Anup Jalota on Hanuman Chalisa’s top 2.7 lakh chants, AR Rahman’s comments and why instant fame doesn’t last: ‘Music belongs to everyone’ | Exclusive | Hindi Movie News
For more than four decades, Anup Jalota has remained one of India’s most celebrated voices in devotional music, earning the title of ‘Bhajan Samrat’ as he touches millions through his soulful renditions. Now on July 5, the legendary singer prepares for one of the biggest spiritual encounters of his career as he leads over 2,70,000 collective chants of Hanuman Chalisa at Chinmaya Mission South Africa’s historic Man to Hanuman celebrations in Durban, commemorating 75 years of Swami’s Chinmaya Abhedanan movement. He will be joined on stage by his student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai, making the occasion even more special for the veteran entertainer.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Anup Jalota opens up about the spiritual significance of the event, why he never followed Salman-like stardom formulas, the pressures of instant fame, AR Rahman’s comments on the mainstream of the film industry and what keeps him grounded after decades in music. Anuja Sahai, meanwhile, shares what she has learned from her guru beyond music and why performing alongside him in front of thousands of devotees is the greatest blessing of her life.
You have performed Hanuman Chalisa countless times around the world, but to lead 2,70,000 collective chants in Durban is unprecedented. Beyond the numbers, what do you hope the devotees and participants will experience spiritually and emotionally through this gathering?
Anup Jalota: Certainly, the numbers are historical, but to me they are just a reflection of the devotion that people have gathered. This gathering, organized by Chinmaya Mission South Africa under the guidance and vision of Swami Abhedananda, as part of the global celebrations commemorating 75 years of the Chinmaya Movement, is about much more than creating a record. It is about celebrating a legacy of spiritual awakening, selfless service and unity that has inspired millions around the world. I deeply admire Swami Abhedanandaji’s vision of bringing the Hindu community together across language, region and background through the timeless power of the Hanuman Chalisa.I am especially happy that my student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai, will join me to lead the devotional singing during this historic gathering. Watching her evolve as an artist has been immensely satisfying, and I am proud to see her carry forward the values of devotion, discipline and sincerity through music. Sharing the stage with a student in such a meaningful spiritual celebration is always a deeply satisfying experience for a guru.As more than 10,000 devotees gather for one of the world’s largest collective Hanuman Chalisa gatherings, creating 2,70,000 chants in unison, my hope is that each participant will experience the inner peace, renewed faith, and strength that comes from collective prayer. When thousands of people pray with pure intention, this collective spiritual energy has the power to uplift not only individuals but entire communities.
Many young people today are searching for meaning, connection and inner peace. Through an initiative like this, what message would you like to give to the younger generation about spirituality and community involvement?
Anup Jalota: Spirituality is not a matter of age; it’s about awareness. Young people today are talented and ambitious, but they also live under tremendous pressure. Music, prayer and community have the power to provide balance and clarity. I would encourage young people to participate not because someone tells them to, but because they experience the joy of being part of something that encourages everyone. Service, devotion and togetherness make us stronger human beings, and gatherings like this prove that Sanatana Dharma continues to unite generations around the world.
Your music has brought peace and comfort to millions of listeners. But every artist goes through phases of doubt, disappointment and loneliness. Tell us about one of your most difficult moments that gave you strength.
Anup Jalota: Every artist experiences moments when things don’t go as planned. There have been times when opportunities were uncertain and the future seemed unclear. During these phases, I always turned to music and devotion. Singing became my meditation and my source of strength. Faith teaches you patience, and patience eventually rewards you. Those difficult times made me appreciate all the blessings that came after.
The public often expects spiritual musicians to live almost saintly lives. Have you ever felt burdened with expectations that were perhaps unfair because, after all, artists are human too?
Anup Jalota: People naturally associate devotional music with certain values, and I respect that. But artists are human beings with emotions, struggles and imperfections. The important thing is to be sincere in your intentions and in your work. I have never tried to project perfection; I just tried to be honest with my music and my devotion.
You have had the opportunity to observe Anup Jalota ji not only as a performer but as a person and a mentor. What have you learned from him about leadership, humility, and using music as a force to bring people together?
