujarati family where business was a way of life. I grew up in Bombay and Ahmedabad, but my mother, who is a music lover, encouraged me to take up music. She decided early on that she wanted me to become a classical musician. Fortunately, her dream aligned with mine, and I pursued it with passion."

 

"Back then, in Gujarat, there wasn’t much scope for classical music, especially for a young girl. But times have changed, and today there are many musical colleges and more Gujaratis pursuing classical music. It's a significant cultural shift," she added.

Impact of AI in Music

Audio Technology has broken many barriers in music. Raghvan notes that technology has expanded Indian classical performances from small gatherings to large concerts in auditoriums and stadiums. Speaking about AI in music, he said it has opened up new possibilities and transformed how music is created and performed.

He said, "AI is going to completely change how we listen to and experience music. Today, AI can replicate voices, allowing a song sung by one person to be transformed into another singer’s voice. We've already seen viral examples of this."

"Some fear that AI will replace musicians, but I see it as a tool rather than a threat. It can assist in composition, but it lacks the human soul and emotions that define music. No matter how advanced AI gets, people will always prefer live performances by real artists over robotic recreations," Mahesh added.

The Essence of Live Performances

Mehtab Niazi also noted that no technology can ever replace the magic of live performances. He said, "For me, nothing compares to performing live. The stage is where I feel most alive. The experience of preparing for a concert, interacting with the audience, and receiving a standing ovation is unmatched. No recording or technology can ever replace that feeling."