Caring for animals is about coexistence, not cruelty: Mohit Chauhan

Amid multiple Supreme Court hearings on the case of stray dogs, Mohit Chauhan has released Meri Aawaz to lend his voice to the voiceless. The singer, who performed at a protest in Delhi on Sunday advocating humane policies for community dogs, speaks to us about the song, him caring for over 400 dogs and other stray animals, and why scientific, compassionate solutions – not cruelty – are the way forward.

What inspired you to compose a song dedicated to street dogs?The inspiration came from years of being closely associated with street dogs, and more recently, from the growing narrative around relocating all street dogs into shelters. The recommendations by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for very small shelter spaces deeply saddened me and made me think about the countless dogs we care for on the streets – dogs who currently live among people who love them and look after them. The thought that this life of coexistence could suddenly be taken away was very disturbing.


While I was composing the song, my wife, Prarthana, who is a writer and lyricist, put these emotions into words. Together, we tried to express what these dogs might be feeling. Subsequently, Abhinay Soni (video editor) and Raaj Aashoo worked with us to create a strong visual impression for the song. When you feed, rescue, and care for street dogs every day, you begin to truly see their world – their vulnerability, resilience, and their incredible capacity for love. Yet, their pain and emotions often go unnoticed or misunderstood.

When you compose a song like this, is it primarily about expressing your own emotions, or do you see it as lending your voice to those who cannot speak for themselves?It’s both. The emotions are deeply personal, but the intention is to lend my voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. Music has the power to translate silence into feeling. If a song can make someone pause and truly feel empathy for a stray animal, then it has fulfilled its purpose. I also believe this song represents not just the voice of animals, but of millions of silent and often invisible caregivers across the world who dedicate their lives to protecting them.
I have immense respect for activists, feeders, and caregivers who continue to show compassion despite resistance and hostility. My message to them is – your work matters. You are standing for empathy in a time when it is urgently needed. Change takes time, but kindness always leaves an impact – even when it feels invisible.


Street dogs are a major topic of public debate currently. Where do you personally stand in this conversation?I believe the conversation needs to shift from fear and blame to understanding and coexistence. Street dogs are part of our shared environment, and their presence reflects how we design and manage our cities and communities. The way forward lies in compassionate, scientific solutions – such as sterilisation, vaccination, and community-based care – not cruelty. Issues such as overpopulation and rabies can be effectively addressed if municipalities are adequately funded and work in collaboration with caregivers to manage populations humanely and move towards the eradication of rabies in the country.
We must also acknowledge that animals – especially dogs – continue to face widespread cruelty in our society, including severe abuse and violence. Despite the gravity of these acts, the penalties under existing laws remain extremely inadequate, with fines as low as ₹50 in some cases. This is a critical gap that needs urgent attention. Strengthening animal protection laws and ensuring stricter enforcement is essential if we are truly committed to compassion and justice.
Our own ancient Indian culture deeply respects animals. In our scriptures and traditions, animals are seen as companions and protectors, not as a nuisance. From references in the Vedas to Lord Bhairava’s vahan being a dog, dogs have held a significant and symbolic place in our cultural consciousness.

‘Compassion is non- negotiable for me’
As a human being, compassion is non-negotiable for me. As an artiste, I believe I have a responsibility to use my voice for something meaningful. Caring for animals isn’t charity – it’s about recognising shared life and inherent dignity. This cause keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. At its core, true art is always connected to a cause, and true artistes must carry compassion within them; without it, how could one genuinely express, connect, or create work that resonates.
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