India, Aug. 1 -- K pop band BTS' decision to withdraw its music from consideration for the 2027 Grammys, weeks after the introduction of a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, has sharpened a larger question: Does a region-specific award widen representation or simply create another box? The debate resonates in India, where artistes from Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain to AR Rahman have found Grammy recognition largely through classical, global music and film-linked categories, while Indian pop remains underrepresented. Singer Madhubanti Bagchi, known for hits such as Aaj Ki Raat and Shararat, agrees that it is "a good first step", but hopes the distinction will eventually become unnecessary. "I'd love to see an Asian pop record win Record of the Year rather than Best Asian Pop Performance," she says, adding that Indian pop has seen little representation at the Grammys. Producer, actor and writer Harman Baweja calls the new category "a positive evolution". "Dedicated categories can shine a spotlight on artists who may otherwise be overlooked," he says, while cautioning, "Regional categories should act as a bridge to greater global recognition, not become a ceiling." Filmmaker Suparn Verma also welcomes the move. "It gives Asian artists an opportunity to break through internationally and reach new audiences. It's a win-win for artists and music lovers." Sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee argues that Asia is "too diverse to be represented by a single category". "True inclusivity is not achieved by broad labels; it comes from acknowledging the depth and individuality of each musical culture," he says. Euphoria frontman Palash Sen, meanwhile, questions what the category could mean for India. "K-pop has blown out of the roof, and there is a lot of good music based in Asia. But India doesn't really have a pop industry, so I don't know how beneficial this category will be for us."...