Music supervision is becoming an increasingly important tool in Indian filmmaking, playing a crucial role in shaping storytelling through music. Netflix’s documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, which has been in the platform’s Top 10 global charts for two weeks, is a case in point. Leading the music department was Alick Sethi, whose work on the documentary combined creativity, licensing, and storytelling.
Sikhya Productions’ Visionary Approach
Sikhya Productions, known for their innovative filmmaking, along with director Mozez Singh, chose to make music supervision the foundation of the documentary’s music department. This decision reflects a growing recognition in Indian cinema of how thoughtful music curation can enhance storytelling.
“It was an honour to work on such an important project about an icon like Yo Yo Honey Singh,” shares Sethi. “Music supervision is still evolving in India, so it felt meaningful that Sikhya and Mozez trusted me to take on this role. Mozez’s vision was clear—he wanted the documentary to celebrate Honey Singh’s success while also addressing the controversies and struggles that have defined his journey.”
What Does a Music Supervisor Do?
Many think music supervision is just about picking songs, but Sethi explains it’s much more than that. “As a music supervisor, I’m essentially the head of the music department. It’s about guiding the overall musical direction—finding the right sound, assisting with compositions, and ensuring the music aligns with the emotional beats of the story.”
For Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, Sethi oversaw the score and handled licensing for Honey Singh’s tracks and videos. “We licensed around 30 songs and more than 20 music videos. It was a unique challenge since this was a non-scripted documentary. Unlike scripted productions, where you can swap out a song if needed, this project had to stay true to Honey Singh’s life and career.”
Knowing When to Stay Silent
One of the most powerful moments in the documentary is a scene where Honey Singh speaks openly about his mental health struggles and breaks down while reflecting on his family. The decision was made to leave this moment unscored.
“Sometimes, silence can be more impactful than music,” he says. “Not scoring that scene let the raw emotion take center stage. As a music supervisor, knowing when not to use music is just as important as choosing the right tracks.”
In contrast, Sethi highlights the opening sequence, created with Los Angeles-based composer Matthew Wang, as a standout moment. “The opening serves as a condensed version of what’s to come. It hits key emotional points and sets the tone for the documentary. I’m particularly proud of how it came together.”
The Art of Collaboration
Licensing Honey Singh’s music involved navigating negotiations with Indian music labels. “This project taught me a lot about working within the Indian music industry,” Alic Sethi reflects. “Building relationships and understanding the cultural nuances were key to making it all happen.”
The Retox Journey: Alick Sethi’s Transformation
Sethi’s career began as a radio DJ in London before he founded Retox, his music supervision company, in 2003. “One day, I realized that everything I watched—whether on TV or in a movie—had music. I became fascinated by how music was chosen and how it shaped what I was seeing. Back then, music supervision was still a niche area, so I had to teach myself as I went along.”
His early work in advertising helped him understand timing, pacing, and budgets. Transitioning to long-form storytelling, he worked on Guns & Gulaabs before taking on the non-scripted challenge of the Honey Singh documentary. “Working in India has been an eye-opening experience. From collaborating with local labels to navigating non-scripted storytelling, it’s been a rewarding learning curve.”
What’s Next for Alick Sethi?
While Alic Sethi is tight-lipped about upcoming projects, he’s excited about the future. “Every project brings new challenges, and I’m always looking to push myself. This documentary taught me so much, and I’m eager to apply those lessons to whatever comes next.”