For more than four decades, Anup Jalota Remains one of India’s most celebrated voices in devotional music, earning the title ‘Bhajan Samrat’ and touching millions with his soulful renditions. Now, on July 5, the legendary singer is gearing up for one of the biggest spiritual gatherings of his career as he leads over 2,70,000 collective chants of the Hanuman Chalisa in Durban at Chinmoy Mission South Africa’s historic Man to Hanuman celebration, marking 75 years of Swamidan Swamidan’s tenure. He will be joined on stage by his student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai, making the event even more special for the veteran artiste.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Anup Jalota opens up about the spiritual significance of the event, why he never followed the stardom formula like Salman, the pressure of instant fame, AR Rahman’s comments on communal undercurrents in the film industry and what kept him grounded over decades in music. Anuja Sahai, meanwhile, shares what she learned from her guru beyond music and why performing with him in front of thousands of fans is the biggest blessing of her life.
You have chanted the Hanuman Chalisa countless times around the world, but leading 2,70,000 collective chants in Durban is unprecedented. Beyond the numbers, what do you hope fans and participants will experience spiritually and emotionally through this gathering?
Anup Jalota: The numbers are historical of course, but to me they reflect the devotion that brought people together. Organized by the Chinmoy Mission South Africa under the guidance and vision of Swami Avedananda as part of the global celebration of 75 years of the Chinmoy movement, the gathering was more than a record-setting event. It is about celebrating the legacy of spiritual awakening, selfless service and unity that has inspired millions around the world. I deeply admire Swami Avedanandaji’s vision of uniting the Hindu community across languages, regions and backgrounds through the timeless power of the Hanuman Chalisa.I am especially delighted that my student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai will join me in leading the devotional song at this historic gathering. Watching him evolve as an artiste is very gratifying and I am proud to see him carry forward the values ​​of devotion, discipline and sincerity through music. Sharing the stage with a student in such a significant spiritual celebration is always a deeply fulfilling experience for a Guru.With over 10,000 devotees coming together for one of the world’s largest collective Hanuman Chalisa gatherings, chanting 2,70,000 mantras in unison, it is my hope that every participant will experience inner peace, renewed faith and the strength that comes from collective prayer. When thousands of people pray with a pure purpose, that collective spiritual energy has the power to uplift not just individuals but entire communities.
Many young people today are searching for meaning, connection and inner peace. What message do you want to convey to the younger generation about spirituality and community participation through such an initiative?
Anup Jalota: Spirituality is not about age; It’s about awareness. Today’s youth are talented and ambitious, but they also live under tremendous pressure. Music, prayer and community have the power to bring balance and clarity. I would encourage young people to participate not because someone told them to, but because they feel the joy of being a part of something that uplifts everyone. Service, devotion and unity make us strong people and gatherings like this prove that Sanatan Dharma continues to unite generations across the globe.
Your music has brought peace and comfort to millions of listeners. But every artist goes through phases of self-doubt, depression and loneliness. Tell about one of your toughest moments that gave you strength.
Anup Jalota: Every artist experiences moments when things don’t go as planned. There have been times when opportunities were uncertain and the future seemed unclear. During such phases, I always turn to music and devotion. Singing became my source of meditation and energy. Faith teaches you patience, and patience eventually rewards you. Those difficult moments made me appreciate every blessing that came later.
Audiences often expect spiritual musicians to lead almost saintly lives. Have you ever felt burdened by expectations that were perhaps unfair because at the end of the day, artists are people too?
Anup Jalota: People naturally associate devotional music with certain values ​​and I respect that. But artists are human beings with emotions, struggles and imperfections. The important thing is to be sincere about your purpose and your work. I never tried to project perfection; I just tried to be honest in my music and my devotion.
You get to see Anup Jalota ji not only as a performer but also as a person and a mentor. What have you learned from him about leadership, humility and using music as a force to bring people together?
