As Saiyaara continues its dream run at the box office, music composer Tanishk Bagchi is riding high on the film’s success. But behind the chartbusters and accolades lies a story of grit, passion, and a long fight for recognition. The composer—whose work has played a vital role in the film’s emotional depth—recently opened up about his journey, the legacy of his father, and the industry’s persistent failure to credit music creators.
The Credit Gap in the Industry
In a recent interview with BollywoodShaadis, Tanishk opened up about his deep connection with music, calling every form—be it bhajan, kirtan, or film songs—a form of art. He shared that music is his passion, and whether it’s recreating classics or composing originals, he puts his heart into it. However, he also voiced a long-standing frustration faced by many composers like himself and his father: the lack of proper credit. Tanishk pointed out that while songs like Saiyaara become hits and his name is associated with them, people rarely acknowledge the years of hard work behind the scenes. Instead, the spotlight often goes to actors, directors, and promoters who are more socially visible.
Carrying Forward His Father’s Legacy
The composer reflected on his journey and paid tribute to his father, a talented musician who faced many struggles and couldn’t achieve the recognition he deserved. Tanishk shared that he sees his own success as a continuation of his father’s legacy, humbly stating that he’s not a big music director, but someone carrying forward his parents’ musical gifts.He praised director Mohit Suri for actively promoting composers and supporting their work. However, he expressed disappointment with production houses, stating that once they buy the music and it becomes a hit, they quickly move on to the next project without acknowledging the creators.Tanishk also pointed out how composers are often left out of promotional materials, including film posters and social media. “I make a song and don’t go beating the drums saying I have done it,” he said, highlighting how the hard work of music directors often goes unnoticed in the glamor of film promotions.
Recognition Often Comes Too Late
Bagchi further opened up about the emotional weight behind his musical journey, admitting that despite putting in immense hard work, recognition often remains elusive for composers like him. He finds it rare when a music director is properly credited and feels strongly that his creative energy comes from his parents, especially his father, whose unfulfilled musical dreams fuel his own drive.He recalled a pivotal moment in his life back in Kolkata, when he first realised that music was his true calling. That decision, he shared, became the defining turning point of his career. From that day onward, he committed to pursuing music with full responsibility, determined to rise on his own without relying on anyone else. For Tanishk, it wasn’t just about sacrifice—it was about persistence and holding on, no matter how tough the path.
