The Indian music industry is witnessing a technological revolution with the introduction of ‘Aishan’ and ‘Ruh’, the country’s first AI-generated pop stars. Introduced at the India Today Conclave 2025, these digital personas are blurring the lines between human artistry and artificial intelligence, raising both excitement and concerns over AI’s growing role in creative industries.
The Rise of A-Pop: A Fusion of AI and Music
Aishan and Ruh represent a new era of entertainment, where AI-generated music, visuals, and storytelling seamlessly merge to create A-Pop (AI Pop). Their debut tracks, “Purana Pyar” and “Rehna Tere Saath”, have been released on major streaming platforms, challenging traditional music production methods.
- Aishan is portrayed as a 22-year-old musician from Delhi, inspired by indie-acoustic and pop influences, while
- Ruh is styled as a free-spirited, adventurous artist embracing self-expression and individuality.
Despite being AI avatars, they are designed with intricate backstories, aesthetics, and even personalities, making them indistinguishable from human artists in digital interactions.
A Technological Breakthrough or a Threat to Human Artists?
While Aishan and Ruh’s creation signals a major innovation, their emergence raises critical questions about the future of human artists, intellectual property, and creative authenticity.
The use of AI in creative fields has already sparked controversies worldwide, with several Indian and global media organizations suing OpenAI for allegedly using copyrighted content without permission to train ChatGPT.
Similarly, the rise of AI-generated music threatens to undermine human musicians, potentially reducing opportunities for singers, songwriters, and composers. Critics argue that:
- AI-generated tracks could dominate streaming platforms, sidelining independent and emerging human artists.
- AI-powered music tools might use copyrighted material without proper attribution, leading to legal battles over intellectual property.
- The emotional depth and storytelling nuances in human-made music could be overshadowed by machine-generated compositions that prioritize engagement metrics over artistic integrity.
The Copyright Debate in AI-Generated Content
A growing concern within the global entertainment industry is who owns AI-generated content. With Aishan and Ruh’s music released under human oversight, questions remain about whether AI-generated songs should receive the same protections as those composed by human artists.
Legal experts warn that:
- AI music production may infringe on existing copyrights, especially if trained on human-made songs.
- Musicians and songwriters could lose control over their work, as AI can replicate styles, melodies, and lyrics without proper credit.
- AI-generated artists could become dominant in the industry, diminishing the value of human talent.
India has already seen major legal battles against AI platforms, with Indian media giants and publishers suing OpenAI for copyright infringement. If similar lawsuits emerge in the music industry, the future of AI-generated artists could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and legal restrictions.
Also read: Bollywood Music Labels Sue OpenAI Over Copyright in India
A Double-Edged Sword for the Music Industry
While AI-powered pop stars like Aishan and Ruh open new creative possibilities, they also present a dilemma for artists, record labels, and the legal system.
If AI-driven artists gain mainstream success, it could:
- Revolutionize content creation, making music production more cost-effective and widely accessible.
- Challenge traditional record labels, who may struggle to adapt to an industry where AI-generated songs are increasingly popular.
- Push for new copyright laws, ensuring that human artists and creators receive due credit and compensation for AI-assisted compositions.
Conversely, if regulations clamp down on AI-generated music, companies investing in A-Pop may face legal hurdles that limit their growth.
The Future of AI in Music: Innovation or Disruption?
Aishan and Ruh’s arrival in India’s music scene marks a new era, one filled with opportunities and ethical dilemmas. While AI-generated music may redefine artistic expression, it also forces the industry to rethink creativity, originality, and ownership.
As technology continues to reshape entertainment, the challenge will be to find a balance between innovation and fair recognition for human artists. Whether A-Pop is the future of music or a fleeting trend, one thing is certain—AI’s role in the creative arts is only just beginning.
