Showing posts with label Benny Dayal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benny Dayal. Show all posts
Using AI to make music an insult to artistes who have spent years learning music-Benny Dayal
10:00 AM
As aspiring musicians increasingly use AI to achieve technical perfection, Tamil Idol judge Benny Dayal says true artistes value emotions over technique
Komal RJ Panchal (MID-DAY; October 26, 2026)
Finding the next generation of artistes is perhaps among the best ways a musician can give back to the world of music. Singer Benny Dayal hopes to do that as he takes the judge’s seat on Tamil Idol. In a chat with mid-day, the artiste talks about finding true potential, the importance of performance in artistry, and why AI cannot match genuine talent. Excerpts from the interview.
What are you looking for in this season’s contestants?
I am looking for honesty, innocence, and, of course, an X factor that cannot be taught or replicated. There should be something unique about the way they approach music. You can learn techniques and acquire skills, but there is a certain quality that makes an artiste who they are.
Social media has changed the way singers find an audience. How do you view this shift?
There are people who find a platform through social media and become playback singers, while others write their own music and become popular through these platforms. It has an upside and a downside. Sometimes, music becomes short-lived because of the hustle and hurry of social media. At the same time, there are artistes who are becoming the faces of their own music. That’s brilliant. Ten or 12 years ago, singers were primarily known as playback singers, rather than as artistes with their own identities.
With AI increasingly being used to create music, do you see it as a threat to musicians?
As far as AI is used as a toy, it is fine. But if I write music with the help of AI, it’s an insult to artistes who have spent years learning music. It’s like a slap on their face. I’m not a big fan of AI tools, but I’m not excessively worried either. I also wonder whether there is something called technical perfection in music [that they try to achieve through AI]. In music, technique matters, but emotion will always be more important. Music should be used to express, not just impress.
Do you believe singers must also be performers?
Musicians should always be entertainers, rather than simply singing and calling it a day. Artistry involves performance, and that is the litmus test of any art form. It is an opportunity to bring your music alive and connect with people beyond the recording.
Many singers are exploring independent music, playback singing, and live performances simultaneously. What should they prioritize?
If you get an opportunity to try something, why not give it a shot? But you should not make these opportunities your priority at the expense of your music. It is important to create music that you genuinely love. If you focus on that, everything else will follow.
Advice to aspiring singers
For an artiste, art should also be a responsibility. To fulfil that responsibility, they have to be consistent. That means putting in the effort, reinventing themselves, and constantly renewing their approach to music. They must keep revisiting the works of great musicians, relearning, and finding wonderful new things to do with their music.
Badtameez Dil singer Benny Dayal on fatherhood: "The dynamics of my life have changed"
8:49 AM
Benny Dayal on how fatherhood has altered his perspective towards life
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 18, 2026)
Singer Benny Dayal became a father last December, and he admits it is an incredible feeling. “The dynamics of my life have completely changed. And I feel more driven than ever because I know I want to do more for my baby, my wife, and the life we are building together — to provide for them and dream bigger for our future,” Benny tells us.
He adds, “A lot of people wait for a long time to become parents, and so did I. But I feel it was worthwhile. I’m in a great place and I’m really in love with this phase of my life. I can’t wait to see how my baby grows, talks and behaves.”
Talking about how life has changed, the Jai Jai Shivshankar singer says, “I try to finish work early and spend as much time with her as possible. When I’m home, I like giving her a bath and feeding her before bedtime. My wife and I make sure she’s fed on time and settled into bed by 8 pm. She’s a very calm baby, and right now she loves listening to music. So, I sing to her once in a while.”
Fatherhood has also brought a greater sense of responsibility, he says. “The way I present myself through my music and even in public has changed, because I know that whatever I do can have a positive or negative impact on their lives. I think I’m becoming more responsible in that sense. I’m still learning and growing through this phase, and I just hope I can become a better person at the end of the day. I believe it will naturally reflect in my music as well,” says the Badtameez Dil singer.
