Music and Youth
“Imagination is infinite in an independent album:” Sohail Sen
Mumbai: After setting Bollywood charts ablaze with his blockbuster hits, renowned music composer and singer Sohail Sen has ventured into new territory with his debut independent album, ‘SÆN V’, which he recently launched in collaboration with Artiste First.
This album marks a significant milestone in Sen’s career, offering a deeply personal and diverse musical experience. ‘SÆN V’ features seven unique tracks that reflect various facets of Sen’s artistic evolution, from the soulful ‘Saiyaan’ to the introspective ‘Bullehshah’. The album also features ‘Allah Tera Khel,’ ‘Galli Galli,’ ‘Kinara,’ ‘Emotional Fool,’ and a piano version of ‘Saiyaan,’ each showcasing his versatility and deep-rooted connection to his musical heritage.
His most recent “Haan Ke Haan” from Maharaj has added another feather to his cap. He is a fourth-generation musician from the illustrious Sen family, whose legacy spans over 500 years.
Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with Sohail Sen to talk more about his debut independent album ‘SÆN V’, upcoming projects and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On the inspiration behind the title ‘SÆN V’ for your debut independent album
My title is Sen and I was looking for a unique word, thanks to Rohit Sobit ji’s son for coming up with the name, so basically SÆN 5 is a combination of personal significance, artistic vision, and conceptual storytelling. My family has contributed to music for four to five generations and therefore the title justifies all this.
On the difference between creating and releasing your independent album ‘SÆN V’ and composing music for Bollywood, both in terms of musical style and the overall experience
That is an excellent question. Bollywood songs focus more on the storyline and scene. So a boundary is set within which I have to compose whereas in my independent album creativity is unlimited. Therefore I made songs from deep within my heart that pleased my soul. Imagination is infinite in an independent album.
On the track closest to your heart and a personal story behind a song from the album
O Saiyaan is the closest to my heart as I believe in spreading love everywhere.
O Saiyaan is a song that was made with a heart full of love. There are so many people in the world who keep love at their epitome but are scared of commitments, so it’s a reality check for everyone who can’t commit to a relationship, and through O Saiyaan we want them to be fearless in love
On the challenges you faced while creating music independently for the first time
To be honest, there were none. I was fortunate enough to have a company like Artiste First to give me all the right tools to overcome all challenges.
On your musical upbringing influencing the sound and themes of ‘SÆN V’
SAEN V has many flavors romance, crush, spirituality, etc. All I have learned from my teachers, family, and Bollywood has been embedded into it. I think like a common man while making music and want a common man to understand and hum along with it.
On the message that you hope listeners take away from ‘SÆN V’
Follow your passion. Dream big and realise them. Be undefeatable and conquer all challenges. As they say “Where there is a will there is a way”, the will to succeed has to be so enormous that automatically after a while things fall in place. Success may be delayed but not denied provided there is persistence and smart work.
On upcoming projects
I have just released my first independent album SÆN 5 and have already started brainstorming for my next album. For films, there are three projects lined up to release by the end of this year.
On balancing commercial success with artistic freedom
By almighty’s grace, I am blessed and do not need to struggle for little things. I am thankful for all this. Since I love music, I aim to give my best and leave the rest. Anything that is beautiful attracts everyone. Commercial success follows artistic freedom. Therefore I aim to make the best composition which I can as per my ability or capability. I don’t think anything more than that.
On the evolving independent music scene in India
Due to social media literacy spreading all over India be it rural or urban independent music is also getting a lot of impetus. Everyone is familiar with the internet and the various platforms available be it Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Twitter to name a few. The success lies in Staying Authentic, understanding & binding with the audience, blending innovative & familiar elements, selective compromise, releasing multiple types of content, Maintaining a clear artistic vision, and engaging in strategic Marketing. Everything that comes from one heart touches the other heart. feelings are what everyone understands and hold onto. So I see independent music rise and touch the sky in the course of time.
MUMBAI: Mumbai is about to witness something it has never seen before. The Global Youth Festival arrives on 6-7 December at Jio World Garden with 15,000 attendees and 60-plus experiences sprawled across six sprawling arenas. On its sixth edition, this is no ordinary jamboree—it is a carefully orchestrated collision of wellness, adventure, arts, music, yoga and social change.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis will throw open the proceedings with a landmark ceremony, signalling the state’s backing for a movement that has already mobilised youth across 20-plus countries and 170-plus cities. The sheer scale is staggering: 500-plus volunteers powering the machine, 600,000-plus volunteer hours logged across previous editions, and millions of lives touched annually.
The speaker roster is formidable. Diipa Büller-Khosla and Dipali Goenka, chief executive of Welspun India, will share the stage with Malaika Arora in conversations spanning leadership, creativity and culture. Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Mansukhbhai Mandaviya will also attend, reinforcing GYF’s reach into the corridors of power.
But this is not mere talk. The Solaris Mainstage promises concerts from renowned Indian artists. Innerverse delivers a 360-degree LED spectacle of art, technology and sound. The Love and Care Arena houses hands-on projects spanning women’s empowerment, child education, rural upliftment and animal welfare. India’s largest outdoor sound-healing experience awaits. An inflatable obstacle course, neon drifter karts and open-sky bouldering cater to thrill-seekers.
Some have branded GYF the “Coachella of Consciousness.” Others call it “India’s Largest Sober Festival.” Spiritual visionary Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, who inspired the festival, will deliver the Wisdom Masterclass. Every rupee goes to charity.
After Mumbai comes Kolkata on 14 December. New York looms next year. For one weekend in December, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of youth-driven change—and nothing will be quite the same after.
Tickets available on BookMyShow. Visit youthfestival.srmd.org or follow @globalyouthfestival on Instagram.
