Salman Khan’s nephew Ayaan Agnihotri aka Agni is making waves in the music industry with his debut track Universal Laws. Stepping into the spotlight as a singer, rapper, lyricist, and composer, Agni brings a fresh perspective through his genre-blending sound. In a candid interview with ETimes, he spoke about his latest song, jamming with uncle Salman Khan, his bond with grandfather Salim Khan and more. Excerpts…
‘Universal Laws’ marks your debut as a singer, rapper, lyricist, and composer. How did you develop your unique musical style?
I don’t think I have entirely found my style yet. I enjoy being free-flowing, and a lot of my music comes from experimenting with different sounds and ideas.
What do you hope listeners take away from Universal Laws?
‘Keep moving on and on till we evolve’—as the chorus says, live in wonder and look forward to what life has in store for you.
The launch event in Dubai was a star-studded affair. What was the most special moment for you that night?
Being on stage in front of a crowd that was supportive and engaging. There’s no better feeling. Other than performing in front of my friends and family.
You started with poetry at 16 and transitioned into music. What was the turning point that made you realize this was your true calling?
I felt more connected to the way I could express myself in music as opposed to poetry. It felt more flexible; it had the element of music, different speeds, and rhythms.
Did you ever feel any pressure to meet the expectations that come with being related to Salman Khan?
No, never. We were all raised to focus on what makes us happy and compete with ourselves to get better.
Although an actor, Salman Khan is known for his deep love for music. Did you guys ever sit and jam or sing along together?
We do when we’re hanging together in Panvel. That’s when we play each other our new music and vibe to it.
How do you balance your own artistic identity while being part of a family so deeply rooted in Bollywood?
I look at my family as a family full of artists. That brings balance. It’s less intimidating when you look at it like that—a lot less.
What kind of relationship do you share with your grandfather, Salim Khan?
My nana is a legend. He has the aura of a legend. When you walk into the room, you know you’re in the presence of Salim Khan—an incredible, intelligent, and hilarious man. One with so many stories to tell, one with so much richness to share. He’s a role model and an inspiration to live life on your own terms. He’s a reminder to me to live life the way I deem fit and, above all, a reminder to love each other or perish.
As far as Universal Laws is concerned, he was very happy with the song. He enjoyed the music video as well, and he jokingly said to me, “Yeh talent kaha chupake rakha tha!”
You have called Salman Khan a ‘jokester.’ What’s the funniest prank he has played on you?
He and I actually play a prank on others. It’s a silly trick we’ve created where we prank people into thinking we can read each other’s minds.
Do you see yourself expanding into acting like your uncles, or is music your sole passion?
My passion is for performance in general, but music is where I feel my truest expression. So you will definitely be seeing me around, but definitely a lot more music.
Are there any dream collaborations you’d love to work on in the future?
Agni x Russ, Agni x AP—internationally and domestically. These are the two artists I would love to collaborate with.
Your sister, Alizeh Agnihotri, also recently made her Bollywood debut. How do you both support each other in your artistic journeys?
We use each other as sounding boards for our ideas and work. We spend time together either reading lines for her auditions or jamming to my music, thinking of content ideas.
Growing up together in a family of entertainers, did you both always know you’d enter the creative field?
I always knew I enjoyed it more than anything else, so I am not surprised I ended up entering it.
If you could dedicate a song to your family, which one would it be and why?
‘I Will Be One’—that song is more of a promise to them than a song dedicated to them.
