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Entertainment
ET Opinion: India needs songs that put its cities on the global map
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 09 Nov 2026, 11:03 AM
👁 16
The Economic Times argues that India requires a new wave of music that highlights its cities, drawing parallels to past hits like 'Dilli Calling'.
The Economic Times has published an opinion piece highlighting the cultural gap in Indian music regarding urban representation. The article argues that while India has produced iconic tracks like 'Dilli Calling' and 'Gurgaon on My Mind', there is a need for a broader movement that places the country's diverse cities on the global map through song.
The publication suggests that music serves as a powerful soft power tool, capable of shaping international perceptions of Indian cities. By referencing specific past examples, the piece emphasizes how certain tracks successfully branded specific locations, creating a lasting cultural identity for those places.
The core argument is that India needs more such creative efforts to showcase its metropolitan hubs and emerging urban centers. This approach is seen as a way to boost cultural visibility and pride, moving beyond generic national anthems to celebrate the unique character of individual cities.
This perspective aligns with a growing trend in media and entertainment where local identity is increasingly valued. The Economic Times urges artists and producers to tap into this potential, ensuring that the next generation of hits reflects the geographical and cultural richness of India's urban landscape.
The publication suggests that music serves as a powerful soft power tool, capable of shaping international perceptions of Indian cities. By referencing specific past examples, the piece emphasizes how certain tracks successfully branded specific locations, creating a lasting cultural identity for those places.
The core argument is that India needs more such creative efforts to showcase its metropolitan hubs and emerging urban centers. This approach is seen as a way to boost cultural visibility and pride, moving beyond generic national anthems to celebrate the unique character of individual cities.
This perspective aligns with a growing trend in media and entertainment where local identity is increasingly valued. The Economic Times urges artists and producers to tap into this potential, ensuring that the next generation of hits reflects the geographical and cultural richness of India's urban landscape.