“Music Catalogues Are Living IP Assets With Long-Term Cultural And Commercial Value”-Aneri Nair

As India’s music catalogue economy gains renewed momentum in the streaming era, the role of strategic partnerships and catalogue acquisitions has become increasingly critical. Aneri Nair, Strategic Partnerships – Catalogue Acquisition at Saregama India, is at the forefront of identifying and unlocking the long-term value of music IP.

In this interview, Aneri Nair, Strategic Partnerships – Catalogue Acquisition at Saregama India shares insights on the evolving monetisation potential of legacy music, the growing importance of partnerships, and how iconic catalogues continue to find new life across digital platforms and creator ecosystems.

Here are edited excerpts:

Music catalogues are increasingly being viewed as long-term intellectual property assets globally. How is Saregama approaching catalogue acquisition and partnerships in today’s evolving music economy?

At Saregama, catalogues are not just archival assets; they are living intellectual properties with long-term cultural and commercial value. Our approach focuses on identifying music that has enduring emotional resonance while also holding strong potential across modern consumption platforms. We actively explore partnerships and acquisitions that allow us to preserve legacy music while unlocking new monetisation avenues across streaming, licensing, films, and brand collaborations.

What key factors do you consider when evaluating a catalogue for acquisition or partnership?

When evaluating a catalogue, we look at a combination of cultural relevance, longevity, and adaptability across formats. A strong catalogue often carries deep nostalgia value but also the ability to connect with new audiences. We assess its performance across streaming platforms, sync potential for films and advertising, and the possibility of revivals through remixes, recreations, or creator-led discovery.

With the rise of short-form video platforms and digital streaming, how has the monetisation potential of legacy catalogues changed?

Short-form video and streaming have dramatically expanded the lifecycle of catalogue music. Songs that were released decades ago are now finding new audiences through reels, remixes, and creator content. This has significantly increased the discoverability of legacy tracks and opened up additional revenue streams through digital consumption, user-generated content, and licensing.

From a strategic partnerships perspective, how important are collaborations with digital platforms, creators, and brands in unlocking new revenue streams for catalogue music?

Collaborations are extremely important in today’s ecosystem. Digital platforms and creators play a major role in rediscovering and amplifying catalogue music for younger audiences. At the same time, brands and entertainment properties are increasingly looking to leverage iconic music for storytelling and cultural recall. Strategic partnerships allow catalogues to remain dynamic and continuously relevant.

How do you see the next phase of growth for catalogue music in India?

The next phase of growth will be driven by a combination of digital discovery, global distribution, and sync opportunities. As Indian music continues to travel internationally, catalogues will play an important role in representing the country’s musical heritage. We will also see increased collaborations with filmmakers, brands, and creators that reintroduce timeless songs to contemporary audiences in innovative ways.