While the concert is instant communication with the audience, composing is a creative process where a song comes up out of nowhere and then transmits happiness to many, translates into money, fame, or whatever.

In this quote, Shankar Mahadevan contrasts two different aspects of the music-making process: concert performance and composing. He begins by describing a concert as a form of instant communication between the performer and the audience. During a concert, the connection is immediate, as the music is shared in real-time, creating an emotional and interactive experience between the artist and the listeners.

On the other hand, composing is described as a more creative process, where the song is born from an idea that seemingly comes out of nowhere. This spontaneous creation leads to a finished product that carries its own unique energy and message. Mahadevan highlights the creative aspect of composing, suggesting that it is a deeply personal and imaginative process that can take an artist through an entire journey of creation before sharing the music with the world.

Once a song is composed, it has the potential to transmit happiness to many people. This reflects the powerful impact of music, as it can evoke emotions, inspire, and bring joy to listeners. Moreover, Mahadevan points out that music can translate into money, fame, or other material rewards, underscoring the commercial and social benefits that often accompany musical success.

Ultimately, Mahadevan’s quote illustrates the dual nature of music: one aspect is the immediate, live interaction during a performance, while the other is the behind-the-scenes creativity that produces something meaningful. The creative act of composing, though less instantaneous, carries the potential to affect a wide audience and bring both emotional fulfillment and tangible rewards.