Shreya Ghoshal sets BKC ablaze with melody: "Mumbai tumhari aur meri love story hai"
8:41 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; May 26, 2025)
Saturday evening turned into a surreal musical celebration as Shreya Ghoshal took centrestage at BKC, delivering an unforgettable performance that was nothing short of electric. Thousands gathered to watch the melody queen live in action, and she did not disappoint, holding the audience in rapturous delight from the first note to the final bow.
As the evening set in and the crowd erupted in deafening cheers, Shreya made a powerful entrance singing “Sunn Raha Hai”, setting the tone for a night of nostalgia, emotion, and celebration. “Are you ready to sing with me, Mumbai? Are you ready to party?” she asked, and the crowd responded with euphoric chants of “Shreya, Shreya!”
“Mujhe iss din ka intezar saalon se tha!”
Brimming with emotion, Shreya expressed how special the Mumbai concert was for her. “Finally the day has come, and I am performing in Mumbai (The same show was to be held earlier on May 10 at the same venue). I am so excited! Trust me Mumbai, mujhe iss din ka intezar saalon se tha!” she said, visibly overwhelmed.
“Bahut gaana hai, it's going to be an incredible night. Sab saath mein gaane wale hain. Hope you are prepared with some moves!” She then set the stage ablaze with chart-toppers like “Tum Kya Mile”, “Jadu Hai Nasha Hai”, and many more, turning the ground into one massive karaoke session with the audience singing in unison.
“Mumbai tumhari aur meri love story hai”
Declaring her eternal bond with the city, Shreya said, “I have a perfect song, because Mumbai tumhari aur meri love story hai. Aisi love story honi hai because Mumbai mera ghar hai, meri Bhoomi hai, mera sab kuch hai.” That heartfelt proclamation was followed by songs that touched the soul, “O Rangrez,” “Piyu Bole,” “O Saathi Re,” and “Deewani Mastani”.
As she sang, Shreya also took time to connect with fans holding up placards. “You’ve travelled 12,000 kilometres to be here!?” she read aloud in amazement. One fan had brought her a painted portrait to which she asked, “Main yeh rakh loon?” A girl from Kota caught her eye, prompting a warm, “You are from Kota! Hello, girl from my place!”
“Singing a Gulzar Saab song is an award in itself”
Shreya paid rich tributes to the lyricists and composers who’ve shaped her musical journey. “Gulzar saab ka koi gaana agar ga liya toh wohi award hai apne aap mein.” Reflecting on her blessed journey, she added, “Mujhe saare composers ne apne best gaane diye hain. Main bahut shukr guzar hoon unn sab ka. Aaj bhi woh sab gaane dil ko chhoote hain… because acche music ki life bahut lambi hoti hai.” She then delivered those very timeless tunes that audiences continue to cherish, proving that good music indeed has no expiration date.
“Aaj sabse surili audience hai. Kasam se”
As the audience harmonized note-for-note, Shreya playfully joked, “Everywhere I perform, I say, ‘I have the best singing audience today.’ I have said this in so many places that iss sentence ka koi trust value nahi raha. Iske toh memes bhi ban chuka hai. But today I really have to say, ‘Aaj sabse surili audience hai. Sacchi main, kasam se.’” Popular Bollywood singers were spotted cheering from the audience including Benny Dayal, Amit Trivedi, Aditi Singh Sharma, and Shalmali Kholgade.
“The reason I became a singer is because of Lata Ji’s voice”
In one of the evening’s most poignant moments, Shreya paid tribute to her greatest inspiration, Lata Mangeshkar. “The reason I became a singer is because of her voice. Her songs inspired me to choose music beyond just a simple passion or a career.” She followed this with soul-stirring renditions of “Lag Jaa Gale” and “Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar”.
“This is the first time I am singing this verse on stage”
In a surprise, Shreya sang a verse she had never sung live before. “There are so many songs I want to sing but never have the time. But aaj main tayyari karke aayi hoon. This is the first time I am singing this verse from ‘Main Agar Kahoon’ on stage.”
The magical moment left the audience spellbound. She also performed duets with singers Kinjal Chatterjee and Chaitanya Devadhe, fondly calling him “Chaitu.” They sang some favorites like “Manwa Laage,” “Tere Naina,” “Teri Ore,” “Dagabaaz Re,” and “Saans.”
