"If I Don't Get Goosebumps While Composing, Why Should the Audience?": Anand Raj Anand on Creating Timeless Music

Veteran music composer Anand Raj Anand believes that the foundation of every unforgettable song is emotion. According to him, music cannot be created merely to satisfy deadlines or secure approvals—it must first move the person composing it before it can touch the hearts of listeners.

Reflecting on his creative process, Anand says the composer is always the first audience for a song. Unless the music evokes a genuine emotional response within its creator, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impact on anyone else.

"The first listener is always the composer himself. If I don't get goosebumps while creating a song, why should the audience expect to feel anything?" he says.

Throughout his career, Anand has never considered a producer's approval to be the final measure of success. Instead, he has consistently pushed himself to improve his work, even after a composition had already been accepted.

Recalling his approach, he shares that there were several occasions when he would return to producers with a fresh composition despite a song already being locked.

"Many times I would call after a song had already been locked and say, 'Sir, I've composed another one. Please hear it once.' I always believed there was room to make something even better," he reveals.

The veteran composer believes that today's fast-paced entertainment industry sometimes prioritises speed over artistic conviction. While projects often move quickly to meet production schedules, Anand feels the true value of music lies in its ability to create a lasting emotional connection rather than simply completing an assignment.

"People celebrate because a song has been approved. I celebrated only when listeners embraced it," he says.

For Anand, the ultimate success of a song is measured not by its initial release but by its longevity. He believes truly memorable music continues to resonate with audiences long after a film has completed its theatrical run.

"A song should comfort someone, make someone cry, or make them dance. It has to leave an emotional imprint," he explains.

Despite decades of experience in the industry, Anand says his philosophy towards music has remained unchanged. He views music direction not as an exercise in impressing filmmakers but as a responsibility towards audiences who invest their emotions in every melody.

"Music direction isn't about impressing the people making the film. It's about touching the people watching it," he says.

According to Anand, timeless songs are never created by accident. They emerge when every lyric, every note, and every composition is crafted with sincerity and honesty. While films may eventually fade from public memory, he believes music possesses the rare ability to remain deeply personal for generations.

"They happen when every note carries honesty. Audiences may forget films, but they never forget how a song made them feel. That's the responsibility every composer should carry," he concludes.

As music continues to evolve across platforms and genres, Anand Raj Anand's creative philosophy remains rooted in authenticity. For him, the true legacy of a composer lies not in chart positions or commercial milestones but in creating songs that continue to inspire emotions, evoke memories, and stay with listeners long after the final note has faded.