Showing posts with label Himesh Reshammiya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Himesh Reshammiya. Show all posts
"There can be no music without Arijit Singh": Bollywood responds to singer’s retirement
10:46 AM
For more than a decade, one voice soundtracked Bollywood’s biggest emotions. Now, as Arijit Singh steps away from playback singing, composers, collaborators, and labels reckon with a future without their safest musical bet
Mohar Basu, Priyanka Sharma, Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 1, 2026)
“There can be no music without Arijit Singh," an emotional Mohit Suri told mid-day, reacting to news that sent Indian music lovers into collective shock. On Tuesday night, in an Instagram post, the two-time National Award-winning singer announced his retirement from playback singing. "There is not one reason behind this. I have been trying to do this since a long time. Finally, I have gathered the right courage. One of the reasons were simple, I get bored pretty quick, that’s why I keep changing arrangements of the same songs and perform them on stage," he wrote.
The voice that became an era
For more than a decade, Arijit was Bollywood's go-to guy for any track in any genre. When a film needed longing, his voice delivered it. When a love story or heartbreak had to feel intimate, his timbre did the work before the lyrics even began. By the mid-2010s, Bollywood leaned heavily on Arijit. Across Hindi and multiple regional industries — including Bengali, Marathi and Telugu — he has recorded over 800 songs, including alternate versions and live-session recordings. Few playback singers in recent decades have occupied that much sonic space.
His dominance carried serious commercial weight. Industry experts estimate his net worth in the range of Rs. 414 crore (roughly $50 million), built on recording fees, tours, streaming royalties and brand associations. Annual earnings reportedly touched Rs. 70 crore in recent years.
Days before announcing his exit, Arijit released Maatrubhumi for Salman Khan’s Battle Of Galwan. A stunned Himesh Reshammiya, who composed the song, told mid-day, "I have always said that Arijit Singh understands the soul of the music composer and the melody; he is fabulous. I wish he changes his stand on not singing for films, love him both as an artiste and a human being."
While he may not take up fresh playback gigs, Arijit still has a few recorded songs lined up for 2026. One of them is Hum Toh Tere Hi Liye The from O'Romeo, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar. Another is Sunhari Kirne from Gandhi Talks, composed by AR Rahman.
While he might not be taking up any fresh playback gigs, Singh still has a few recorded songs set to release in 2026. One of them is Hum Toh Tere Hi Liye The from O’Romeo, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar, a romantic track filmed on Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. Another is “Sunhari Kirne” from Gandhi Talks, composed by A.R. Rahman, which is one of the year’s most musically anticipated soundtracks.
Industry confronts a void
A top suit at Sony Music, tells mid-day, on condition of anonymity, “This changes the ground beneath us more than people realize. For years, when a film album came in and there was one song, the one the trailer would lean on the one streaming platforms would push and the first question in the room was always, ‘Can we get Arijit?’ I speak for producers and insiders when I say there was built-in trust. People outside think this is just about replacing one voice with another. It’s not that simple because that's a once-in-a-generation artist. He became the sound of modern Hindi film. When that disappears, you’re filling a big void. And that’s scary when crores are riding on streaming numbers. There’s also habit to undo. Directors, actors, even lyricists were subconsciously writing for how his voice would feel. Without that anchor, the room will be quieter. Everyone second-guesses more. We’ll discover new singers, of course. But it will be hard to replace that voice.”
Industry veterans understand Singh's decision. Mahesh Bhatt, with whom Singh did a large volume of his early work, told mid-day, "I remember the first time I saw Arijit Singh very clearly. It was at the music launch of Aashiqui 2 at Super Sound in Khar—the old place, full of dust, wires, and hope. His name was announced and he was called to the stage to sing Tum Hi Ho. A shy, self-effacing young man walked up, almost apologetically, with no sense of entitlement. He didn’t claim the song; he offered it. And in that moment, something entered the bloodstream of the nation. That song didn’t just become popular, it became personal. What made Arijit Arijit was never just his voice. It was his refusal to perform himself. His singing carried no ego, no demand to be noticed. He stepped aside and let emotion speak. So when someone asks me if I would miss his voice, life has taught me to answer this way: I have learned to say goodbye to people I love without removing them from my heart. Chaplin once said something to that effect, and it has stayed with me. Even if Arijit chooses silence, his voice will not leave us. And I don’t believe he is turning away from music—only from noise. If he sings only for himself now, that is not withdrawal. That is an artist exercising his deepest privilege. Voices like his don’t vanish. They remain long after the song ends."
Inside the mind of a restless artist
Aashiqui 2 director Suri, with whose words we started, gave us an insight into his long-time collaborator's psyche. Singh first fame with the film he made and even in his last hit Saiyaara, Singh had a large role to play Suri tells us.
