Latest news with #MonikaShergill
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'With Chamkila and Heeramandi traveling globally, there's a growing appetite for Indian soundscapes that are emotionally rich and culturally nuanced'
Monika Shergill, Netflix India VP Content World Music Day is a reminder of how deeply music wires itself into our memories, heartbreaks, and our joyrides home. It's the thing that hits you before the first line of dialogue, and the thing that lingers long after the end credits vanish. In the era of skip buttons and binge fatigue, Netflix is leaning into music as a co-author of emotion. Its stories are increasingly scored not just with background beats but with sonic identities. Mismatched, for instance, doesn't just give you young love it gives you a mixtape of it. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has folk, Sufi, cinematic opulence layered into every note. While in Amar Singh Chamkila, the music has resistance in rhythm. What's fascinating is how these soundtracks are no longer confined to the screen. They spill out - into reels, into playlists, into Bluetooth speakers on road trips. Songs from Netflix originals are trending, looping, and becoming part of the new Indian soundscape. This World Music Day, we're turning up the volume on that evolution. What does it take to create a song that hits both emotionally and algorithmically? Composers, lyricists, and Netflix executives share how they create magic through music. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Heeramandi When music leads the story: How Netflix is composing the sound of modern Indian storytelling It's impossible not to notice how Indian storytelling always melodic at heart is entering a new sonic era. Music has long been central to Indian cinema, and now, with streaming platforms like Netflix, it travels further than ever before. "Music has always been intrinsic to Indian storytelling, and with streaming, it now travels further, connects faster, and lingers longer,' says Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India. 'At Netflix, we've seen songs like 'Ghodey Pe Sawar' from Qala and 'Ishq Hai' from Mismatched grow beyond the screen, clocking millions of streams and becoming part of people's everyday playlists.' Qala Streaming, she explains, gives artists more room to experiment not just with melody and lyrics, but with structure and silence. 'The storytelling becomes more layered and immersive, whether through a full-bodied track or a single, intentional note of background score that captures the emotional weight of a moment.' That intention extends to scoring as much as it does to songcraft. 'Scores are crafted with the same care and vision as songs,' Shergill says. 'Whether it's Achint's haunting tension in Scoop, the nostalgic synth in Monica, O My Darling, or the soaring emotion in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, the background music is designed to become a character in itself. It guides the emotional rhythm of the story- shaping how the audience feels moment to moment. ' Shergill says this music-led approach starts not in the studio, but in the writers' room. 'At Netflix, we start thinking about music from the moment a project begins. It's not something we add later- it's a core part of story development, right from scripting and budgeting. Music supervisors, composers, and editors are brought on early so we can shape the soundscape alongside the characters and arcs.' Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India 'When a track like 'Raanjhan' from Do Patti crosses 240 million streams, or a song like 'Ishq Hai' becomes an anthem for young love with 157 million streams, it does more than entertain - it creates an emotional bridge' Giving an example of a track that has reached far beyond the screen, she says, 'When a track like 'Raanjhan' from Do Patti crosses 240 million streams, or a song like 'Ishq Hai' becomes an anthem for young love with 157 million streams, it does more than entertain - it creates an emotional bridge to the story. For many, the music becomes their first touchpoint with the title. It drives curiosity, builds recall, and brings new viewers in through the power of emotion. ' She continues, 'We are witnessing this in our upcoming film Aap Jaisa Koi, where we worked closely with the creators to ensure the music resonates on a deeper level—not just heard, but truly felt. Its soulful melodies beautifully mirror the mood of the Indian monsoon, making it the perfect accompaniment to a film set for a July release.' She notes that music today often travels faster than the films themselves. 'A song or even a short musical phrase can go viral, building anticipation and resonance for the show or film it's part of. We've seen that repeatedly across titles, and it's reshaping how stories find their audience.' The resurgence of authentic, rooted sounds is also reshaping how Indian identity is expressed through music. 'The Indian relationship with music is unique, it's not just cultural, it's emotional and deeply personal. And today, we're seeing a resurgence of that authenticity. Folk, classical, and regional sounds are making a strong comeback.' One standout example is Chamkila, where the music does not merely decorate the story - it powers it. 'Punjabi folk music isn't just a backdrop - it's the heartbeat of the story,' Shergill says. And as Indian soundtracks travel globally, Shergill sees a powerful dual movement. 'Indian music is becoming more global and more grounded at the same time. With shows like Chamkila and Heeramandi traveling internationally, we've seen a genuine appetite for Indian soundscapes that are emotionally rich and culturally nuanced.' That global ambition is backed by local investment. 'From workshops with Berklee College of Music and John Warhurst to our new music supervision programs, we're creating long-term pathways for composers, editors, and emerging talent. Our goal is to ensure that Indian music- whether it's a quiet background cue or a soaring anthem - not only reaches global audiences, but defines what cinematic music can sound like in this era. ' 'We use melody and harmony to create individual character themes within this palette' The duo behind music of Dabba Cartel, Gaurav Raina and Tarana Marwah, speak to the architecture of sound. 'Once we decide on an overarching sound palette for the show - analog synths, Indian percussion, and piano - we use melody and harmony to create individual character themes within this palette. It is these individual themes that help us tell complex stories that are intertwined to form the main storyline of the series. ' Lyricist Kausar Munir, who penned the songs for Do Patti, emphasizes the importance of creative freedom. 'I always feel that people who are facilitating the process need to guide the creative process rather than control it. Sometimes that line gets blurred. Sometimes platforms and producers become creative controllers rather than allies and guides.' What worked for Do Patti, she says, was trust. 'The faith that the platform had really mattered. Kanika and Kriti were very hands-on with the composers and me. Everybody's point of view was considered.' Speaking about the song 'Ja Heer Ne Tenu Chhor Diya,' she notes its surprising resonance. 'Apart from that being a good song, I'm told that the thought has been appealing to a lot of young people. Heer keh rahi hai ki ja maine tujhe chhor diya, while Heer usually is the pining one.' Music has this quiet power to reflect what we sometimes can't say out loud. I think Jab Tu Sajan is one such song: Mohit Chauhan Mohit Chauhan, who lent his voice to Jab Tu Sajan (From "Aap Jaisa Koi"), speaks about music's quiet power. 'Music has this quiet power to reflect what we sometimes can't say out loud. I think Jab Tu Sajan is one such song. The moment I first heard the composition, I felt an immediate emotional pull. What made it even more special is that I had the opportunity to lend my voice to Madhavan's character. There is a gentle depth to the melody by Rochak Kohli and lyrics by Gurpreet Saini that stayed with me. I wanted every word to feel honest, like a quiet conversation with someone you love.' He adds, 'There's a shift happening - songs are becoming more narrative-driven, more emotionally nuanced, and less bound by formulas. As an artist, that opens space to be more vulnerable, more truthful. We are moving towards music that breathes, that allows space for feeling - and that's the kind of music I've always felt closest to.' For composer Rochak Kohli, less was more. 'Composing Jab Tu Sajan was an amazing feeling. The emotion in the lyrics guided the entire musical direction. I wanted the sound to feel like a quiet conversation with someone you love deeply. The goal was to let the melody do its magic without overpowering the feeling. Honestly, there are few voices that can carry emotion the way Mohit does, and Gurpreet's lyrics take it a notch higher. I am incredibly moved by how listeners are connecting with it. It reminds me that the softest emotions are often the most universal.' Chamkila
