Three leading figures in Indian music — lyricist Prasoon Joshi, performer Ila Arun, and singer-composer Papon — came together on the third day of the WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai to celebrate the enduring spirit of folk music. The session, titled “Spotify House: Evolution of Folk Music in India,” was held at the Jio World Convention Centre as part of the ‘WAVES Culturals and Concerts’ segment.
The discussion, moderated by storyteller Roshan Abbas, featured a distinguished panel including Malini Awasthi and Nandesh Umap alongside Joshi, Arun, and Papon. The panellists described Indian folk music as a living tradition, deeply woven into daily life and passed down through generations. Prasoon Joshi called folk music a “tactile feel of life,” highlighting its role as a dynamic expression of shared human experience.
The conversation focused on bringing folk music into the mainstream, with praise for platforms like Spotify and initiatives such as WAVES for integrating folk into broader cultural narratives. Nandesh Umap referred to folk as “an open university,” underscoring its inclusive and democratic nature. Papon shared a personal story of Assamese folk songs receiving a standing ovation in Serbia, illustrating the global resonance of Indian folk when presented authentically. Ila Arun and Malini Awasthi emphasised the importance of community and emotion at the heart of folk traditions.
The panel also discussed the need for innovation, advocating for creative reinterpretations that keep folk relevant for new generations while preserving its essence. They highlighted the vast diversity of Indian folk, with each state offering unique musical traditions, and called for systemic support to nurture this heritage. The leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was credited for enabling platforms like WAVES to elevate traditional art forms.
Spontaneous musical moments enlivened the session, with panellists breaking into impromptu singing and immersing the audience in the spirit of folk. The event concluded with a unified call to preserve, celebrate, and widely share India’s rich folk heritage, ensuring it remains a vibrant cultural force.
