MUMBAI: Music once again became the universal language of peace and unity as Moscow hosted the revival of the legendary “Intervision Music Contest”, returning to the world stage after nearly five decades. The last official Intervision had been held in 1980 in Poland, and its comeback in 2025 was met with unprecedented anticipation.
This year, India played a prominent role, not just as a participant but also as a co-organiser, thanks to the efforts of ARMS Record Label Pvt. Ltd. (widely known as AR Music Studios), led by acclaimed Kashmiri composer and music director Jaan Nissar Lone.
A Cultural Milestone for India
India’s delegation to Moscow was small in size but vast in significance.
* Jaan Nissar Lone represented the country as a Jury member, adding credibility to India’s artistic voice.
* Rauhan Malik, a rising talent from Kashmir, was chosen as India’s official contestant.
* Stefy Patel, actress and anchor, became part of the glamorous international hosting team, lending India’s presence to the main stage.
The trio showcased India’s musical diversity, with Bollywood flair meeting Kashmiri soul.
Russia’s Cultural Gift to the World - Speaking after the opening of the contest, Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone described the revival as historic:
“We can see musicians, singers, composers, and producers working hand in hand. This contest gives every artist a sense of belonging, showing how their efforts bring pride to their nations. It is truly Russia’s gift to the world to offer such a magnificent stage for global artistry.”
A Fair and Transparent Contest - The 2025 edition was praised globally as the fairest and most transparent song contest held so far. With 23 nations participating, the coveted trophy was awarded to “Vietnam”, whose performance electrified audiences and juries alike.
However, critics and music experts noted that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Belarusia and Madagascar delivered some of the strongest musical and vocal performances of the evening.
For India, the most emotional moment came when Rauhan Malik closed the final show on September 20 at Moscow’s Live Arena, a performance that moved the Indian delegation to tears and won thunderous applause from thousands of spectators.
India’s Role Behind the Scenes
India’s involvement extended far beyond the stage. AR Music Studios, under Lone’s leadership, was officially named Co-Organiser of Intervision 2025, making it the only Indian organisation at the core of the revival.
In India, the event gained widespread visibility through NewsX, the official broadcast partner, while Roshan Space Brandcom carried out outdoor promotions across major cities.
Praise for Russian Organisers
Dr. Lone and AR Music Studios also expressed admiration for the organisers, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Foundation for the Preservation and Support of Cultural Heritage and the Development of National and World Culture “Traditions of Art”, and Channel One National Media Group.
Special appreciation was reserved for Tatiana Seliverstova, who played a central role in ensuring the event’s success. Lone described her as “a true cultural ambassador — humble, kind, and hardworking — whose dedication made everything run smoothly.”
From Conflict to Culture: Kashmir’s Voice
For Lone, choosing Kashmir’s Rauhan Malik as India’s contestant was a deliberate decision:
“It’s all planned by the Almighty. My decision to choose Rauhan Malik from Kashmir was intentional – to inspire young Kashmiris to take music seriously as a profession. Kashmir should not only be known for its beauty or its conflict but also for its art, culture, and music that can inspire peace worldwide.”
Through this gesture, Kashmir — often portrayed through the prism of unrest — was reintroduced to the world as a source of resilience, creativity, and hope.
The Road Ahead -The closing ceremony also brought exciting news: the next Intervision will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2026**. Meanwhile, India has already begun lobbying strongly to host a future edition, signalling its intent to remain at the forefront of this cultural revival.
A Historic Chapter for India
Intervision 2025 marked more than a competition; it symbolised a new era of cultural diplomacy. For India — and for Kashmir in particular — it was a moment of pride.
With Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone on the Jury, Rauhan Malik as contestant, and Stefy Patel as co-host, and AR Music Studios as official co-organiser, India did not just participate in Intervision’s rebirth — it helped script history.
As Moscow’s Live Arena echoed with applause on that September night, the world saw India’s cultural voice stronger, prouder, and more unforgettable than ever before.
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