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Ektaa Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, Netflix forge new creative partnership
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 7 (ANI): Netflix and Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms Ltd. have forged a new creative partnership spanning films and series. The deal encompasses content development across multiple formats tailored specifically for streaming audiences. An untitled series is already in advanced stages of development as part of the initial slate, as per Variety. The collaboration will be executed through Balaji Telefilms Ltd. and its divisions, including Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Digital. Speaking about the collaboration, Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, said, Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with 'unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture, even before hashtags existed'. 'Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience's pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. Our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey' Ektaa Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said storytelling has always been at the heart 'of everything we do -- whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms'. She said the partnership 'is a big moment for us'. 'It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere.' Netflix and Balaji have previously collaborated on successful projects such as 'Kathal,' 'Pagglait,' 'Jaane Jaan' and Busan selection 'Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare.' (ANI)
Business Standard
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Netflix and Balaji Telefilms announced long term creative collaboration
Netflix and Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms have entered into a long-term creative collaboration for a range of exciting projects across different formats of storytelling. This association marks a significant step in Netflix and Balaji's commitment to delivering distinctive, high-quality entertainment across formats, genres, and audiences. Balaji and Netflix have previously collaborated on several beloved titles, including Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. Speaking about the collaboration, Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, said, Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture, even before hashtags existed. Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience's pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. At Netflix, our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey. Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said, At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do - whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms. Partnering with Netflix, the world's leading storytelling platform known for its premium content and constant innovation, is a big moment for us. It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere." This collaboration will be undertaken by Balaji Telefilms, including its divisions - Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Digital.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix, Balaji Telefilms ink multi-year content deal
Streaming giant Netflix and content production powerhouse Balaji Telefilms have entered into a long-term collaboration to develop a range of projects across multiple formats. The content slate includes an untitled series in advanced development. Projects will be produced by Balaji Telefilms, including its divisions Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Digital. The companies have previously partnered on titles such as Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan, and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, said, 'Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture, even before hashtags existed. Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience's pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. At Netflix, our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey.' Ekta Kapoor , Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said, 'At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do — whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms. Partnering with Netflix, the world's leading storytelling platform known for its premium content and constant innovation, is a big moment for us. It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere." Live Events
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix India content head endorses Aryan Khan's debut show, calls it 'emotional': ‘It's everything you see in best kind of Bollywood films'
As fans wait with bated breath for Aryan Khan's debut series The Ba**ds of Bollywood* to release on Netflix India, the platform's Vice President of Content, Monika Shergill, has shared new insights into the highly anticipated project. She also reflected on working with other prominent creators like Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Heeramandi, Karan Johar for The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, and Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking about Aryan's directorial debut, Shergill said, 'I am so excited about Aryan Khan's debut series. It is going to be a very delightful and emotional ride for everyone. It will have laughter and everything that you see in best kind of Bollywood films.' While reflecting on Netflix India's collaborations with a range of filmmakers and storytellers, she said, 'If you look at the journey we have had, we have worked with some of the best creators.' She explained that while some filmmakers were enthusiastic about exploring streaming, others needed a little 'cajoling'. Recalling one such moment, Monika Shergill spoke about filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the quirky way they engaged with him. She said, 'With SLB, when you are discussing thing with him, it is important to have street food on the table, he loves having street food.' Sharing how each creator has a unique process, she said, 'With Aditya Chopra, it's an intense discussion. He likes to know how the audience is thinking and what becomes successful. It helps him create for the audience who goes to theatre but behaves differently on streaming. It is very joyful with Karan, had a great time making The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. With Shah Rukh, it has been an enduring relationship across formats.' Earlier while speaking at Waves Summit 2025, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos also endorsed Aryan Khan's show and said, 'It is really fun, and I am going to leave the audience to try to figure out the title completely, but it is so fun. I am four episodes in.'
