For more than forty years, Anup Jalotta He remains one of the most celebrated voices in Indian spiritual music, earning the title ‘Bhajan Samrat’ while touching millions with his soulful playing. Now, on July 5, the legendary singer is preparing for one of the biggest spiritual gatherings of his career when he will lead over 2,70,000 people in the collective chant of Hanuman Chalisa at Chinmaya Mission South Africa’s historic Man to Hanuman celebration in Durban, commemorating the founding of the Chinmaya Movement under the guidance of Swami Abhedananda. 75th anniversary. Joining him on stage was his student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai, making the occasion even more special for the veteran artiste.In an exclusive chat with ETimes, Anup Jalota opens up about the spiritual significance of the event, why he never followed the Salman-esque star mold, the pressure of overnight fame, AR Rahman’s comments on the communal undercurrents in the film industry, and what keeps him grounded after decades in music. Meanwhile, Anuja Sahai shares what she learned from her mentor beyond music and why performing with him in front of thousands of devotees was the greatest blessing of her life.
You have performed Hanuman Chalisa countless times around the world, but leading 270,000 collective chants in Durban was unprecedented. Beyond the numbers, what do you hope believers and attendees experience spiritually and emotionally through this gathering?
Anup Jalotta: These numbers are undoubtedly historic, but to me they are just a reflection of the dedication that brings people together. The gathering, organized by the Chinmaya Mission of South Africa under the guidance and vision of Swami Abhedananda, as part of global celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya movement, aimed to do more than just set a record. It celebrates the legacy of spiritual awakening, selfless service and unity that has inspired millions around the world. I deeply admire Swami Abhedanandaji’s vision to bring the Hindu community together across languages, regions and backgrounds through the eternal power of Hanuman Chalisa.I am particularly pleased that my student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai, will join me in leading devotional singing at this historic gathering. Watching her grow as an artist is extremely satisfying and I am proud to see her promote the values of dedication, discipline and authenticity through her music. It is always a deep satisfaction for a guru to share the stage with his students at such an important spiritual celebration.With over 10,000 devotees coming together for one of the largest Hanuman Chalisa congregational gatherings in the world, singing 270,000 hymns with one voice, I hope every participant experiences inner peace, new faith and the power that comes from collective prayer. When thousands of people pray with one pure intention, this collective spiritual energy has the power to uplift not just individuals, but entire communities.
Today, many young people are looking for meaning, connection, and inner peace. What message do you want to send to the younger generation about spirituality and community involvement through an initiative like this?
Anup Jalotta: Spirituality is not about age; it is about awareness. Today’s young people are talented and ambitious, but they also live under tremendous pressure. Music, prayer, and community have the power to provide balance and clarity. I encourage young people to participate, not because someone tells them to, but because they experience the joy of participating in something that uplifts everyone. Service, devotion, and unity make us stronger humans, and gatherings like this are proof that Sanatana Dharma continues to unite generations across the world.
Your music has brought peace and comfort to millions of listeners. But every artist goes through stages of self-doubt, disappointment, and loneliness. Tell us about one of your toughest moments that gave you strength.
Anup Jalotta: Every artist goes through moments when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes opportunities are uncertain and the future seems unclear. During these stages I always turn to music and devotion. Singing became my source of meditation and strength. Faith teaches you patience, and patience will eventually reward you. Those tough moments made me grateful for every blessing that followed.
Audiences often expect spiritual musicians to live almost saintly lives. Have you ever felt weighed down by expectations that may be unfair because artists are human beings too?
Anup Jalotta: People naturally associate devotional music with certain values, and I respect that. But artists are also human beings with emotions, struggles, and flaws. It’s important to be sincere about your intentions and your work. I never try to appear perfect; I just try to be honest with my music and my dedication.
You have the opportunity to observe Anup Jalota ji not only as a performer but also as a person and mentor. What did you learn from him about leadership, humility, and the power of using music to bring people together?
