Abhijeet Bhattacharya says musicians are losing jobs due to AI

ANI April 9, 2025 222 views

Popular playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has launched a scathing attack on AR Rahman, accusing him of promoting AI and technology that eliminates traditional musician jobs. He argues that the trend of laptop-based music production is destroying career opportunities for live instrumentalists and singers. Bhattacharya emphasized that during his stage performances, he always ensures 20 live musicians are present, highlighting the importance of human talent. His comments reflect growing concerns about artificial intelligence's impact on the creative music industry.

"Ab koi apna career nahin banaega music mein" - Abhijeet Bhattacharya
Mumbai, April 9: The growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music has been a hot topic in the industry, and now, popular playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has shared his strong views on the matter.

Key Points

1

Abhijeet claims AI is replacing live musicians in Bollywood

2

AR Rahman pioneered technology-driven music production

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Traditional instrumentalists losing employment opportunities

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Singer warns about music industry's technological transformation

In a conversation with ANI, the singer expressed his concern about how technology has replaced "real musicians" and claimed that it was composer AR Rahman who started the trend which led to musicians who used to play in films "losing their jobs."

Abhijeet, while taking a dig at Rahman, said that the composer was the one who encouraged the industry to stop using live musicians.

"Baaki jo filmon mein musicians bajate the, woh ab berozgar hain -- mostly thanks to Mr. Rahman. Unhone sabko bataya ki koi zarurat nahin musician ki... sab kuch laptop par ho sakta hai. (The musicians who used to play in films are now without jobs -- mostly because of Rahman. He told everyone that musicians are not needed... everything can be done on a laptop.)," Abhijeet said.

"Unke wajah se sabko success mil gaya, bechare musicians ghar par baithe hain... Rahman saab ne bol diya ki bhai jitna kamaunga sirf main kamaunga, musicians ki zarurat nahin hai. (Because of him, everyone found success, but poor musicians are sitting at home...)," he added.

Criticizing the term "Artificial Intelligence", Abhijeet said, "Artificial boliye, intelligent mat boliye... Mera jab bhi stage show hota hai, mere piche 20 musicians hote hain, hamesha. Aagey bhi honge. They are doing their best."(Call it artificial, but don't call it intelligent... Whenever I have a stage show, there are 20 musicians behind me, always. There will be more in the future too. They are doing their best.).

"Ab koi apna career nahin banaega music mein. Aap dhundhne jaaiye market mein, aapko milenge nahin musician. Aapko sitar wala nahin milega. Sab laptop par hi music kar rahe hain... ," he added. (Now no one will build a career in music. Go search the market, you won't find musicians. You won't find a sitar player. Everyone is making music on laptops... )," he added.

The popular singer has given the indian film industry several hits in the 90's iconic films including Baadshah, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Rakshak, Darr, Josh, Dhadkan, Raaz, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Khoobsurat, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Tum Bin, and Jodi No 1.

Reader Comments

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Rahul S.
While I understand Abhijeet's concerns, technology evolves and industries change. AI is just another tool - real talent will always find its way. Also, blaming Rahman seems unfair, he's a pioneer who embraced technology to create new sounds. 🤔
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Priya M.
I miss the days of live orchestras in Bollywood songs! There was so much soul in that music. Now everything sounds so synthetic. Abhijeet has a point about preserving traditional musicianship. 🎻
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Amit K.
Interesting perspective but I think this is more about adaptation than replacement. Musicians today need to learn digital tools along with their instruments. The industry has always evolved - remember when synthesizers first came in?
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Neha P.
Abhijeet's 90s songs were magical! But I disagree that AI will kill music careers. It's creating new opportunities too - sound design, mixing, digital composition. The form is changing but music will always need human creativity. 🎶
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Sanjay R.
Respectfully, I think Abhijeet is oversimplifying the issue. The change started long before Rahman with electronic instruments. Also, many musicians today successfully combine traditional skills with technology. The problem might be more about industry economics than just AI.
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Meera D.
As a music student, this worries me 😟 But my teacher says the best approach is to learn both - my instrument AND music production software. The future belongs to hybrid musicians!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Abhijeet Bhattacharya AR Rahman Bollywood Music AI in Music Music Technology Indian Playback Singers
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