As social media continues producing overnight music sensations, conversations around live performance quality have become increasingly common. Many artists gain massive online popularity before ever developing the experience required to command a stage — something even established musicians like Vishal Dadlani have publicly criticised. When asked about the growing gap between online virality and live performance, the members of SANAM offered a surprisingly balanced perspective.
Sanam Puri on Individual Journeys
Lead vocalist Sanam Puri refused to dismiss newer artists outright. “Everyone has their own journey,” he said. “There’s no need to criticise. If someone is happy and their music connects with people, that’s what matters.”
Keshav Dhanraj on Connection vs Technical Skill
Drummer Keshav Dhanraj echoed that sentiment, arguing that technical perfection is not the only valid measure of artistry. “There’s a difference between technical skill and connection,” he explained. “Someone may not be the greatest singer, but if they’ve written and composed something that resonates, that’s still valid art.”
Venky on Live Performance Demands
At the same time, bassist Venky acknowledged that live performance demands a completely separate skill set. “Live performance is a different skill altogether,” he said. “Especially in a country like ours where there’s such a strong classical music foundation. Audiences expect a certain standard.” According to him, once audiences begin paying for concerts, expectations naturally become higher. “If they’re paying for a show, they expect quality. It’s the artist’s responsibility to rise to that.”
Criticism Often Comes from Outside the Fanbase
Keshav also pointed out an interesting contradiction within these debates — the harshest criticism often comes not from concertgoers themselves, but from observers outside the fanbase. “The live performance audiences are not the ones criticising,” he said. “They’re paying money to watch an artist they genuinely want to experience.”
Changing Definition of Musicianship
The conversation ultimately highlighted the changing definition of musicianship in the digital era. While older frameworks often prioritised technical mastery, newer audiences frequently connect more deeply with honesty, relatability, and emotional storytelling. For SANAM, both aspects matter. Connection may bring listeners in, but performance is what sustains them.
About the Author: Toshiro Agarwal is a journalist with Pune Times and writes entertainment and lifestyle features, news and interviews.