“Thank you for being with me despite the rain”
Despite a mid-concert drizzle, the crowd stayed rooted to their spots. Organizers swiftly distributed free raincoats to all. Shreya smiled and thanked them saying, “Thank you for being with me despite the rain today.” Towards the end, she warmly introduced every member of her band and background vocalists, showing her appreciation for the people who make the magic happen behind the scenes.
After nearly 40 songs and three hours of pure musical bliss, Shreya closed the night with a powerful tribute to India’s armed forces with “Vande Mataram”.
Benny Dayal injured by drone during a concert in Chennai
8:19 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 5, 2023)
Singer Benny Dayal on Friday revealed that he was injured when a drone hit the back of his head during a live performance on Thursday in Chennai. A video of the incident that took place at VIT Chennai went viral on social media. In the video, the drone that was capturing the concert can be seen hitting the singer in the middle of his performance.
Taking to his Instagram, the Badtameez Dil singer posted a video sharing the details of the incident. He shared the drone hit his head and also bruised his fingers.
He said, “The drone’s fans hit the back of my head and bruised it a little bit. Two of my fingers got completely bruised. But that’s all fine. I will recover from this much faster, thanks to all your love and my parents’ prayers.”
Sharing his thoughts about how such incidents can be avoided in the future, Benny urged other artistes to add a clause in their contracts asking event organizers to rope in professional drone operators.
He said, “I just want to express three things. First, all artistes, hereon, make sure you have a clause in your technical rider saying that the drone cannot come that close to any artiste while they are performing because your movement and their movement cannot be coordinated unless and until you have a person, who is specifically working with you on drones.”
Addressing show organizers and drone operators, he said, “All colleges, companies, show or event organizers, please get a certified drone operator because it’s very dangerous. The person should be certified to operate a drone. For most drone operators, I just want to tell you one thing, we are artistes. We are just singing on stage. We are not Vijay or Ajith or Salman Khan or Prabhas or some action film hero. You don’t have to do all those stunts. Just do a regular show. We just want the show to look nice. The drones shouldn’t come so close and hurt the artistes.”
Benny Dayal recalls missing out on singing Behka Behka from Ghajini
8:08 AM
Vinay VR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 17, 2023)
Singer Benny Dayal, known for his peppy hits, broke onto the scene a decade ago, with back-to-back hits, from Pappu Can’t Dance Saala and Nazrein Milana (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, 2008) to Kaise Mujhe (Ghajini, 2008) and Tu Hi Toh Meri Dost Hai (Yuvvraaj, 2008) and others.
The singer shares that he was supposed to make his debut with the song Behka Behka, also from Ghajini. “I was working as an HR professional in a corporate firm. At that time I was offered to sing the track, [but] I told sir (A R Rahman, the film’s composer), ‘I’m at work and I’m unable to come now immediately for the recording’. I was really sad, but then Kaise turned out to be beautiful eventually,” the 38-year-old shares.
Shedding more light on Kaise Mujhe — a wistful romantic melody that struck a chord with audiences — he recalls, “Before Ghajini’s recording happened, he (Rahman) had recorded the song with just a melody. He had no intentions of composing it for the film. He asked me to sing the track. When the work for the movie started, he played the melody to Aamir (Khan, who played the protagonist) sir. Aamir sir loved the melody and wanted to use it in the movie. He also said that he wanted the same singer to sing the song. When I sang the song, I didn’t even know where the song was going,” Dayal recounts.
Talking about his synergy with the music maestro, Dayal says: “It was A R Rahman who actually identified the true potential of my voice. Initially, when I was being approached or I used to approach composers, I felt like a lot of them were clueless. They didn’t know which actor’s face my voice would suit. However, I always have faith that I am good at what I do,” says Dayal.
Original singers should be included in recreations-Kumar Sanu
8:13 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 4, 2021)
“There’s nothing wrong in picking old classics to give it a new spin, but the original creators shouldn’t be neglected. They should be included in the new version too,” feels singer Kumar Sanu.
