Interview with S. J. Jananiy
- Aug 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Visionary film composer, music producer, arranger, and polygenre artist S. J. Jananiy proudly announces the release of “Dil Ki Gehraai (Never Give Up),” a stirring and motivational anthem that celebrates resilience, self-confidence, and the power of mind over matter. Rooted in the Indian classical raga Simhendramadyamam, the track bridges Indian Classical, Western Classical, Hip-Hop, Rap, Rock, Funk, and World Music, featuring 25 international artists across five nations. With global recognition, including being part of a GRAMMY®-nominated album, numerous awards, and a commitment to using music for social impact, Jananiy continues to inspire listeners worldwide.
Was there something or someone who was the "catalyst" for you to go into music? My Uncle R. Sankerganesh, now he is my music assistant & my manager!
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened in your music career? Many to say, to mention one such moment, in 2011, one fine day, I received an email invitation to perform a Jugalbandhi concert (duet concert) with legend Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Alhambra Concert Hall in Paris, France. That moment when I happened to even see that email was the astonishing moment in my musical journey.
What has been the highlight of your music path? One of the most defining highlights of my musical journey was receiving the Indian National Award for exceptional achievement in Classical Music at the age of 7. That recognition at such a young age shaped my entire path forward. Since then, I’ve received the ‘Kalaimamani’ and ‘Kalai iLamani’ awards from the Tamil Nadu State Government, which further validated my dedication to the art.The global recognition of being part of the GRAMMY®-nominated album THE FURY in the Contemporary Blues category was fulfilling, along with multiple global award wins. Another noteworthy accomplishment was becoming a Voting Member of the Recording Academy / GRAMMY®.I’ve also had the joy of composing for the Tamil feature film Rail, where I collaborated with the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Watching my devotional chant ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ go viral with over 160 million views has been surreal.But beyond the awards and numbers, the real highlight has been using music as a tool for social impact—creating songs on anti-addiction, women's empowerment, world peace, and oneness. Seeing how music can heal, inspire, and unite people across boundaries has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
How do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like? It depends on every project. For some works, I first write the lyrics and work on the melody. For some projects, the lyrics are already there, such as traditional/ancient chants/mantras, and I write the melody and the tracks that are already produced. For every project, I challenge myself to give my best, be unique, and innovate, and that’s how I’ve been working!
Do you have a new release? Dil Ki Gehraai (Never Give Up)
Composed, Music Produced & Arranged by S. J. Jananiy
Singers: S. J. Jananiy, Ravindra Upadhyay & Baba Kuboye
Featuring: Venezuela Strings Recording Ensemble, M.B. Gordy, Vito Gregoli, Mak Grgic, Baba Kuboye, Charu Suri, Mehran Matin, Martin, Christine Stork, Madhumita Chatterjee, Cheri Moon, Rhonda Valerie Head, Amaru, Siddhant Bhatia, Shriram Iyer, R. Sankerganesh, RK Sundar & Gethin John.
This song is an uplifting anthem celebrating resilience and the spirit of “Never Give Up”, "Self Confidence" & “Mind Over Matter”. This song is rooted in the Indian classical raga Simhendramadyamam while blending Western Classical, Hip-Hop, Rap, Rock, Funk, and World Music. The track features vocals, Indian Classical sargams/alaaps, and rap, layered over strings, guitars, drums, bass, piano, and global rhythms including Doumbek, Djembes, Dhol, and modern hip-hop beats.
This song artfully bridges traditional and contemporary musical worlds such as Indian Classical, Western Classical, Hip-Hop, Rap, Rock, Funk, and World Music genres. What sets "Dil Ki Gehraai" apart is its dynamic lineup of international collaborators. This cross-cultural fusion creates an uplifting and energising musical journey. This global collaboration brings an extraordinary depth and vibrancy to the performance, making "Dil Ki Gehraai" not just a song, but a celebration of unity through music. This musical feast is enhanced with a motivating music video.
One song. Infinite strength.A journey of resilience, a melody of hope.Music knows no borders — 25 voices, 5 nations, 1 global sound!
Song Smart Link: https://orcd.co/dponlva
Poised for submission to the 68th GRAMMY® Awards in the Global Music Performance category, "Dil Ki Gehraai" stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and transcend boundaries.
If you could share the stage or a song session with an artist, who would it be? To mention a few artists, Hans Zimmer, A. R. Rahman, Isaignani Ilayaraja, Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran.
For fans who have never heard your music, how would you describe your sound? Music that evokes profoundness, connect the soul with the Almighty Authority Supreme Soul.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Film-Scoring, Songwriting, Music Production, Performing, Recording, Sound Engineering, Record Production.
When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing? Adventures
What is coming up in the future for you? “Muthaitharu Pathithirunagai”, a Thiruppugazh on lord Muruga in the Tamil language featuring the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra;Film projectsFusion albums of the “Classic Waves” series;Indian Classical & Fusion Concert performances, etc.
Anything else you’d like fans to know?I’m a lifelong student of Brahmakumaris World Spiritual University.I own 3 Dot Recording Studios in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India & JSJ Audio Label.
About S. J. Jananiy
Based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, S. J. Jananiy is an acclaimed multi-global award-winning film composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, classical vocalist, record producer, and sound engineer.
A lifelong student of the Brahmakumaris World Spiritual University, she is also the owner of 3 Dot Recording Studios and JSJ Audio Label. With “Dil Ki Gehraai (Never Give Up),” Jananiy continues her mission to unite cultures and uplift humanity through the power of music.
Link to Profile, Music & Social Media: https://www.flowcode.com/page/jananiysj
