The Hindi film industry has always been as popular for its music as its films. Famous playback singers such as Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi have been called legends for their evergreen sound. And the recent death of the singer Shamshad Begum in April has led many to question whether the new generation of artists, who are slowly but surely moving away from their classical roots, can fill their shoes.
“Artists today have a lot of talent but should also draw their inspiration from the older generation,” says Shahid Khan, a professional singer based in the UK. “The quality of sound from the older generation was exceptional. Take Mangeshkar, for example; she is unchallenged.”
But times are changing. The 83-year-old Mangeshkar, after recording songs for more than 1,000 films in 36 languages in a career that spanned seven decades, somewhat fretfully said in a recent interview: “I won’t be able to sing beautifully in films anymore because I feel out of place in the Indian movie industry.” She went on to say that “change is inevitable in this world” and wasn’t “blaming anyone for this”.
The veteran singer has a point: a lot has changed irrevocably in the past few decades. Technology now plays a major role in musical compositions, sometimes to the disapproval of old-school -artists. “Among other things, technology lets us enhance and tweak,” explains Khan. “There are excellent techno tracks being produced, including dance numbers and item songs, all as catchy as the more simply produced cabaret-style songs of yesteryear.”
And thanks to globalisation, international artists such as Akon (Ra.One, 2011) and Kylie Minogue (Blue, 2009) are being roped in to feature on Bollywood film soundtracks, as is new local talent.
“This generation has the potential to excel, especially promising new singers such as Mili Nair. They are pushing boundaries and experimenting fearlessly,” says Simran Kaur Chandan, a classically trained singer.
“Hindi music has come a long way,” she continues. “Bollywood songs between the 1940s and the 1970s were inspired by classical compositions.Not anymore, though. The only person who exhibits the influences of that age is A?R Rahman.”
Rahman, who also sings playback, took Bollywood by storm in the 1990s with his soundtrack for the film Roja. He is, perhaps, best known for the song Jai Ho that featured in the -Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire (2008). “Rahman’s voice is distinct,” says Chandan. “Two of his contemporaries who make the cut are the award-winning singers Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam, seen as among the best of their generation.”
Also joining that list is the Pakistani Qawwali singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who came to Bollywood a few years ago and went straight to the top with O Re Piya in Aaja Nachle (2007) and Teri Ore in Singh is Kingg (2008). “Ali Khan adds incredible emotion to his songs,” says Khan. “His range is phenomenal; not many have that kind of talent. He is an excellent example of the new generation of singers.”
artslife@thenational.ae
Bollywood’s top five singers/musicians
Sajid and Wajid Ali
Known for their catchy compositions, Sajid and Wajid Ali have provided soundtracks and sung tracks for scores of Bollywood films. Among their best are Tere Mast Mast Do Nain in Dabanng (2010) and Mashallah in Ek Tha Tiger (2012).
Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani
Dadlani and Ravjiani are music and film directors who have been around since the late 1990s but continue to reinvent themselves. They have several hits to their names, including the soundtracks of Om Shanti Om (2007), Ra.One (2011) and, more recently, Race 2 (2013).
Neeti Mohan
Neeti Mohan was a winner on the international reality TV show Popstars (2003). She made her Bollywood debut with the song Jiya Re in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012).
Mili Nair
Mili Nair started her career as a jazz singer and is now one of Bollywood's rising stars. She has collaborated with well-known artists, including A?R Rahman. Nair's rendering of the song Meethi Boliyan in Kai Po Che! (2013) made her famous overnight.
Nikhil Paul George
Based in London, George has won the hearts of music and film lovers alike. As well as a singer, he is a skilled guitarist and showcased his talents in the Oscar-nominated film Barfi! (2012).
Bollywood's top five singers/musicians:
Sajid and Wajid Ali
Known for their catchy compositions, Sajid and Wajid Ali have provided soundtracks and sung tracks for scores of Bollywood films. Among their best are Tere Mast Mast Do Nain in Dabanng (2010) and Mashallah in Ek Tha Tiger (2012).
Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani
Dadlani and Ravjiani are music and film directors who have been around since the late 1990s but continue to reinvent themselves. They have several hits to their names, including the soundtracks of Om Shanti Om (2007), Ra.One (2011) and, more recently, Race 2 (2013).
Neeti Mohan
Neeti Mohan was a winner on the international reality TV show Popstars (2003). She made her Bollywood debut with the song Jiya Re in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012).
Mili Nair
Mili Nair started her career as a jazz singer and is now one of Bollywood's rising stars. She has collaborated with well-known artists, including AR Rahman. Nair's rendering of the song Meethi Boliyan in Kai Po Che! (2013) made her famous overnight.
Nikhil Paul George
Based in London, George has won the hearts of music and film lovers alike. As well as a singer, he is a skilled guitarist and showcased his talents in the Oscar-nominated film Barfi! (2012).
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