Music composer Robby Badal attended the teaser launch of Shri Ramcharitmanas in Mumbai, where he spoke about devotion, the changing landscape of music and cinema, and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence. Presented by Royant Music, the devotional musical project features singer Madhushree and draws inspiration from the timeless epic composed by Goswami Tulsidas. During the interaction, Badal was asked whether the buzz surrounding Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming Ramayana could benefit his own project or create competition for it. He also shared his concerns about the unchecked use of AI, particularly when technology begins influencing creative expression and the way younger generations experience the world. His responses reflected a perspective rooted in devotion, artistic purpose and the need to approach new technology responsibly.
When asked whether the anticipation surrounding Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana could boost interest in Shri Ramcharitmanas, and whether audiences might choose the film over his devotional album, Badal made it clear that financial gain was never his primary motivation. He said, “Sir, when I started working on the Ramcharitmanas, I didn't do it with the intention of making a fortune. It is true that Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana—regardless of how well it performs or how widely it spreads—will generate immense global publicity, and I believe our Ramcharitmanas will benefit from that.” Rather than viewing the two projects as rivals, Badal sees the attention surrounding a major cinematic adaptation of the epic as an opportunity to introduce more people to the spiritual and cultural world of Lord Shri Ram. While a film and a devotional musical presentation offer different ways of engaging with the Ramayana, both can bring audiences closer to its enduring stories and teachings.
The conversation then moved to Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creative industries. The interviewer raised the concern that cinema and music could risk losing their human touch as AI-generated visuals, voices and other digital tools become increasingly accessible. Asked how he views this technological shift and what the future might hold, Badal expressed concern about the speed at which AI is developing and the absence of clear boundaries in its use. He said, “What will happen in the future? Well, AI will certainly bring a kind of trouble into our lives. I believe there is no end to it. AI is very easy to explore; you can access it simply by picking up a phone. And if we don't keep it under control, we will lose our way. There is no end to it. All I am saying is that every family should properly guide their children on how to use AI—how to utilize it correctly. Having guidelines for it is absolutely essential. Otherwise—well, we used to grow up gradually; everything happened in its own time. Doing certain things before the right time isn't appropriate. With AI, however, we end up doing things that are beyond imagination. So, where do we go from here? Where does it all end? There is no end to it, which is why we need to think carefully about the perspective and approach we take. That is essential.”
Badal's remarks highlight a concern that extends beyond filmmaking or music: how society can embrace technological progress without losing sight of responsibility. AI tools can make it easier to create visuals, experiment with sound and explore ideas that might once have required extensive resources. At the same time, their accessibility raises questions about how children learn to use technology, how audiences distinguish human performances from synthetic creations, and how creative work can retain its authenticity. Badal's emphasis on families guiding children reflects his belief that technological access should come with an understanding of its consequences. His comments do not suggest that technology can offer nothing positive; rather, they underline the importance of having a thoughtful approach to a tool whose possibilities continue to expand.
At the centre of Shri Ramcharitmanas is a different kind of creative intention: to bring the teachings and spiritual significance of Lord Shri Ram to audiences through music. Inspired by the sacred epic of Goswami Tulsidas, the project celebrates ideals associated with Shri Ram, including righteousness, compassion, courage, devotion and dharma. The Ramayana's stories have travelled across generations through literature, music, theatre, television and cinema, with each medium offering its own interpretation and emotional connection. A devotional musical presentation provides another avenue for audiences to revisit these teachings, allowing the words, melodies and imagery to become part of a personal spiritual experience.
Featuring Madhushree's vocals, music composed by Robby Badal and presentation by Royant Music, Shri Ramcharitmanas aims to offer listeners a devotional journey into the world of Lord Shri Ram. The teaser launch also brought together two timely conversations: the renewed public interest in the Ramayana through large-scale cinematic projects and the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology. Badal's response to the Ramayana question was one of openness to a wider audience discovering the epic, while his comments on AI stressed the importance of restraint and responsible use. Ultimately, his message is that technology and publicity may expand the reach of creative work, but the values, intentions and human understanding behind it remain essential.
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