For over three decades, Lalit Pandit has remained one of the most celebrated architects of melody in Indian cinema. As one half of the iconic Jatin-Lalit duo, he transformed the musical landscape of Hindi films with unforgettable soundtracks that continue to resonate across generations. Whether it was the youthful exuberance of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, the timeless romance of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the emotional depth of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, the youthful spirit of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or the grandeur of Mohabbatein, his compositions became an inseparable part of India’s musical consciousness.
Having worked with legendary voices such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Hariharan, Kumar Sanu and many others, Lalit Pandit has consistently believed that melody must outlive trends. His music has never relied on fashion. Instead, it has found permanence through emotional honesty.
Now, after decades of composing for cinema, he has turned towards a deeply personal spiritual journey with ‘Sai Naam Sancha’, one of his first devotional offering dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba. Released on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, the bhajan brings together an extraordinary ensemble of voices including Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Shaan, Javed Ali, Bela Shende, Akasa Singh, Saanjali Khadikar, Sarika Kansara, Swar Sharma and Lalit Pandit himself. Penned by Alok Ranjan Jha, the composition reflects both devotion and inclusivity by uniting celebrated artistes with emerging talent.
In this exclusive conversation with Rhythm Wagholikar, Lalit Pandit reflects on faith, music, mentorship and the quiet conviction that inspired one of the most personal compositions of his career.
“The desire to compose this bhajan had lived within me for a long time.”
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.
Recently, my wife and I visited a Sai temple. While offering prayers, a very clear thought came to my mind that I should finally create this bhajan. The feeling was so strong that the moment I returned home, I began composing.
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: The title itself is deeply evocative. What does ‘Sai Naam Sancha’ mean to you personally?
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: You have composed countless romantic songs, soulful melodies and film scores. Did approaching a devotional composition require a different emotional mindset?
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: One of the most remarkable aspects of ‘Sai Naam Sancha’ is the ensemble of singers. What inspired you to bring together such diverse voices?
Lalit Pandit: That decision came very naturally.
I wanted people from every generation to feel connected with this bhajan. The legendary singers bring experience,
emotion and familiarity. At the same time, I wanted younger singers to receive an opportunity and perhaps even Sai Baba’s blessings as they begin their own journeys.
Fortunately, every artiste I approached agreed immediately. That affection and respect means a great deal to me.
The bhajan features wonderful voices such as Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Shaan, Javed Ali, Bela Shende, Akasa Singh, Saanjali Khadikar, Sarika Kansara and Swar Sharma. Bringing all of them together created exactly the musical harmony I had imagined.
“These relationships have been built over decades.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: You have shared long musical associations with many of these singers. How was the experience of working with them once again?
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.
Hariharan has always brought extraordinary emotional depth to every composition he sings. Javed Ali also has a very special place in my heart because I knew him during his early years and had the privilege of working with him in his career.
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: You have also lent your voice to the bhajan. Was that a conscious decision from the very beginning?
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.
We come from a musical family, so singing has always been natural for us. Composing is actually the more challenging process because you are creating something from nothing. Singing comes later.
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: Over the years you have worked with legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. Today you are also working with younger voices. How has that experience been?
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.
“Lataji taught us that true greatness always carries humility.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: You shared a very special musical relationship with Lata Mangeshkar ji and Asha Bhosle ji. What remains your greatest learning from these extraordinary artistes?
Lalit Pandit: Their humility.
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: This bhajan beautifully brings together legendary voices and emerging artistes such as Swar Sharma and Saanjali Khadikar. Saanjali belongs to the Mangeshkar family while Swar represents another distinguished musical lineage. Having worked extensively with legends like Lata Mangeshkar ji and Asha Bhosle ji, what does it mean to you to now collaborate with the third generation of these musical families?
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.
Saanjali is very special to our family. Our association with the Mangeshkar family goes back many years, even to my father’s time.
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.”
Rhythm Wagholikar: Your sons Rohan and Abir have now entered mainstream cinema as composers. Does that make you look at today’s generation differently?
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?
Lalit Pandit: Interestingly, the composition had been completed almost a month earlier. A very close friend of mine and a devoted follower of Sai Baba, Mr. Parigi, suggested that I should wait and release it on Guru Purnima. The moment he said it, I realised he was absolutely right.
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