Kailash Kher on the Rise of Independent and Folk Music in India

Kailash Kher is shining a bright spotlight on a wave transforming Indian music: independent and folk voices stepping into the mainstream. He views music not as Bollywood alone but as a vast ecosystem enriched by diverse regional sounds.

Kher says non-film and independent music has seen dramatic growth in recent years. Thanks to platforms that highlight original voices, artists outside typical commercial channels are gaining recognition and listeners. He believes this movement is expanding the musical palate of the nation.

Folk musicians like the Manganiyars of Rajasthan and members of wandering Ghumantu tribes have traditionally performed at local events. Now, they’re appearing on national stages, collaborating with modern musicians, and reaching audiences far beyond their villages. Kher hails this as welcome change, with art rooted in heritage but growing toward global appreciation.

He calls this shift a deeper reflection of India’s cultural richness. He wants listeners to embrace “the art of true living.” In his view, art is education and evolution, an antidote to divisive ideas. He urges us to reconnect with our own traditions and ask what makes Indian culture unique.

To further these ideals, Kher established KKALA, the Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Art. Unlike traditional music schools focused on technique or performance, KKALA emphasizes cultural awareness, emotional listening, and personal growth. The academy mentors students in finding their core voice, whether in singing, storytelling, or performance quality.

At KKALA, a music student might discover skills beyond hitting the right notes: camera presence, writing talent, or even production potential. Through one-on-one mentoring and workshops, emerging artists learn to develop their identity and outlook as creative individuals.

Kher points out that in many Western countries, celebrities and families attend concerts to show support and appreciation. That communal backing is rare in India today. KKALA aims to shift attitudes by combining high-quality training with cultural immersion, encouraging more people to attend events and support artists in public spaces.

He says it’s not just about recognizing celebrity artists. It’s about valuing the entire creative ecosystem. When folk voices are heard alongside pop stars, the cultural landscape evolves.

With KKALA’s launch and Kher’s message reaching national media, independent folk music isn’t a niche. It is becoming foundational. Manganiyars and Ghumantu artists now share stages with mainstream stars, and young musicians are finding spaces to grow authentically.

Kailash Kher’s vision matters because it’s more than nostalgia. It is a forward-facing invitation: hear the old, embrace the new, and let every corner of India’s musical heritage unfold. As independent and folk music gain momentum, thanks to pioneers like him, we are entering a richer, more inclusive chapter in the nation’s musical journey.