Every year, Guru Purnima stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of teachers, mentors, and guides who shape not just our skills but our lives. In the world of Bollywood music, where tradition meets innovation, many acclaimed artists owe their success to the deep-rooted values and rigorous training passed on by their gurus. This year, in a special tribute, some of India’s most celebrated musicians opened up about the life-changing wisdom, discipline, and philosophies they inherited from their mentors.
From timeless ragas to soulful film scores, the journeys of these musicians have been molded by the hands—and hearts—of their teachers. As they rise to stardom, they continue to carry the blessings and lessons of their gurus with deep reverence. On this Guru Purnima, we spotlight the voices behind Bollywood’s biggest hits as they pay homage to the silent forces behind their brilliance.
Shreya Ghoshal: “My guru taught me that surrender is the key to growth”
One of the most melodious voices in India, Shreya Ghoshal, often credits her guru, Late Kalyanji Bhai, for more than just musical training.
“He didn’t just train me to sing—he taught me how to feel music,” she says. “He always said, ‘Do not dominate the raag, become one with it.’ That surrender, that devotion, has stayed with me forever.”
Ghoshal, who started learning classical music as a child, believes that her ability to sing across genres—from classical to pop—comes from the technical discipline instilled in her early years. She still practices her alankars every morning, as advised by her guru.
Arijit Singh: “The patience of my guru made me who I am today”
Arijit Singh, the enigmatic voice behind countless romantic chartbusters, often shies away from interviews—but when it comes to his guru, Rajan Sir, he becomes reflective.
“I was very impatient as a learner. I wanted to sing complicated compositions too early. But Rajan Sir would make me sing a single note for days,” Arijit recalls.
That patience, he says, later helped him survive the long wait before his big Bollywood break. Today, despite global fame, Singh continues to practice quietly in his home studio, guided by the same principles of restraint and depth.
Vishal Dadlani: “I learnt how to respect every sound—from a tanpura to a synth”
For music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani, known for his work in the duo Vishal–Shekhar, the teachings of his first music teacher were foundational.
“She used to say, ‘Don’t treat classical and contemporary like enemies. All sound is sacred.’ That’s something I’ve carried with me into every track, from Sheila Ki Jawani to Swag Se Swagat.”
Vishal credits his guru for giving him the mindset that all music is one language, and genre-bending compositions should be welcomed, not criticized.
Rekha Bhardwaj: “My guru gave me not just music, but my voice”
Known for her soulful, earthy singing style, Rekha Bhardwaj considers her guru, Pandit Amarnath, as the person who gave her not just the art of singing, but her identity.
“He used to say, ‘Don’t sing like anyone else. Discover your own path.’ That’s what led me to develop my own texture,” she says.
Her haunting voice in songs like Namak Ishq Ka and Laaga Re Jal Laaga is instantly recognizable—thanks to a guru who encouraged uniqueness over mimicry.
Ajay–Atul: “Our guru taught us that success without humility is noise”
The Maharashtrian duo Ajay–Atul, known for their orchestral grandeur in films like Sairat and Tanhaji, credit their guru Sarang Dev for instilling values beyond music.
“He used to say, ‘Fame is a byproduct. Character is the goal.’ That stuck with us,” says Ajay.
Despite working with industry giants and delivering blockbuster hits, the brothers remain deeply grounded and continue to compose devotional music alongside commercial work.
Jonita Gandhi: “My guru reminded me to never let go of my Indian roots”
Born and raised in Canada, Jonita Gandhi trained under Pandit Harvinder Sharma in Indian classical music even while singing English pop.
“He made me realise that no matter where I sing, my Indian classical training is my superpower,” she says.
That blend of East and West has made her a favorite voice for songs like The Breakup Song and Chellamma. Jonita now teaches music herself and carries her guru’s discipline into her classrooms.
Guru Purnima in Bollywood: More Than Just Rituals
Guru Purnima in the Bollywood music world isn’t just about posting photos or sharing quotes. Many artists begin their day with a visit to their gurus, offer flowers at their feet, or dedicate a riyaz (practice) session entirely in their honor.
For some, it’s about sending a heartfelt message. For others, it’s revisiting old lessons, compositions, and recordings with their mentors. Many even take to social media to share rare moments from their training days, offering fans a glimpse into the legacy of Indian music education.
But at its core, it’s about gratitude—a recognition that behind every golden note, every chartbuster, and every goosebump-inducing performance is the hand of a guru who shaped the foundation.
The Changing Role of the Guru in the Digital Age
In today’s world of YouTube tutorials, music apps, and AI-generated melodies, the traditional guru-shishya (teacher-student) bond may seem old-fashioned. But Bollywood musicians insist that the role of a guru remains irreplaceable.
“You can learn techniques from the internet, but you learn values from a guru,” says music director Amit Trivedi.
As more young artists emerge from digital platforms like Instagram and Smule, many senior musicians are also mentoring online. Yet the emotional connection—one rooted in trust, discipline, and spiritual bonding—remains the soul of Indian musical training.
Final Thoughts
On this Guru Purnima, as India bows in reverence to teachers across all fields, the Bollywood music industry offers a deeply emotional, personal reminder: success in music isn’t just about talent—it’s about guidance, tradition, and the ability to learn with humility.
Behind every iconic melody, every tearjerking lyric, and every electrifying chorus is the silent presence of a guru—whose voice may never be heard on stage, but echoes in every note.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Guru Purnima important in Indian music?
Guru Purnima celebrates the bond between teachers and students. In Indian music, where oral traditions and personal training are vital, this day honors the gurus who pass down not just skills but spiritual wisdom.
Q2. Do Bollywood singers still follow traditional music training?
Yes. Many successful Bollywood artists continue to study classical music or maintain regular riyaz, often under the guidance of a traditional guru.
Q3. How has the guru-shishya relationship changed today?
While many modern musicians now learn via digital tools, the emotional and spiritual role of the guru remains central. Mentorship has evolved but hasn’t lost its cultural depth.
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