"I don't remember a time when he wasn't creating something. Before playback, he was an assistant. In some early music sessions of my career, I remember Arijit clicking pictures of Pritam and me at the studio. He would spend a lot of money buying a expensive camera and then tell us, these pictures are for us to remember history. Of course, I am going to miss him a lot but that said, I also understand his decision.
We all evolve as creative people in our journey and step up to find the next phase of our lives and careers. This isn't a man who will be content with himself. He has the itch of an artist. Anyone who has worked with him tell you he would give different iterations, will sit and understand the story of the film and fit his voice to suit the story. I remember during Hamari Adhuri Kahani, we did three versions of the title track. He asked me how does it end and I told him, it ends tragically. He said there needs to be defeat in the voice then. He was such an important collaborator for any director or music composer. But even at that, he was still working on someone else's vision.
May be he wants to create his own vision for himself. He is also such an immensely secure artist, pure artist as they say. There have been times he has been called in to sing a song, he has heard the scratch and said, 'Please retain what you have, I can't do what they've done'. We did Saiyaara's songs across timezones - I was in Japan and he was in Murshidabad. But after the film, his response for the movie was such an honest take. He loved the film more than Aashiqui 2 which gave him his big break. He has evolved into an artist who values the art more than himself. Wherever he goes from here and whatever he does, he will create music because for the close to two decades I have known him, I have never known him without music. That bond will be inseparable."
Not an ending, but a reset
Of course, rumours are rife that Singh has moved to filmmaking and is currently shooting a movie in Shantiniketan that he and his wife Koel have written. The jungle-adventure project features Shora Siddiqui and Arijit’s son, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Lyricists Siddharth-Garima, who have collaborated with Singh on several hit numbers, are working on his upcoming directorial. Garima tells mid day that they weren’t shocked by Singh’s decision.
“We met him multiple times in the last one year. We saw it coming because there is a very different kind of burnout that an artist can suffer from in the Hindi film industry,” Garima says, adding that when an artiste is made to repeat his or her previous work, it takes a toll.
“When people repetitively ask you to do the same things or sing similar things, it could get to you. We were seeing that point somewhere. He sings with a lot of sincerity even now. We've seen him record and he would take 100 takes for a line in a song. His process is something else. I'm sure that process tires him out. A burnout is very easy in this industry because you have to work tirelessly and endlessly.”
To Garima, there’s also an expectation from the industry that every song should be sung by Singh. He has enjoyed a monopoly of sorts in Bollywood playback singing for over 15 years now. But it’s not something that the sits right with the singer himself, “When Alia Bhatt just came in, everyone was thinking of scripts in which Alia would play the lead. That's how it is here. Everyone makes songs here, mostly thinking, ‘Arijit gaayega’. The first time you make a really melodious number, you are already imagining how it would sound in Arijit's voice? But the kind of person that he is, he comes from a very just background. He's not the kind of person who will think, ‘Sirf main hi main hoon.’ He thinks this shouldn’t happen and there should be more people who should get a chance,” Garima says, to which Siddharth adds that Singh is “a very secure artiste”.
“People talking about him creating a monopoly has never bothered him. In fact, that is a fuel. He's enabling diversity with this decision. We have that equation with him where we make him listen to every song that we record,” the lyricist says.
Singh has lent his voice to several songs written by Siddharth-Garima, including the chartbusters Yeh Laal Ishq (Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram Leela) and Satranga (Animal). Naturally, it’s a huge loss for them as collaborators.
“Sanjay Leela Bhansali always says that he values a written word and believes a singer's job is to communicate to the listener the voice in those words. that voice. When I say, ‘Yeh laal ishq, yeh malaal ishq,’ how does that line reach you? It's a singer's job entirely. And more often than not, we notice in recording rooms, singers are not really singing, not feeling the line enough. Arijit will take it to that point. That's what his contribution has been. He brings his own imagination to the song.”
So, what does Hindi film music look like without his voice, we ask the duo. “The songs that he's already sung are there as his legacy. But the music scene in Bollywood would change. And it would be a huge change. Of course, it comes as a shock to many people. But I feel this is a natural progression. There’s always space for new people. There won’t be another Arijit but there will be more people, who will get a chance. People will start thinking imaginatively,” she says. And this is something even Singh wants from the industry, shares the lyricist.
“What really irritates him is the fact that people are not thinking imaginatively enough. They are just relying on a set pattern that if we have Arijit, we will get X number of listeners. I think that has put him off from the entire scenario that oh, you want a guarantee hit song, you want him to sing that song. What about experimenting? What about thinking outside the box? It’s great for an artiste to take a step back and take into account that what’s happening around him is not okay. There was no reason for him to say that I'm not going to sing Bollywood songs anymore, but he's an extremely honest and honest person to have taken that step,” Garima shares.