Anuja Sahai: As a student of Anup Ji, a singer and an actor, I consider it one of the greatest blessings of my life to learn from a man who inspired generations through his music and devotion. Now I have the privilege of performing under the direction of Swami Abhedananda at the Chinmaya Mission in South Africa at his historic Man to Hanuman celebration in Durban to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya movement.As his student, I know that true leadership is rooted in humility, kindness, and service. Despite his legendary status, he treated everyone with warmth and respect and quietly led by example. He showed me that music is so much more than entertainment—it is a powerful medium that can heal, inspire, and unite people across languages, cultures, and generations.It was both an honor and a responsibility to sing with my guru in front of thousands of devotees at such a spiritually significant gathering. It reminds us that devotion expressed through music has the power to transcend boundaries and touch every heart.
As someone who has worked closely with Anup Jalota, what is the quality that most impresses you about him, aside from his public persona that people see on stage?
Anuja Sahai: There is no doubt that this is his humility. Although he is one of India’s most respected and famous music legends, he has never brought that status into the room. He listened, encouraged, appreciated and made 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 without making you feel intimidated. This is a rare quality.The world knows him as Bhajan Samrat, but those of us who know him know that he is a very compassionate, down-to-earth and selfless man. As we prepare to share the stage in front of thousands of devotees in Durban, I am not only grateful to have performed with him, but also to continue to learn from him. To me, this is the greatest blessing.
You’ve seen the change in India – from radio to cassettes, CDs, TV, YouTube and now social media. Which era do you think values music the most, and which era values fame the most?
Anup Jalotta: Each era has contributed to music in its own way. Earlier, music spread slowly but stayed with people for decades because listeners invested time to truly appreciate it. It’s great that technology makes music accessible to everyone these days, but visibility often comes faster than artistic maturity. I believe lasting success still belongs to those who keep learning and evolving, no matter the platform.
When you meet young singers today, are you more worried about their lack of patience, the pressure to become famous overnight, or the worry that they might not have enough time to grow as artists?
Anup Jalotta: The biggest challenge today is the rush. Talent requires time, discipline and consistent riyaaz. Social media can make someone popular overnight, but popularity and longevity are two very different things. I always tell young singers that if they focus on being a better artist instead of being famous, success will follow. Music is a lifelong journey, not a competition.
Recently, AR Rahman’s remarks about possible “public” undercurrents in the film industry sparked a major debate. Do you believe what he said? Have you experienced such an environment in your decades-long career?
Anup Jalotta: I have always believed that music belongs to everyone, transcending religion, caste and other identities. Throughout my career I have worked with musicians, composers and artists from diverse backgrounds and I have always been treated with warmth and respect. Everyone has their own experience and I respect the experience shared by AR Rahman ji. For me personally, however, my journey has reinforced my belief that music has the unique ability to unite people when so many other things separate people.
Is there ever a performance that went completely wrong but turned out to be a funny memory?
Anup Jalotta: Live performances are always unpredictable. Sometimes there are technical glitches, forgotten prompts, or unexpected interruptions. It felt very stressful at the time, but later it turned into a story that made everyone smile. I learned that audiences don’t remember perfection as strongly as they remember honesty. If you stay calm, smile, and keep singing, even an unexpected moment can become one of the most memorable parts of your performance.
When you were a child, did you ever think that one day people would call you “Bhajan Samrat”? Were your parents strict about studies, or did they encourage music from the beginning?
Anup Jalotta: no way. I just want to study music sincerely and keep improving myself every day. I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where music was very respected and encouraged. My parents valued education, but they also recognized my passion and gave me the freedom to pursue it. Everything I have accomplished is because of the blessings of my parents, my guru, my listeners, and most importantly, the grace of God.
If someone who had never heard your music asked you, “Who is Anup Jalota besides the headliners and the title of Bhajan Samrat?”, what would you want your answer to be?
Anup Jalotta: I just want to say that I am a music student and am blessed to have the opportunity to spread devotion, hope and positivity through my singing. Awards and titles are deeply humbling, but they are not who I am. My greatest joy comes from knowing that my music has brought peace or strength to someone’s heart during a difficult time. Whether I’m singing in front of a handful of people or leading thousands of devotees at the Chinmaya Mission South Africa’s historic “People and Hanuman” celebration in Durban, my purpose remains the same – to connect people through faith, music and themselves. If people remember me as a sincere musician, a humble person, and someone whose music touched their souls, I could ask for nothing more.