Anuja Sahai: As a student of Anup Ji, and as a singer and actor, I consider it the greatest blessing of my life to learn from someone who has inspired generations through his music and devotion. I have now had the privilege of performing with him at Chinmoy Mission South Africa’s historic Man to Hanuman celebration in Durban under the direction of Swami Avedananda to mark 75 years of the Chinmoy movement.Being his student taught me that true leadership is rooted in humility, kindness and service. Despite his legendary stature, he treats everyone with warmth and respect, and he quietly leads by example. He showed me that music is more than entertainment – it is a powerful medium to heal, inspire and unite people across languages, cultures and generations.It is both an honor and a responsibility to sing with my Guru in front of thousands of devotees at such a spiritually important gathering. It is a reminder that devotion expressed through music has the power to cross borders and touch every heart.
As someone who has worked closely with Anoop Jalota, what is one quality about him that has impressed you the most beyond his public image on stage?
Anuja Sahai: No doubt it is his humility. Despite being one of India’s most respected and celebrated music legends, he never took that status to a room. He listens, encourages, appreciates and makes everyone around him feel valued.As his student, I experienced not only his musical talent but also his generosity as a mentor. He is always willing to guide, encourage and inspire you without feeling intimidated. This is a rare quality.The world knows him as Bhajan Samrat, but those of us who know him personally know him as an incredibly compassionate, grounded and selfless man. As we prepare to share the stage in Durban in front of thousands of fans, I feel grateful to not only perform with him, but also to learn from him. This is the biggest blessing for me.
You’ve seen India change—from radio to cassettes, CDs, television, YouTube and now social media. What era of music do you value the most and which era values ​​visibility the most?
Anup Jalota: Each era has contributed to music in its own way. Earlier, music traveled slowly but stayed with people for decades because listeners took the time to truly appreciate it. Today, technology has made music accessible to everyone, which is great, but visibility often comes faster than artistic maturity. I believe lasting success still belongs to those who continue to learn and develop regardless of platform.
When you meet young singers today, what worries you more – their lack of patience, the pressure of instant fame, or that they may not have had enough time to grow as artists?
Anup Jalota: The biggest challenge today is the desire for instant success. Talent requires time, discipline and consistent practice. Social media can make someone popular overnight, but popularity and longevity are two different things. I always tell young singers that if they focus on becoming a better artist instead of being famous, success will naturally follow. Music is a lifelong journey, not a race.
Recently, AR Rahman’s comments about a possible ‘communal’ undercurrent in the film industry sparked a major debate. Do you believe what he says and have you experienced such an environment in your career over the decades?
Anup Jalota: I have always believed that music is for everyone and transcends religion, caste and all other identities. Throughout my career, I have worked with musicians, composers and artists of many different backgrounds and have always been treated with warmth and respect. Every person has their own experience, and I respect what AR Rahman Ji has shared. Personally, however, my journey has strengthened my belief that music has the unique ability to unite people where so many other things divide them.
Ever had a performance that went completely wrong but later turned into a fun memory?
Anup Jalota: Live performance is always unpredictable. Sometimes there are technical glitches, forgotten signals or unexpected interruptions. At the time, they feel stressed but later they turn into stories that make everyone laugh. I’ve learned that audiences don’t care about perfection as much as they care about honesty. If you keep calm, smile and sing, even an unexpected moment can become the most memorable part of a performance.
As a child, did you ever think that one day people will call you ‘Bhajan Samrat’? Were your parents strict about studies, or did they encourage music early on?
Anup Jalota: Never. I just wanted to learn music sincerely and improve myself every day. I was fortunate to grow up in a family where music was deeply respected and encouraged. My parents valued education, but they recognized my passion and gave me the freedom to pursue it. Everything I have achieved is due to the blessings of my parents, my guru, my listeners and above all by the grace of God.
If someone who hasn’t heard your music asks you, ‘Who is Anup Jalota outside the title Shironam and Bhajan Samrat?’ , what do you want your answer to be?
Anup Jalota: I will simply say that I am a student of music who is blessed to have the opportunity to spread devotion, hope and positivity through my music. Awards and titles are deeply humbling, but they are not my identity. My greatest joy comes from knowing that my music has brought peace to someone’s heart or strength in a difficult moment. Whether I’m singing in front of a handful of people or leading thousands of devotees at Chinmaya Mission South Africa’s historic Man to Hanuman celebration in Durban, my purpose remains the same—to connect people with faith, music and self. If people find me to be a sincere musician, a humble person and whose music touches their soul, I could not ask for anything more.
