The North News
Chandigarh, May 8
India’s First Artist-Owned Cultural App created by over 25 of India’s top artists, Goongoonalo offers musicians, poets, and storytellers complete creative freedom, ownership rights, and a direct link to fans — marking a new era for Indian cultural expression.In a landmark moment for Indian music and culture, a collective of 25 of the country’s most iconic artists — including Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Prasoon Joshi, and more — came together, to launch Goongoonalo, India’s first-ever artist-owned cultural platform. Unveiled at Studio Theatre, Jio World in Mumbai, the event marked a bold reimagining of how creative voices in music, poetry, and storytelling are nurtured, shared, and owned.
Unlike typical music-streaming apps controlled by production houses or tech companies, Goongoonalo stands apart: created by artists, for artists. Featuring original compositions, exclusive performances, unreleased classics, masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and even open mics, the platform aims to democratize access and reestablish artistic ownership in the digital age.
“This is a historic day,” said Javed Akhtar. “Goongoonalo gives artists the freedom to create without the constraints of producers or music companies… Musicians, lyricists, and singers are shareholders. No one oversees their work — complete creative freedom, finally.”
The Power of Collective Ownership
What makes Goongoonalo revolutionary isn’t just its impressive artist lineup, but its ownership model. Founding members include not just lyricists and composers but also vocalists like Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh, and Vishal Dadlani. Together, they’ve built a platform that gives artists not only a voice but equity.
“If you’re a dreamer, Goongoonalo is where you should be,” said Sherley Singh, CEO of the app. “Here, when an artist releases a song, they own it. Any revenue generated is shared fairly — a complete shift from the traditional model.”
Sridhar Ranganathan, the tech architect behind the app, spent four years building the infrastructure and bringing together this powerhouse collective. “Bringing all artists together was a challenge. But after years of effort, this platform is now ready to welcome both creators and fans.”
From Passion Project to Cultural Movement
For many artists, Goongoonalo feels like a dream realized after decades of compromise in a commercially driven industry.
“This is a platform created by artists for artists,” said Shankar Mahadevan. “It’s a stage to write the next chapter of music.”
Echoing the sentiment, Sonu Nigam reflected on his own journey: “When I came to Mumbai in the 90s, we wanted to do something different. Now, Goongoonalo is the platform that offers the creative freedom we were looking for.”
Even veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan, known for penning some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, called the launch “the best day for people in the music field… This platform is unparalleled.”
A Space for Voices — Old and New
Goongoonalo isn’t just a haven for established artists; it’s a launchpad for emerging talent. The app’s features include open mics, jam sessions, and opportunities for collaboration with legends — a cultural playground, not a commercial assembly line.
“People think that if an artist has a mic and a stage, they don’t need anything else,” said Prasoon Joshi. “But this platform allows them to share their own voice — not someone else’s script.”
For classical vocalist Aruna Sairam, Goongoonalo opens doors long considered closed. “As a classical singer, I’ve always wanted to collaborate with non-classical artists,” she said. “This platform offers that opportunity.”
Upcoming collaborations and features reflect this spirit of experimentation: a Goongoonalo Originals release by Shreya Ghoshal will lead the charge, followed by workshops from Arijit Singh and Irshad Kamil, and production sessions with Salim-Sulaiman. The platform also introduces Fanverse, a space for audiences to design merchandise, crowdfund projects, and participate in virtual fan meetups.
The Future of Music — and Culture
From Shaan to Sulaiman Merchant, nearly every artist present acknowledged the emotional and creative freedom Goongoonalo represents. “We’ve composed music based on others’ stories for so long,” said Salim. “Now, we express what we feel and think — on our own terms.”
For Sonu Nigam, it’s also a long-overdue shift in power: “This platform allows artists to own their music and destiny.”
Javed Akhtar summed it up best: “There’s no committee here. No gatekeepers. Just artists, their stories, and the freedom to create.”
In the end, Goongoonalo isn’t just an app — it’s a statement. A cultural reset. And perhaps most importantly, a rare moment in Indian entertainment where the business of music finally bows to the soul of artistry.
