Rhythm Wagholikar: You have titled this composition ‘Sai Naam Sancha’. Tell us about the journey behind the song. Why did you feel this was the right time to create it?

Lalit Pandit: The thought had been with me for many years. I had always wanted to compose a bhajan dedicated to Sai Baba but somehow the right moment never arrived. Although I have composed music across many genres, I had never created a devotional composition centred on Sai.

I never wanted this to become just another devotional release. My intention was to create something that would stay with listeners for years. I spent a lot of time refining the melody until I felt every phrase carried the emotion I wanted to express. Only then did I begin recording it.

“Sai Baba symbolises truth, compassion and selflessness.”

Lalit Pandit: Sai Baba represents truth in its purest form. Even during his lifetime, thousands looked upon him with faith. Yet he lived with remarkable simplicity and never desired anything for himself.

His life was dedicated to helping others. There are countless stories of people finding hope, healing and strength through his blessings. Whatever spiritual power he possessed was always used with compassion and never for personal gain.

When I say Sai Naam Sancha, I am speaking about the enduring truth that sincere faith has the power to transform lives. Remembering Sai with complete devotion brings inner peace and strength. That thought became the foundation of this composition.

“A composer should never allow genres to limit imagination.”

Lalit Pandit: I don’t believe music should be divided that way. A composer should know how to create every kind of composition. Whether it is a romantic song, a qawwali, a commercial number or a bhajan, the responsibility remains the same. The melody must move people.

I never approached this thinking that devotional music has to sound slow or follow a particular tradition. I simply composed the music that felt right to me.

I was not thinking about commercial success or trying to imitate an established devotional style. My only focus was Sai Baba and creating melodies that would touch people’s hearts.

“I wanted this bhajan to belong to every generation.”

Lalit Pandit: That decision came very naturally.

I wanted people from every generation to feel connected with this bhajan. The legendary singers bring experience,

Fortunately, every artiste I approached agreed immediately. That affection and respect means a great deal to me.

“These relationships have been built over decades.”

Lalit Pandit: It always feels special because these are relationships that have grown over many years.

Many of Udit Narayan’s and Shaan’s most memorable songs have been composed by me. There is tremendous mutual affection and respect between us. Whenever I call them, they happily become part of the project.

Working with all of them never feels like work. It feels like coming together as a musical family.

“I wanted my own voice to become part of this prayer.”

Lalit Pandit: Yes, absolutely. I wanted my own devotion to become a part of this offering. This bhajan is deeply personal to me and I felt that if I was creating it with so much faith, my own voice should also find a place in it.

When the recording was completed and everyone had come together for this composition, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment. For me, creating Sai Naam Sancha was never just another project. It was something I had promised myself I would do one day. Today, I feel grateful that I could finally fulfil that promise.

“Every generation deserves encouragement.”

Lalit Pandit: I genuinely enjoy working with young artistes. Contrary to what many people believe, I have found the newer generation to be talented, sincere and remarkably humble.

Every generation brings a fresh perspective. Their way of thinking is different from ours and that should be appreciated instead of criticised. Music grows only when new ideas are welcomed.

Our industry has never been easy. Jatin and I also struggled for opportunities. We know how difficult it is for a newcomer to receive even one meaningful chance. If we are in a position to help someone begin that journey, we should certainly do it.

That was one of my biggest motivations behind this bhajan. I wanted legendary singers and emerging voices to stand together on the same platform. Music should unite generations rather than separate them.

They achieved everything a musician could dream of and yet remained incredibly simple as human beings. Every meeting with Lataji or Ashaji became a lesson, not only in music but also in life.

Jatin and I consider ourselves fortunate that we composed many songs for Lataji during the final decade of her remarkable recording career. That itself is one of the greatest blessings we have received.

I often feel that the blessings of our seniors continue to guide us even today. Relationships in music never truly end. They simply continue through newer generations.

“Working with the third generation of musical families feels like receiving the blessings of our seniors.”

Lalit Pandit: It gives me immense happiness because I see tremendous sincerity and humility in these young artistes. People often misunderstand today’s generation, but the youngsters I have worked with are exceptionally talented and deeply respectful. They come from wonderful families and have inherited not only musical ability but also strong values.

Sometimes I think these relationships never truly end. They simply continue through the next generation. Today we are working with Saanjali and tomorrow perhaps my sons may also work with her. That continuity of music and affection is itself a blessing.

The same applies to young artistes like Swar Sharma. They represent the future of Indian music. When experienced musicians and younger voices come together, they learn from one another. That exchange is invaluable and I wanted Sai Naam Sancha  to reflect exactly that spirit.

“I admire the confidence of Generation Z.”

Lalit Pandit: Certainly. Every generation has its own strengths. I always feel that today’s youngsters are intelligent, confident and willing to work very hard for their dreams.

During our time, we were constantly anxious about getting work. The younger generation has a different kind of confidence. They know what they want and they are prepared to work for it.

As parents, we naturally hope our children remain grounded even as they grow professionally. That is something my wife and I have always tried to teach them.

Watching Rohan and Abir begin their musical journey gives me immense happiness. They have started with a wonderful opportunity and I hope they continue to learn with humility because that is the greatest quality any artiste can possess.

“Guru Purnima was the perfect blessing for this release.”

Rhythm Wagholikar: The bhajan was released on Guru Purnima. Was that always part of the plan?

Guru Purnima is one of the most sacred occasions in our spiritual tradition. It is a day when we express gratitude towards our teachers and guides. Since Sai Baba himself is regarded as one of the greatest Gurus, I could not think of a more meaningful day to present this musical offering.

Looking back, I truly believe it happened because of Sai Baba’s blessings