He adds that recreating a song is not always bad. “Achi baat hai, no matter who sings, how they do it, whether original composition is retained or not. It can never be bad, like Chura Ke Dil Mera recreate hua hai with Benny Dayal singing it,” Sanu shares.
Along with Chura Ke Dil Mera, Sanu’s other songs Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka and Humko Sirf Tumse Pyar Hai have joined the growing list of recreated songs in the country. The 63-year-old feels including the original makers will add to its legacy and also help evade flak.
“When the original singer is there, you must include them in the process. It’ll lead to more public interest since it’s our song which has been a hit for past 20 years. If they include original singers, it’ll become better,” says the singer, who has been credited for giving classics, including Tujhe Dekha Toh and Jaati Hoon Main.
Without naming any song, he points out instances where recreated versions failed to evoke expected response.
He adds: “When someone sings and changes the composition, sometimes people don’t accept it.”
But he is quick to say that it’s not as if one is looking for work. “Hum toh abhi bhi aacha kaam kar rahe hain, aur humko naam ki zarorat nahi,” Sanu concludes.
Vivek Oberoi, Salim-Sulaiman, Vishal Dadlani, Shaan etc to perform for CPAA’s free online musical concert on June 7
5:37 PM
Eminent singers like Salim-Sulaiman, Vishal Dadlani, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala, Benny Dayal, Shadab Faridi, Neha Bhasin, Jonita Gandhi, Shilpa Rao, Aditi Singh, Bhoomi Trivedi, Anusha Mani, Mamta Sharma, Rasika Sekhar, Akriti Kakar etc and actors like Vivek Oberoi are all set to perform at a free-online concert named “Yes To Life… No To Tobacco”. It will be held on June 7 from 8 pm onwards, to create awareness and support cancer patients battling in the wake of COVID-19 on the occasion of World No Tobacco Week organized by Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) & World Health Organisation (WHO). The concert will be free for all to watch on TIKTOK India’s official handle.
The proceedings received from the concert will be used for underprivileged patients who travelled to Mumbai for their cancer treatment but got stranded due to the Coronavirus lockdown. CPAA has been providing them with monthly ration supplies, guiding them with the shelter facilities along with hygiene kits consisting of masks, sanitizers among others.
The concert will be free for all to watch on TikTok India’s official handle and guarantees 150 minutes of non-stop fun and entertainment.
Anita Peter, executive director of CPAA, says, “World No Tobacco Day 2020 will seek to educate policy-makers and the general public with regard to the tobacco industry’s harmful tactics and to alert smokers and potential smokers on the most important preventable cause of death and disease in youngsters. CPAA is proud to be working in the field of cancer for the last 50 years whereby we have helped more than 3000 oral & Lung cancer patients annually. During this pandemic, tobacco users have high risk of Coronavirus as smoking weakens their lungs.”
Cancer Patients Aid Association is a registered, charitable organization working towards Total Management of Cancer Patients and Awareness to Rehabilitation, since the last 51 years. CPAA assists poor patients by giving them free medical aid, food supplements, prosthesis, transport services besides counseling the patients, offering rehabilitation facilities and tobacco control being one of the major activity of the organization. CPAA have been commemorating World No Tobacco initiative since 2003 with the support of WHO for better awareness on health impact of tobacco control and reinforcement of effective laws.
Image: Sunny Leone sizzles in the new track from Arjun Patiala
8:16 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 2, 2019)
Things are looking ‘Sunny side up’ for the makers of Arjun Patiala. The film’s new track, Crazy Habibi VS Decent Munda, which will see Sunny Leone grooving alongside Diljit Dosanjh, will be unveiled tomorrow. The peppy number, composed by Sachin-Jigar, has been written and sung by Guru Randhawa, while the Arabic vocals have been rendered by Benny Dayal.
