Trends From 2025 That Will Influence India’s Cultural Landscape in 2026
2025 was a transformative year for India’s music and cultural landscape, setting the stage for 2026. From AI-powered storytelling and virtual music experiences to wellness-focused sound practices and heritage-inspired lifestyle trends, the fusion of tradition and technology is reshaping how Indians consume culture. For creators, brands, and audiences alike, the future promises innovation deeply rooted in India’s rich cultural identity.
In 2025, music labels, wellness brands, AI-driven radio platforms, and small screen epics increasingly celebrated India’s traditional cultural idioms, creating a fascinating blend of modern innovation and heritage. Indian music experienced a significant transformation last year, driven by experimentation, digital innovation, and a renewed focus on cultural authenticity. From AI-generated compositions to cross-genre collaborations and immersive virtual concerts, 2025 offered a glimpse of the evolving soundscape. For both artists and audiences, these shifts are not just trends—they signal a clear direction for the future of music and content consumption.
A deeper appreciation of India’s roots and ancient wisdom is now influencing contemporary culture and entertainment. This integration of heritage into modern formats has redefined how audiences engage with music and storytelling, a trend set to continue well into 2026.
AI-Powered Storytelling With an Indian Twist
November 2025 saw BIG FM launch BIG Ramayana, an industry-first AI-powered audio-video series that reimagined the timeless epic for contemporary audiences. Narrated by actor Saurabh Raaj Jain, the series brought Ram’s story to life through short digital reels that combined mythology with advanced technology. The launch also featured the BIG Ramayana Anthem Song, a soulful tribute celebrating dharma, devotion, and the power of enduring narratives.
AI’s role in India’s creative ecosystem went beyond music and radio production. Jio Hotstar’s Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh, an AI-generated mythological series, crossed 26.5 million views within weeks of release, demonstrating the technology’s potential to bring epic storytelling to vast digital audiences.
In 2026, AI-driven storytelling is expected to expand further, exploring regional folklore, devotional narratives, and historical tales, creating a new cultural space where ancient stories meet modern digital media.
Music as a Wellness Practice Beyond Entertainment
Sound in India has always carried deeper meaning. The resonant chants of “Om” or the tolling of temple bells exemplify the belief in sound as a source of balance, focus, and inner well-being. This philosophy has gained renewed attention, with music increasingly integrated into wellness practices.
Labels like Vedam Records, launched under Universal Music India, exemplify this trend by producing Indian classical, Vedic, and folk-inspired compositions tailored for meditation, yoga, sleep, and emotional grounding. By presenting traditional soundscapes in accessible formats, these initiatives are bridging ancient practices with modern wellness, a movement expected to grow throughout 2026.
Creators and Celebrities Reclaiming Indian Roots
Beyond music, other sectors like beauty and grooming are embracing heritage-led narratives. Indian-inspired rituals, ingredients, and techniques are shaping a wellness-focused, authentic lifestyle narrative. Celebrity-founded brands such as Deepika Padukone’s 82°E, Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s Anomaly exemplify this shift, blending tradition with modern wellness routines.
Entrepreneurs like Diipa Büller-Khosla, co-founder of Brown Living, have normalized Indian oiling practices by making them practical, educational, and suitable for contemporary lifestyles. Once considered outdated, oiling is now framed as a mindful wellness ritual. Influencers including Debasree Banerjee, Masoom Minawala, and Aashna Shroff have amplified this trend, making traditional Indian rituals relevant for a new generation.
