Voice of India Debojit Saha writes about the rules of survival in Mumbai’s highly-competitive music world...

When I came to Mumbai to be part of the Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contest, I thought winning it would mean the end of my struggle. After winning the contest, I realised that the real struggle had just begun, for the Mumbai music industry is the last place in the world to welcome you with open arms. Survival of the fittest, as Darwin had theorised, is the unwritten law that rules this industry.

And harbour no doubts, when I say “survival”, I don’t mean a “flourishing” career, I mean just a toehold.

I am still fairly new to this industry. But I have managed to gather enough information to understand how it operates.

Like any other organised sector, the industry, too, has its own set of rules.

Competition defines this place. Fierce, ruthless competition. In fact, so fierce is the rat race that it is now beginning to tell on the artistes’ work.

When I talk about competition in the industry, I take into consideration both the newcomers, established and veteran artistes.

Apart from oodles of talent, one needs to be blessed with pots of luck to survive the acid test and make it big in the industry.

And like any other family, the music industry, too, is big and beautiful. But then again, like any other family, this industry is not free of faults and fallacies.

I am not saying this to court any controversy. That is the reality.

The industry is divided into groups and each group has its own set of artistes — from the music director and singer to the arranger and lyricist.

Favouritism rules the industry, but that does not mean one can make it big without any talent.

It is, of course, always good to have a godfather. Otherwise, the way to the top is a rather steep one.

My advice to anybody who wants to be part of this industry is — first, make Mumbai your home.

And then begin the journey for a chance to prove your mettle. Once that is done, hectic lobbying is needed and the struggle never ends. Perhaps, this competition is also good in a way. Since only the best survive, the work done is also of the best quality.

I feel proud to be a part of the competition and I firmly believe in one mantra, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (the winner is the king).

My struggle for the crown continues…