In music, just like in life, there is no true growth without a guiding force. Gurus do not just teach technique; they shape spirit, discipline, emotion, and humility. On this Guru Purnima, we listen closely, not just to melodies but to the memories and teachings that have quietly defined the journey of some of India’s beloved voices.
Each of these artists carries a legacy, an echo of their guru in every note they sing. Here are their stories.
Jubin Nautiyal
Shaped by Rahman’s advice
The first time Jubin met A. R. Rahman, he was just 18. What Rahman said back then still rings in his ears: “Wait until your voice matures at 21.” Jubin took that to heart. He returned home, trained for years, and rediscovered a voice that felt true to who he really was.
But more than anything, what impacted him was Rahman’s humility. Despite being a genius, he stayed rooted. That is what Jubin continues to carry with him: the ability to evolve endlessly while staying grounded.
Shalmali Kholgade
Paced by Pritam’s wisdom
After the massive success of Lat Lag Gayi, Shalmali found herself overwhelmed with back-to-back shows. That’s when Pritam gave her a piece of advice she still holds close: “Don’t live with the mindset of making hay while the sun shines. Pace yourself. Think long-term.”
That one moment of wisdom helped her slow down, preserve her energy, and protect her voice for the journey ahead.
Stebin Ben
Moved by Arijit’s emotion
Arijit Singh never gave Stebin a formal lesson. Watching him was enough.
Stebin says, “He made me realize that people don’t connect to perfection. They connect to emotion.” Today, Stebin tries to sing with that same authenticity. He doesn’t just perform a song; he tries to live it.
Siddharth Mahadevan
Balanced by Zakir Hussain and Akhtar
From Ustad Zakir Hussain, Siddharth learned the importance of discipline that feels joyful. “He made us believe that technical brilliance and playfulness can go hand in hand. His presence lifted everyone around him.”
From Javed Akhtar, Siddharth learned to appreciate the emotional clarity of words. “His lyrics feel timeless because they carry truth. He taught me how powerful and lasting words can be.”
Sagar Bhatia
Guided by Maan’s presence
Sagar never trained under Gurdas Maan, yet considers him his guru. “Sometimes when your heart accepts someone as a guru, everything about them becomes your lesson.”
From his stage presence to his aura, Gurdas Maan influenced Sagar deeply. When Sagar met him for the first time, he could only cry. “He made me who I am,” he says, with heartfelt gratitude.
Shashwat Singh
Grounded by Rahman, fired by Pritam
For Shashwat, A. R. Rahman represents humility and calm. He is deeply respectful and grounded, even after achieving so much. On the other hand, Pritam brings energy and intuition. He knows what works emotionally and gives his singers the space to explore.
Shashwat says he found his own voice somewhere between Rahman’s peace and Pritam’s passion.
Anusha Mani
Refined by Shankar and Haldipur
Touring with Shankar Mahadevan for six years, Anusha learned the value of staying grounded and open to learning. She admired his ability to balance work and personal life without ever letting go of his passion for music.
Her second guru, Amar Haldipur, also her father-in-law, taught her how lyrics can transform a song completely. “He made me realize how the placement and emphasis of words can shape the soul of a composition.”
Aditya Narayan
Shaped by Udit Narayan’s character
Aditya calls his father, Udit Narayan, his greatest teacher. Watching him stay humble across decades of success taught him one important truth: talent might open doors, but it is character that keeps them open.
Another value his father instilled in him is to stay unaffected by extremes. “Never let success make you arrogant, and never let failure make you bitter.”
DJ Sartek
Inspired by Tiësto’s evolution
Sartek learned a powerful lesson from DJ Tiësto: to evolve with the times without losing your identity. “He taught me that reinvention is not weakness. It is how you stay timeless in music without compromising your essence.”
DJ Sumit Sethi
Driven by Mika and Aoki’s energy
From Mika Singh, Sumit learned how to deliver electrifying live performances with full passion. From Steve Aoki, he understood the importance of creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. “He taught me to connect with people through music and humility.”
Natania Lalwani
Guided by Rahman’s calm
In a recent studio session, A. R. Rahman reminded Natania to stay wide-eyed and in love with the process of creating music. “He said when we truly enjoy what we are making, that excitement carries into the recording and reaches the listener too.” That moment reminded her of the beauty of giving your whole heart to your art.