The movie features Diljit as a policeman with many quirks, while Varun Sharma plays an overdramatic hawaldar, and Kriti Sanon essays a gutsy reporter. Talking about the high-energy track that has been choreographed by Vijan Ganguly, director Rohit Jugraj says, “The song is a crazy dance number. It's for all the crazy habibis and decent mundas. The foot-tapping track has an underlying humour to it, and is an out-and-out club number. We had a blast shooting. The most fun thing was dressing Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Sharma in crazy costumes. Sunny Leone is, of course, fabulous, like she always is. Her dance moves in the song are to watch out for.”
Ayushmann Khurrana to perform with Arijit Singh in the USA?
7:59 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; April 10, 2018)
After impressing us with his acting prowess in slice-of-life movies such as Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and Bareilly Ki Barfi last year, Ayushmann Khurrana is making strides as a singer, too. The actor, who has sung Paani Da Rang (Vicky Donor) and cover versions of tracks like Nazm Nazm (Bareilly Ki Barfi), Haareya (Meri Pyaari Bindu), apart from his single Yahin Hoon Main, has been roped in to perform at a concert with Arijit Singh.
The event, which boasts of some of the leading names from the music industry, will be held on May 19 and 20 at the Shoreline Amphitheater, California, US. While day one will see Usha Uthup, Amaal Mallik, Armaan Malik, Benny Dayal and Mika Singh perform, on Day 2, Ayushmann will open the night that will feature Arijit. Says a source from the event, “It’s a huge concert and the organisers wanted the biggest and best singers at the event. Ayushmann commands global popularity for his acting and singing, so he was a natural fit.”
Indian Premier Futsal League 2017: Prominent footballers to party with the Bollywood stars this weekend
7:53 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 15, 2017)
Barcelona footballers Ronaldinho and Deco, Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes and Real
Madrid's Sal Gado, with the Chairman of the League, Luis Figo, arrived
in Mumbai on Thursday. The legends will be visiting the Siddhivinayak
temple on Friday morning, before kicking off the Indian Premier Futsal
League 2017. The inaugural kick-off will see performances by Benny Dayal
and Elli Abram with Tiger Shroff, who's bought a team in the league,
and State Sports Minister Vinod Tawde in attendance.
Ranbir Kapoor,
co-owner of Mumbai Football Club, and Abhishek Bachchan, who practice
with members of Bunty Walia's All Star Football Club (ASFC) regularly,
are expected to meet the footballers later in the day. “A star-studded
Futsal bash is being planned at a South Mumbai nightclub. The all-nighter
bash over the weekend will see many Bollywood actors and cricketers,
along with other sportsmen, on the guest list,“ a source told Mirror.
Jab Varun met Ronaldinho
Varun Dhawan was surprised to bump into Ronaldinho en route to Mumbai. The actor had been in Budapest and was on his way back to the city when he discovered that he and the Brazilan star footballer were scheduled to board the same flight.
According to a source, the duo met at Dubai airport. “Ronaldinho was obliging fans with selfies and so was Varun. They struck up a conversation and the football ace asked the actor if he is famous. They later had a good laugh over this comment after Varun admitted to being an Indian actor and showed Ronaldinho the trailer of his upcoming film, Judwaa 2. Since they were on the plane together, they had time to catch up and click pictures,” adds the source.
Varun, when contacted, confirmed this, saying, “It was cool to meet Ronaldinho who is a legend. Getting to interact with him was amazing.”
Last year, in January, the self-confessed football fan was spotted at a match during the La Liga tournament in Camp Nou, Barcelona. It was the 500th game for Lionel Messi, Argentina’s football legend.
Jab Varun met Ronaldinho
Varun Dhawan was surprised to bump into Ronaldinho en route to Mumbai. The actor had been in Budapest and was on his way back to the city when he discovered that he and the Brazilan star footballer were scheduled to board the same flight.
According to a source, the duo met at Dubai airport. “Ronaldinho was obliging fans with selfies and so was Varun. They struck up a conversation and the football ace asked the actor if he is famous. They later had a good laugh over this comment after Varun admitted to being an Indian actor and showed Ronaldinho the trailer of his upcoming film, Judwaa 2. Since they were on the plane together, they had time to catch up and click pictures,” adds the source.
