Sona Mohapatra has come out in support of the makers of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ after they sent Shashwat Sachdev’s music for Grammy Awards consideration in nine categories. Social media users have criticised Indian musicians for looking to the West for validation, but Sona believes artists are left with little choice. She explained her view in a video shared online.
Sona Mohapatra backs musicians seeking Grammy recognition
Sona Mohapatra began her video by saying that her social media feed is full of musicians submitting their work for the Grammys. She said she is happy for all of them, from the band Agam to Hargun Kaur and Rashmeet Kaur. She also named Shashwat’s work on ‘Dhurandhar 2’. “All the very best to each and every one of you. May the world discover your music, celebrate it, and reward you,” she said.She then asked why a country with such a rich musical heritage must look elsewhere for praise. “Why are we, as a country, with one of the richest musical traditions in the world, having to seek recognition from elsewhere? There’s a good reason why these musicians have no choice,” she explained, adding, “Because back home, music is mostly treated like background score to somebody else’s importance. Even at a music launch, with the exception of I hear Dhurandhar, the music creators are often the least important people in a room. Be it a music or film launch, the music might be the most recognised part of that film, and the music makers might be the ones with the greatest weight, but they will be on the sidelines.”
A call to celebrate Indian musicians at home
The singer also pointed a finger at producers, award shows and the wider industry for not giving singers, lyricists and composers their due. According to her, many of them are not even involved in a film’s promotions. “I have lived this comedy of errors first-hand, despite not having too many releases and understandably so in this film world,” she said. Sona also wondered why comedians or influencers are given more importance than the core crew during promotions.She ended the video on a hopeful note. “So, go to the Grammys, my fellow musicians. Shine, win, make us proud. But I dream of an India where a musician doesn’t have to look West to feel celebrated back home. Where classical, folk, independent, experimental, regional, indie, film music, all of it has a credible, respected platform of its own.”
‘Dhurandhar 2’ in nine Grammy categories
‘Dhurandhar 2’ is set to compete in nine categories at the 2027 Grammy Awards. Shashwat’s name has been put forward for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, the category in which most film soundtracks compete. The song ‘Kanhaiyya’ has been entered in Best Global Music Performance, while ‘Aari Aari’ will vie for Best Asian Pop Music Performance.Six more songs from the album have been submitted in mainstream categories. ‘Phir Se’ is in the running for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and ‘Jaan Se Guzarte Hai’ has joined ‘Kanhaiyya’ in Best Global Music Performance. ‘Jaiye Sajana’ has been entered in Pop Duo / Group Performance, ‘Vaari Jaavan’ in Best Dance / Electronic Recording, and ‘Hum Pyaar Karne Wale’ in Best Remixed Recording. ‘Destiny – Mann Atkeya’ has been submitted for Best Rap Performance.