Ankit Gupta on AI in Music, Social Media Impact and Welcome To The Jungle Debut

Young music composer Ankit Gupta, who marked his Bollywood entry with the multi-starrer Welcome To The Jungle, has observed significant transformations in the music landscape driven by social media and emerging technologies. In a candid conversation, he shared insights into these changes while reflecting on his memorable debut experience.

Gupta noted that social media has notably shortened audience attention spans. “Social media has changed the music industry a lot. Earlier, people listened to songs that were five or six minutes long and remembered every word and tune. Today, people decide within just two to three seconds whether they want to listen to a song or not. That is why musicians have to make songs interesting from the very beginning,” he explained.

He acknowledged the growing role of artificial intelligence in music production. “AI is becoming an important part of the industry. However, we should accept it and use it as a tool, not misuse it. We also need to keep updating ourselves with new technology,” Gupta advised, stressing responsible integration of new tools.

The composer also commented on the rising popularity of music videos. “I think many people now want to become complete entertainers. I have worked with people who wanted to become actors, and they started with music videos to show their talent. People enjoy watching this kind of content, so I do not think there is anything wrong with it. In fact, I feel more music videos should be made,” he said.

His Bollywood debut with Welcome To The Jungle remains a cherished memory, largely due to its impressive ensemble cast. “I was completely starstruck when I met celebrities for the first time. Since Welcome to the Jungle had around 34 to 35 actors, I got to meet many famous people,” Gupta recalled. He described a particularly memorable moment during the trailer launch. “I still remember sitting in the lobby during the trailer launch while editing something related to the song. One after another, Akshay Sir, Arshad Warsi, and many other stars walked in. I was amazed because I had never imagined seeing so many celebrities together.”

What stood out most was the warmth and respect he received as a newcomer. “Everyone treated me with great respect. No one made me feel like I was a newcomer,” he shared. He expressed gratitude toward director Ahmed Khan, producer Firoz Nadiadwala, Anand Raj Anand, and the entire team for making him feel like family. Akshay Kumar’s appreciation of the music and constructive suggestions particularly touched him.

Looking five years ahead, Gupta has ambitious yet clear goals. “Five years from now, I see myself as one of the best music composers and music producers in the film industry. My independent songs will also be released, and I hope to collaborate with many new artists. It is also my dream to work with some of the biggest stars in the industry,” he revealed.

He urged audiences to watch the film and listen to its songs. “The film is very entertaining, and I hope you give it lots of love and support,” he said. Gupta was particularly impressed by how every artist, regardless of screen time, was given importance and respect. “Handling such a big cast is not easy,” he noted, praising director Ahmed Khan’s ability to manage the star-studded project effectively.

Ankit Gupta’s journey reflects the evolving dynamics of the Indian music and film industry. His balanced perspective on technology, appreciation for collaborative filmmaking, and focus on continuous growth position him as a thoughtful voice among emerging talents. As Welcome To The Jungle continues to generate interest, Gupta’s contribution adds another layer to its appeal.