The year 2025 was a period of immense productivity and significant professional decisions for renowned music composer Salim Merchant. In an exclusive conversation, the artist opened up about the challenges and triumphs that defined his year alongside his brother Sulaiman.
The Difficult Choice: Saying No to a Major Bollywood Film
One of the most defining moments for Salim Merchant in 2025 was the difficult decision to decline a big Bollywood film project. The offer came with an extremely tight deadline that the celebrated composer duo, Salim-Sulaiman, simply could not accommodate.
"This year, there was something I had to say no to, and that was very tough," Salim confessed. He explained that while the film was a significant opportunity, the timeline was unrealistic given their existing commitments. "I was already stretched with albums, individual songs, and Salim–Sulaiman Live. While it was difficult, it was a necessary call," he stated, emphasizing the importance of not compromising on their work ethic.
A Prolific Output: 103 Songs and a Focus on Quality
Turning down that project, however, paved the way for what became one of their most productive phases. The duo channeled their energy into creating a staggering 103 songs throughout the year. Salim highlighted that the real challenge was not the quantity but maintaining a high artistic standard across all releases.
They worked across diverse genres including pop, devotional, ghazal, and regional folk music. "The pressure was to ensure that every release met a certain musical and artistic standard. We didn't want to compromise simply to say we worked across multiple genres," Salim emphasized, underlining their commitment to quality over mere volume.
Bhoomi Season 6: A Celebration of India's Cultural Diversity
A major highlight of 2025 was the launch of the sixth season of their ambitious album project, Bhoomi. This series is dedicated to showcasing the vast cultural diversity of India, and the latest season was designed to stand out in scale and artistry.
The project brought together a stellar lineup of vocalists, blending established legends with fresh talent. The roster featured icons like Arijit Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, and Shreya Ghoshal, alongside contemporary voices such as Burrah, OAFF, and Prithvi Gandharva.
Managing this colossal project was a logistical feat. "Coordinating so many artistes, recording songs, shooting music videos and shaping a live experience was challenging. I was constantly moving between concerts, studio sessions and shoots," Salim recounted, describing the hectic yet rewarding process.
Looking Ahead: A Southern Sojourn and Continued Live Shows
As the duo looks forward to 2026, their sights are set on expanding their creative footprint in the Southern film industries. Salim revealed their plans to focus on projects in Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu languages.
This expansion will run parallel to their ongoing commitments, including their popular live concert tours and regular music releases. The strategy marks a deliberate move to deepen their connection with pan-Indian audiences while continuing to deliver the energetic performances they are known for.
Reflecting on the year, Salim Merchant's journey through 2025 stands as a testament to strategic choices in a demanding industry. By prioritizing meaningful projects and artistic integrity, the composer duo managed to turn a difficult refusal into a catalyst for one of their most successful and creatively satisfying years.