Varun, when contacted, confirmed this, saying, “It was cool to meet Ronaldinho who is a legend. Getting to interact with him was amazing.”
Last year, in January, the self-confessed football fan was spotted at a match during the La Liga tournament in Camp Nou, Barcelona. It was the 500th game for Lionel Messi, Argentina’s football legend.
- Natasha Coutinho
I was offered Ude Dil Befikre as I could sing in Arabic-Benny Dayal
7:49 AM
Singer Benny Dayal reveals how he landed the Befikre title track, and key advice he got from A R rahman on staying ‘unique’
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; December 14, 2016)
Singer Benny Dayal’s dwindling discography of Bollywood tracks in 2016 is in stark contrast to his meaty compilation of the last few years. Yet, his second Hindi number this year is already climbing the charts for aptly portraying the freedom demanded by the song. Ude Dil Befikre, the title track of Aditya Chopra’s Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor-starrer composed by Vishal-Shekhar, has Benny humming an Arabic verse in it.
“I was offered the song because Vishal and Shekhar realised I could sing in Arabic. It seems like a simple track but was hard to deliver,” says the singer, adding, “I used to participate in inter-school Arabic singing competition. That’s also how I met Mr rahman (A R Rahman). He told me, ‘You can sing in Arabic. Don’t ever let this quality fade away. This makes you unique’.”
Ranveer, on whom the track is picturised, performed it at the global Citizen Festival india last month. “I met him before he went on stage. He gave me a hug before that,” says Benny. The singer was delighted to share the stage with Jay Z and Coldplay at the event, and confesses that it was a fanboy moment. “I didn’t get the opportunity to interact with them because of the high security, but just seeing Jay Z perform live made my day. I was really excited,” he says with child-like joy. The singer has been selective with his choice of songs because he wishes to green-light projects that are “experimental”. “I want to have diverse songs in my repertoire. I’d rather do great work than worry about delivering hits. I have learnt this from Mr Rahman and Salim Merchant.”
Asked if any other creative art, besides music, interests him, Benny says he enjoys whipping up delicacies in the kitchen. “My wife and i often spend time cooking together [he tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Catherine Thangam in June]. I really enjoy making indian food, especially chicken curry. Recently, my maid went on leave for a month. So, my wife and I had a great time trying our hand at different cuisines.”
Learn an instrument. Learn the DNA of music-Salim Merchant
7:46 AM
Salim Merchant’s advice to aspiring Voices? Drown in the ocean of music
Bryan Durham (DNA; December 10, 2016)
Salim Merchant is a busy, busy man. And we say this in a good way. One half of the fabled Salim-Sulaiman composer duo, he’s now a judge on &TV’s The Voice India Season 2. And there’s not a hint of fatigue in his voice as we connect over the phone, just ahead of a recording he’s due to get into. A self-confessed lover of the show and its format, he takes his job seriously, but finds enough time to have fun doing it with his fellow judges. Keenly aware and good-humoured, he makes for engaging conversation. Read on...
You’re doing a lot of work internationally — we’ve heard of your collaborations with musicians and the international films you and Sulaiman are working on. How do you find time for a show like The Voice India Season 2?
(Laughs) I’ve been in love with the format since its earliest days. I’ve watched the US, UK and the Australian versions, too (the last one, because Seal, my fav singer, was on the show). I’ve always been attracted to the vibe of the show. I remember there was talk of the show coming to India a few years ago, but nothing happened. When it finally did on &TV, I was doing another reality show when Season 1 aired. Unfortunately, both shows were telecast in the same time slot. Nevertheless, I’d miss my show and catch Voice India. I was very happy when they approached me for this season and because I know the format really well. From whatever we’ve shot, I can tell you it’s been a great journey so far.
Why are blind auditions better?
Like it or not, you do get influenced. You do have a preset idea before you judge, which is absolutely eliminated here. In a blind audition, you’re just listening to and not looking at. Only the best voices can make you turn your chair.
We believe you guy are done with a few of the auditions. First impressions?
