Hindi film music is changing, and many lesser-known artistes from music bands of different genres are finding their voice in the mainstream. Akshata Shetty tunes in to the music world to know more
Bollywood music is currently going through an interesting phase. It’s no longer the fiefdom of a few singers and music directors. The industry has opened its doors to new voices and different styles, and it has let in a gust of fresh air that’s causing quite a stir on the music scene. Musicians and singers from different bands, whose music was otherwise restricted to a niche audience, are now finding newer opportunities in the mainstream. And their appeal is not only being recognised, but also lapped up by listeners.
There’s variety and experimentation in the recording studios of Mumbai, like never before. So, what’s driving this revolution? Money, the need to do ‘something different’, a more mature audience or the breed of willing-to-experiment music directors? We find out from those, who are basking in the newfound spotlight.Pappu Can’t Dance Sala became every café’s anthem, even before Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na released. This A R Rahman composition definitely did wonders for Benny Dayal, the voice behind Pappu.
Benny also belongs to a band Rainbow Bridge and has been lending his voice down south too. “I love music. So the style doesn’t matter. I always wanted to sing for Bollywood and when I got the chance, I grabbed the opportunity,” he says.
Well, if Pappu made you groove, then the strumming of the guitar in the beginning of the track Kabhi Kabhi Aditi…, also did wonders for the song and also the man with the guitar, Sanjeev Thomas, who is also the vocalist of Rainbow Bridge. We wonder if adapting to different styles is tough, especially when language becomes a barrier, and Sanjeev says, “I don’t see that as a hindrance. Why shouldn’t we opt for something even if it’s not in our language,” he wonders.
It matters a lot who the music director is, in such experimentations. “I have been working with A R Rahman since a very long time and the best part of working with him, is that he gives you creative space to showcase your talent,” Sanjeev adds.
Musicians, today, are calling artistes, who practise different genres of music, to be a part of their group. “Of course. I didn’t go to anybody. A R Rahman called for me. After Jaane Tu…, I have played for a song in Ghajini. I have done a solo guitar piece,” Sanjeev says.
But things are not as rosy as they look. As far as the Indian rock scene is concerned, money is one of the major reasons that is driving talent towards Bollywood. Suraj Jagan, who sang the track Zeherile from the film Rock On!!, says, “I sang in my own style in the film, like I would in my band Dream Out Loud.” But he doesn’t deny the commercial compulsions. “I have been in the music scene for about 20 years and we have to survive. I started off with jingles. All I can say is that musicians like Vishal-Shekhar and A R Rahman are bringing in a lot of change. I don’t know how much Rock On!! has done for me but yes, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have done a lot to change music from the typical. There have been members from various bands trying their luck in Bollywood since a very long time. It’s only now that they are being recognised,” he adds.
Singing for Bollywood may be a stepping-stone to success for many artistes, but according to Ehsaan Noorani of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, it’s also about getting work and clearing those studio bills. “You need to make your choices. I have been playing for a blues and jazz band Faces in the Dark, but I guess I am not that organised when it comes to balancing the band and Bollywood. But Vishal Dadlani, on the other hand, does a brilliant job when it comes to handling his film music and his rock band Pentagram,” he says.
Faces in the Dark (known for their great contemporary blues-jazz music) vocalist Dominique Cerejo’s track Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein from the film Rock On!! was appreciated a lot. “I don’t come from the Alka Yagnik-school of singers, nor I am a typical Bollywood singer. I sang in my own style and even the song had elements of jazz,” she says.
The film Rock On!! had tracks from the genre the vocalist belonged, but would she experiment in future with masala films, knowing that Bollywood is good money? “I have seen film music change over the time and it is promising enough. As far as my singing is concerned, I have a very different voice and I am sure the future is bright for such talent,” she feels.
On the other hand, when many band artistes are busy minting money, Palash Sen of the rock band Euphoria is upset with the fact that musicians don’t stick to their band once they enter Bollywood. “Yes, Bollywood does have a bright future for talented musicians and singers. But that doesn’t mean you leave behind your band. We (Euphoria) have been together for 10 years and will soon be featuring in Mumbai Cutting. I don’t understand why members have to leave something that has created some name for them,” he thinks.
But there have been singers like Mohit Chauhan of Silk Route, Atif Aslam of Jal, who have made it big as individuals after leaving their respective bands. Does he think their decision was wrong? “I don’t know about their decision. But I strongly believe that one should stick to their band. They get the recognition. Euphoria till date has been touring as a band and are doing well,” he replies.
Talking about tours and performances, bands do get their due recognition. K Mohan, vocalist of the rock band Agnee, says, “Music is vast. When it comes to gaining recognition, every individual has their personal choice about where they want to apply their talent. Agnee has directed music for films like Dil Dosti Etc and the soon-to-be-released Padosi and Aloo Chat. Yes, Bollywood is a huge market and opportunities are vast. It’s just that you need to strike the right cord at the right time.”