Anuja Sahai: As a student of Anup ji, and as a singer and actor, I consider it one of the greatest blessings of my life to learn from someone who has inspired generations through his music and devotion. I am now privileged to perform alongside him at the historic Man to Hanuman celebrations of the Chinmaya Mission South Africa in Durban, under the direction of Swami Abhedananda, commemorating 75 years of the Chinmaya Movement.Being his student has taught me that true leadership is rooted in humility, kindness, and service. Despite his legendary stature, he treats everyone with warmth and respect, and quietly leads by example. It has shown me that music is much more than entertainment: it is a powerful medium to heal, inspire and unite people of different languages, cultures and generations.Singing in front of thousands of devotees alongside my guru in such a spiritually significant gathering is both an honor and a responsibility. It is a reminder that devotion expressed through music has the power to transcend boundaries and touch all hearts.
As someone who works closely with Anup Jalota, what is his quality that has impressed you the most beyond the public image that people see on stage?
Anuja Sahai: Without a doubt, it is his humility. Despite being one of India’s most respected and celebrated music legends, he never brings this stature to a room. He listens, encourages, appreciates and makes everyone around him feel valued.As his student, I have experienced not only his musical brilliance, but also his generosity as a mentor. He is always ready to guide, encourage and inspire without ever feeling intimidated. This is a rare quality.The world knows him as the Bhajan Samrat, but those of us who know him personally know an incredibly compassionate, grounded and selfless human being. As we prepare to share the stage in Durban in front of thousands of devotees, I feel grateful not only to perform alongside him, but also to continue to learn from him. To me, this is the greatest blessing of all.
You have seen India change: from radio to cassettes, CDs, television, YouTube and now social media. Which era do you think valued music more and which era valued visibility more?
Anup Jalota: Each era has contributed to music in its own way. Music used to travel slowly, but it stayed with people for decades because listeners invested time in really appreciating it. Today, technology has made music accessible to everyone, which is wonderful, but visibility often comes faster than artistic maturity. I believe that lasting success still belongs to those who continue to learn and evolve, regardless of platform.
When you meet young singers today, what worries you more: their lack of patience, the pressure of instant fame, or the fear that they won’t have enough time to grow as artists?
Anup Jalota: The biggest challenge today is the desire for instant success. Talent takes time, discipline and consistent riyaaz. Social media can make someone popular overnight, but popularity and longevity are two very different things. I always tell young singers that if they focus on being better artists instead of becoming famous, success will naturally follow. Music is a lifelong journey, not a career.
Recently, AR Rahman’s comments about possible ‘communal’ currents in the film industry sparked a huge debate. Do you believe what he said and have you experienced this environment in your career for decades?
Anup Jalota: I have always believed that music belongs to everyone and rises above religion, caste and any other identity. Throughout my career, I have worked with musicians, composers and artists from different backgrounds, and they have always treated me with warmth and respect. Every individual has their own experiences and I respect what AR Rahman ji has shared. Personally, however, my journey has reinforced my belief that music has the unique ability to unite people where many other things divide them.
Has there ever been a performance that went completely wrong but later became a fun memory?
Anup Jalota: Live performances are always unpredictable. Sometimes there are technical glitches, forgotten cues, or unexpected interruptions. At the time, they feel stressful, but then they turn into stories that make everyone smile. I’ve learned that the public doesn’t remember perfection as much as honesty. If you keep calm, smile and keep singing, even an unexpected moment can become one of the most memorable parts of a performance.
As a child, did you ever imagine that one day people would call you ‘Bhajan Samrat’? Were your parents strict with your studies or did they encourage music early on?
Anup Jalota: never I just wanted to learn music sincerely and keep improving myself every day. I was fortunate to grow up in a family where music was deeply respected and encouraged. My parents valued education, but they also recognized my passion and gave me the freedom to pursue it. Everything I have achieved is because of the blessings of my parents, my gurus, my audience and above all the grace of God.
If someone who had never heard your music asked you, “Who is Anup Jalota beyond the headlines and beyond the Bhajan Samrat title?” , what would you like your answer to be?
Anup Jalota: I would simply say that I am a music student who has had the opportunity to spread devotion, hope and positivity through my singing. Awards and titles are deeply humbling, but they are not my identity. My greatest joy comes from knowing that my music has brought peace or strength to someone’s heart during a difficult time. Whether I’m singing in front of a handful of people or leading thousands of devotees at Chinmaya Mission South Africa’s historic Man to Hanuman celebration in Durban, my purpose remains the same: to connect people to faith, to music, and to themselves. If people remember me as a sincere musician, a humble human being and someone whose music touched their soul, I couldn’t ask for anything more.
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