Unbelievable! I know how it sounds, but it really is a fact.We have singers from small towns singing jazz and blues, which isn’t what you expect. The general perception is that they are classically trained — which they well may be — but some even sang Western interpretations of old Bollywood songs. If you haven’t seen the promos yet, do give it a look. Some of the talent is unbelievable. Also, this season, the show has amazing coaches in Neeti Mohan, Shaan and Benny Dayal. You should see us — how we break into song sponteaneously and are always willing to sing a line or shake a leg. There’s a lot of young energy...
How’s your rapport with the other judges?
(Sighs) They’ve all started their careers with me. I don’t mean to sound old or whatever, but Neeti, if you remember, was part of Aasma, a band we mentored and I’ve seen her in her every early years. Benny ke baare mein kya boloon. A R Rahman had suggested he come meet me. The day we first met, I made him sing Pocket Mein Rocket for Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year. That was his first Bollywood song outside of Rahman’s camp. Ever since, he has never looked back. I was the reason why he stayed back in Mumbai and moved from Chennai. You can ask him that! We did two or three songs together for Band Bajaa Baaraat and it went on and on from there. What do I say about Shaan? He and I go back 25 years. Back to the time when I started doing jingles. We’re pretty much the same age.
Fancy yourself as the Blake Shelton of India, Voice-wise?
I think Pharrell is most like me. He’s a music producer. Everyone wants to be in his team.
What kind of voices are you looking for?
Believe it or not, I’ve got the best team so far. Don’t mean to blow my horn or anything, but what I believe is that every singer looks to team up with a composer, because they believe they will get an opportunity to work with the composer — and I have given opportunities to deserving singers. And I believe it has happened here. When all four judges turn, like it or not, the singer has come to my team, knowing there’s a future there.
What kind of future do you think singers on such shows can expect?
The world watches them. Aur aisa nahi hai ki chance nahi milta. Playback singing is just one avenue (and I know it’s a big one), but there’s also live concerts, festivals, advertising as well. All this talent gets watched and loved. The media doesn’t grab that because ultimately we don’t have a music industry, we have a film industry.
What advice would you give aspiring singers?
Learn an instrument. Learn the DNA of music. And not just what’s Western or Indian classical music. There’s so much more. Take Arijit Singh, for example. He is a fantastic singer, who once stopped singing and started arranging and producing. That’s where he became so good. He drowned himself in the ocean of music. That’s what’s so important. a lot of singers feel there’s a shortcut to success. Sing a song, get your glory, do your concerts then tu kaun, main kaun. What I’d like to say is that music is a crazy ocean. Drown in it; you can’t just swim in it. Only when you drown, you find your craft.
The Voice India Season 2 starts tonight and airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm on &TV.
Benny Dayal recorded Bas Bajna Chahiye & then fell asleep in mixing room-Amit Trivedi
8:36 AM
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; October 26, 2014)
Nothing celebrates life like
music does, especially when it is foot-tapping, lilting songs that
leave a lasting impression on you. Bas Bajna Chahiye is one such song
created by one of Bollywood's hottest composers, Amit Trivedi. In a chat
with Bombay Times, he tells us more about this single...
How did Bas Bajna Chahiye come about? Tell us more about the song.
It was a Times Music initiative. We wanted a song that celebrated music and life. There is an unmistakable connect that life and everything in it has to music, and this is what we've expressed in this song. I feel that whatever we do in life, gaana is an invariable part of it, and that is the funda behind Bas Bajna... Working on this song has been a memorable experience for me and for everyone else associated with it. A severely jet-lagged Benny Dayal recorded the song perfectly, after which he fell asleep on the floors of the mixing room. He woke up only after three hours!
How much is music a part of your life?
I wake up in the morning and the first thing I do is start playing music while I go about my morning rituals. When I leave home for work, I play music in my car, when I reach work, of course, there is music. Again while travelling, I listen to music. I come back home to music and even when I am going off to sleep, I have my headphones on. It is a 24x7 thing for me and I am sure for many others, too. Life mein kuch bhi karo, songs will always be an important part. It is music that inspires you, motivates you, celebrates your emotions and makes you happy.
How did Bas Bajna Chahiye come about? Tell us more about the song.
