Mahalakshmi Iyer To Judge ‘The Battle Of Bands, International’ On DD National
The acclaimed singer brings global musical talent to Indian television in a unique competition.
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Acclaimed playback singer Mahalakshmi Iyer has announced her latest television venture as a judge on Doordarshan’s new music show “The Battle of Bands, International.” The singer shared the news through her Instagram account, inviting fans to tune in to DD National for the program that will air for three consecutive days at 6 PM with repeat telecasts at 11 PM.
The unique concept of the show brings together talented bands from across the world who will perform Hindi songs in a competition format. According to Iyer’s post, the program features musicians from Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Russia, Singapore, and other countries who have mastered singing in Hindi while performing with their bands.
“I got an opportunity to judge some fantastic talent from all over the world. Immensely talented bands who proved language truly is no barrier when it comes to music,” Iyer wrote in her caption, highlighting the international appeal of Indian music.
The images shared by the singer showcase various moments from the show’s production, including her interactions with the participating bands and fellow judges. The photos capture the vibrant and diverse musical atmosphere of the program, with performers from different cultural backgrounds united by their appreciation for Indian music.
What makes this show particularly special is how it demonstrates the global reach of Indian music. Iyer expressed her delight at meeting “lovely people with so much love for Indian music and culture” during the filming of the program.
The show appears to focus on how these international bands have not only learned to sing in Hindi but have also creatively adapted Indian songs to their own musical styles and arrangements. This cultural exchange showcases how music transcends language barriers and brings people from different backgrounds together.
In her post, Iyer extended her gratitude to Doordarshan and the team behind the concept, particularly thanking “Shruti ji and the entire team for this wonderful concept.” She also tagged several individuals involved in the production, including @shrutianindita, @metwofilms, @saregama_official, @shraddhapandit, @imrajahasan, and @kettansingh.
Beyond her judging duties, Iyer has been actively performing across India. Her recent Instagram posts show her concert performances in various cities, including Kolkata and Jorhat, Assam. On March 26, 2025, she performed in Jorhat, sharing photos from the event with the caption, “Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life!!!”
She is also part of an upcoming musical tribute called “Bengal Tigers” at The Grand Theatre. The show will pay homage to four iconic Bengali composers—S.D. Burman, Hemant Kumar, Salil Chowdhury, and R.D. Burman—with a special segment dedicated to Kishore Kumar. Directed by Rahul Ranade, the performance will feature Iyer alongside artists Javed Ali, Hrishikesh Ranade, and Sharayu Date.
With her involvement in “The Battle of Bands, International,” Iyer continues to contribute to the Indian music scene not only as a performer but also as a judge who can identify and nurture talent. The show represents an interesting intersection of her musical expertise and the global appreciation for Indian music.
For fans of Indian music and those interested in seeing how international bands interpret Hindi songs, “The Battle of Bands, International” promises to be a unique viewing experience that celebrates the universal language of music while highlighting India’s musical influence across the world.
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