Tushar Apte: Songwriter and Composer

Published 11th Feburary, 2026.

Welcome to the eighth episode in our special series with the Australian Government and their Centre for Australia–India Relations, spotlighting the growing Australia–India relationship across technology, business, media, culture and sport. Previous guests include Australia's High Commissioner to IndiaPhilip Green, Ex Secretary of Foreign Affairs Peter Varghese, NAB's EGM Sweta Mehra, Deputy Secretary of Australia's Home Affairs Brendan Dowling, Sports Journalist Bharat Sundaresan, Cricket Legend Lisa Sthalekar and Orica's CEO Sanjeev Gandhi, reflecting the breadth of Indian-Australian leaders at the most senior levels.

Episode #243 features Tushar Apte, a multi-platinum, award-winning Australian songwriter, producer and composer based in Los Angeles, with credits spanning artists including Benson Boone, Demi Lovato, BLACKPINK, BTS, ZAYN, Nicki Minaj and more.

In conversation with Vidit Agarwal, Tushar reflects on growing up in suburban Sydney, years of obscurity grinding in LA, and the late-breaking moments that finally changed his trajectory. He unpacks how global pop hits are actually written, why taste matters more than technical skill, and how AI is reshaping music creation, plus candid reflections on identity, resilience and building a career measured in decades, not hits.

Please enjoy exploring your curiosity!

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