It was a Times Music initiative. We wanted a song that celebrated music and life. There is an unmistakable connect that life and everything in it has to music, and this is what we've expressed in this song. I feel that whatever we do in life, gaana is an invariable part of it, and that is the funda behind Bas Bajna... Working on this song has been a memorable experience for me and for everyone else associated with it. A severely jet-lagged Benny Dayal recorded the song perfectly, after which he fell asleep on the floors of the mixing room. He woke up only after three hours!
How much is music a part of your life?
I wake up in the morning and the first thing I do is start playing music while I go about my morning rituals. When I leave home for work, I play music in my car, when I reach work, of course, there is music. Again while travelling, I listen to music. I come back home to music and even when I am going off to sleep, I have my headphones on. It is a 24x7 thing for me and I am sure for many others, too. Life mein kuch bhi karo, songs will always be an important part. It is music that inspires you, motivates you, celebrates your emotions and makes you happy.
When composing Creature, I didn't have Aashiqui 2 or Murder 2 in mind-Mithoon
7:44 AM
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 21, 2014)
Song: Hum Na Rahein Hum (Creature)
Lyricist-Composer Mithoon
Hum na rahein hum, jo the kabhi
Khud ko hai chohda, peeche kahin
Teri ore, badhne lage
Teri tarah, banne lage...
It is surprising that this romantic ballad which starts out as a search for love and ends with the promise to leave oneself behind and become that person, is a part of India's first creature feature.
Lyricist-composer Mithoon admits that when he was first approached by producer Bhushan Kumar and director Vikram Bhatt, he wondered what he'd do in a thriller which induced fear. "But they immediately made it clear that they weren't looking for a song or even a music piece that embodied the Creature. I was told that the entire soundtrack should revolve around the relationship between this shy musician who conveys everything through songs rather than words and a girl who having lost everything, fears nothing as she attempts to make a fresh start in this hotel where the creature makes its appearance," he says.
It was the third week of May 2013 and the shoot was to begin in June. There wasn't much time left. With that brief in mind, Mithoon sat down at the piano one quiet afternoon and the words flowed, as easily and naturally as the notes. In a couple of hours he, had not just the lyrics but the melody too, and as is his habit, he went around the studio sharing his music with everyone.
"I then sang the song sitting on the piano and recorded it without any groove or movement and I sent it across to Bhushan and Vikram who loved it," he reminisces.
For eight months, through the shoot and into the edit, Hum na rahe hum played in Mithoon's voice. But just before the album was to come out, he felt that since he's not a trained singer, he should bring in a more professional vocalist who could bring a new dimension to the song.
"I was looking for a different voice and Benny Dayal who has crooned some amazing ballads and has a great connect with the youth, was on top of my list," he says.
He called the singer over to his studio three months ago. The first time Benny simply listened to the song and absorbed it. He then took off on a 20-day concert tour and on his return suggested they dub the track. "When I pointed out that we should rehearse it first, he told me that he had been doing just that for the last three weeks," smiles the music director, adding that they wrapped up the song in a couple of hours.
Prod him on the actors, Imran Abbas Naqvi and Bipasha Basu, and Mithoon says that while writing and composing a song, he only thinks about characters, not the actors. "Bipasha and Imran have done a fantastic job. I like the vibe and the dark tone of the frames," points out the composer who is still high on the success of Aashiqui 2.
Talking about his last year's big hit, he admits that given the popularity of the original soundtrack, he was under some amount pressure when composing for the sequel. "But as I do with every film and every song, I put every bit of myself into the music and Aashiqui 2 changed my life," he exults.
"When composing Creature, I did not have Aashiqui 2 or Murder 2 in mind. However, I'm the same guy so the emotions of love are the same. And it's not just the love between a man and a woman. It reaches out to encompass the feelings of a son for his father, a student for his teacher, a protege for his mentor, even a fan and his idol. A love that gives you a better life, a love for which you would even die."
Tere aage jhukne lage,
Tere raaston par rukne lage,
Ab to mohabbat mein lutne chale,
Jeene ki khwahish mein marne chale.
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