But even as fans express their disappointment over the singer’s decision, Garima is sure Singh will make a comeback sometime in future. “I feel there will at some point be a comeback, like how Sonu (Nigam) ji was ruling the charts in the 90s. And then of course, there was a phase in which he faded out and then now he's back fully. So I feel before that would happen, Arijit has taken the wise call of saying, ‘Okay. Let me not create a monotony with my voice right now.’ Let people yearn for it and then probably he'll make a comeback. I'm hoping he would someday,” she smiles.
But there won’t be dearth of Singh’s music, as he is set to launch his own label. “He is going to keep making independent music. So we are going to hear him a lot more on, his own label and all of that. And not many people know but he is a very m good composer. We've written to some of his compositions. You will see him in a different light,” Siddharth says.
Nose no limits; How Himesh Reshammiya became a Lord and a meme
3:19 PM
Mohua Das (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 7, 2025)
These days, Himesh Reshammiya enters the stage like Batman might. He doesn’t walk on so much as emerge through smoke and trap door in black flared cape and sunglasses. The cap is firmly welded to his head and has become the leitmotif of his Cap Mania Tour, with a giant red replica looming over the stage.
“The cap happened because I lost my hair. It was the best look possible then but created an emotional connect,” he says. The admission is oddly disarming. His camouflage attempt spawned parodies but made him instantly recognizable. The transplanted hair that followed has been mercurial too — silky curtains, poker-straight spikes, side-swept bangs, retro shag. And while the hair styles may change, the nasal twang remains non-negotiable. Only some artists can turn what they were once mocked for into a punchline. Himesh, now 52, does that with ease. On stage, he asks fans: “Naak se gaaun kya?” (Should I sing from my nose?) and the stadium roars back, “Yes!”
That twang has carried him further than even he’d imagined. Along with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, he’s made it to Bloomberg’s Pop Power List. Debuting at No 22, he is the first Indian to do so. The feat, he says, isn’t a fluke. “My strength has always been as a composer who knew how to spot the X-factor. My voice needed Himesh the composer to deliver those 50 back-to-back hits.”
It sounds faintly absurd phrased that way, except for one thing. The ranking is based on seven data-driven metrics including live revenues, ticket sales, digital song streams and social media following. “The numbers have spoken, so I've nothing to add,” he deadpans.
He’s had his share of critics. About ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’, which released 20 years ago, he recalls, “People loved the song and I got awards, yet they asked, ‘Arre naak se kyun gaa raha hai?’ (Why are you singing nasally?)”
Fast-forward to 2025, and fans dressed in HR-emblazoned caps and jackets watch Reshammiya sing ‘tera tera… surroooor’, the song that launched a thousand memes and is now chanted by Gen Z in sold-out stadiums with the kind of fervour you usually witness for boybands and cricket finals.
The Delhi and Mumbai concerts saw 50,000 turn up. When Mumbai sold out, fans flew to Delhi where the concert was over two nights because one wasn’t enough. Though the show was meant to close at 10 pm, Himesh informed the crowd, “Aaj main mood mein aa gaya hoon,” and carried on for another hour. Nobody complained.
This is the same man who once baffled linguists by releasing an album titled ‘Aap Kaa Surroor’ with the respectful ‘Aap’ not even used once. Instead, it was Tera on a loop — Naam Hai Tera, Tera Fitoor, Tera Mera Milna, Tera Aana, Tera Deewana — like a Freudian fixation running through his discography like a watermark. Now, after two decades, five movies, a hair transplant, a vocal-cord surgery that gifted him a second bass octave, and a six-pack, he has been rebranded by fans as ‘Lord Himesh’.
His unlikely comeback began with Surroorgasm. Not a medical condition but a meme page that mutated into a stan account with nearly 1.5 lakh followers on Instagram.
Soon came spin-offs like Himesh Doing Things. Exhibit A: Himesh as a gym bro downing protein. Exhibit B: Himesh slow-walking through a desert in a black trench coat embodying global warming. Exhibit C: Himesh licking his lips diagonally for the first time. “I love it,” he says about his meme-ification. His listeners, he insists, were always there at parties, weddings and clubs. “Even when the films didn’t work.”
Every singer, he argues, has a USP. The nasal twang is his. “It’s not a gimmick,” he insists, but a lineage. “Even Kishore da (Kumar) loved K L Saigal saab, who was nasal. Our roots have always been nasal.”
But the “real Himesh” he explains, is about smuggling complex ragas to unsuspecting masses, the way a parent sneaks veggies into a child’s sandwich. “Sometimes it’s a pure raga, sometimes a mishra raga. Sanam Mere Humraaz, for instance, was raga Bhairav in disguise,” he holds forth. His trick, he says, is simplifying India’s musical DNA until everyone can hum it on the bus.
