India, Aug. 3 -- The introduction of the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 edition of the Grammy Awards has raised a discussion online, especially after K-pop band BTS decided to pull out their submission because of this move. Singer-composer Salim Merchant asserts that he understands where the band's decision is coming from. "The Recording Academy has a standard policy of giving preference to their artistes; that is how they operate, and it is their prerogative. All the proceeds that the Grammy receives as charity go towards the recording artistes in America. So, as a non-American, there are very few chances that your entry will come in the main category. I'm not surprised about BTS' decision," he says. The 52-year-old explains the situation in the Indian context, saying that if he were to submit his album for a Grammy nomination, it would be "nowhere close to a nomination", unless he collaborated with an Academy member. Giving an example of the three-time Grammy Award-winner from India, musician Ricky Kej, Merchant says, "For Divine Tides (2021), Kej had collaborated with Stewart Copeland, the former drummer of English rock band The Police. And Copeland is a very respected member of the Academy. He is a celebrated American artiste. Hence, Divine Tides was a strong contender to win that year." He also points to the case of composer AR Rahman, who won two Grammys for his work in Slumdog Millionaire (2008), highlighting the "very strong representation of his management in the US". "They used to make sure his representation was done in Hollywood because, for some time, Rahman was considering moving to the USA. During his affiliation with them, they must have made him a recording artiste, and that's why the Grammys," he ends....