Something he learnt from his father, composer Vipin Reshammiya, one of the first to plug electronica into Bollywood. “Composing was in my blood. But he taught me how to compose for the common man with high-standard notes.” Armed with that formula, Reshammiya built himself an arsenal of 350 songs — tragic ballads, shaadi bangers, heartbreak anthems — you name it.
He has his own homegrown focus group of family, neighbours, school friends. He plays them a tune, watches their reactions, and sorts the track into cool urban, desi, or universal. If they love it, it stays. If they don’t, it gets tweaked until they do. He now has a library of more than 2,000 songs. “Even today, I compose one a day.”
The point, he adds, was never to stay a ‘panchwa gayak’ (fifth backup singer).” Playback felt too small a box. “Michael Jackson never sang for Tom Cruise, did he?” His ambition was to be “a complete package. Voice, composition, visual character.” His signature chant: “Jai Mata di, let’s rock!” is part of the package, and it works equally well in stadiums, on Instagram, and at Vaishno Devi, where he’s performed half a dozen jagrans in recent years.
But his way back into the public imagination was ‘Badass Ravi Kumar’, a retro ’80s-type action film released in February where he leans into his memes, sprinting across Florence’s Duomo roof, slicing villains in half, and gnawing on an unlit cigarette because the line goes: ‘Woh cigarette peeta nahi hai par cigarette ke bina jeeta nahi hai (He doesn’t smoke but can’t live without his cigarette).’ “The film’s tagline was ‘logic is optional’,” he deadpans.
And it lived up to it. It’s the sort of absurd that saw fans on Reddit and elsewhere induct ‘Badass Ravi Kumar’ into the “so-bad-it’s-good” hall of fame. The Rs 20-crore film made over Rs 25 crore in its first run and unleashed the sort of delirium in theatres that big stars now crave as multiplex footfalls thin. Apparently, OTT platforms are now fighting over rights. “I just needed one film to give me that ‘hit actor’ tag that connected with the youth,” he says, fully aware that Gen Z discovered Ravi Kumar first and only later dug into Reshammiya’s catalogue of nasal bangers.
In a curious prequel to his pop stardom, while most 17-year-olds were solving algebra, “I produced my first Hindi show, ‘Andaz’ in the ’80s,” he recalls, starring heavyweights like Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Poonam Dhillon, Prem Chopra and others.
Ask Reshammiya about hobbies, and he valiantly says, “Cricket and board games.” His wife, sitting nearby, cuts in. “He’s giving you fakeology! Basically, he eats, sleeps, drinks, travels, dreams only films. He has no hobbies!”
Reshammiya laughs but doesn’t protest too hard. “We’re lucky that our hobby is our profession.” If Sonia keeps him grounded, she’s also the reason his cap matches his cape. “She’s my stylist and says heads should turn when I enter a room. My curated look and fitness are part of the job.”
So, what other summits does he want to scale? “I’m a very bad dancer,” he admits, “but I’m going to learn so that in ten years I can perform with a six-pack.” Before you raise an eyebrow, he talks about his next project: “An English-language global pop blockbuster.” He says he’s already written and sung 15 tracks, due this December.
And will it be nasal? He doesn’t flinch. “See, my basic texture will always be there. But the grammar, production, composition… those will be genuinely international.”
The nose, it turns out, knows no borders.
Uttarakhand rains delay Emraan Hashmi and Himesh Reshammiya's Gunmaaster G9 schedule to September
10:59 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 16, 2025)
On July 9, as soon as Gunmaaster G9 was announced, social media went into overdrive, cheering the reunion of Emraan Hashmi and Himesh Reshammiya, who composed many of the actor’s chartbusters in the early 2000s. But the Aditya Datt-directed action thriller has hit a roadblock right at the start. While the Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh-starrer was to roll in a village near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand by mid-July, the makers have called off the schedule in light of the heavy rains that battered North India last week.
The call was taken to ensure the safety of the cast and crew, says Datt. “The situation in North India, especially Uttarakhand and even Delhi, has been quite serious. While our team was eager to push forward, for me, the safety of my crew comes first. We’re dealing with real [locations], not sets, and the risk factor becomes too high in such weather.”
The team has reworked the shoot dates. Now, Gunmaaster G9 will roll only in September. “We’d rather wait and shoot with full intensity once the skies clear,” states Datt.
The decision may have resulted in a six-week delay for the project, but producer Deepak Mukut is unfazed. He says, “We’ve all seen how the rains have wreaked havoc, [resulting in] road closures, flooding, and landslides. It’s not the right time to shoot. We made this decision unanimously.”
This is the first time in my career that I have been trolled-Kirti Kulhari
3:13 PM
Stating that a section of the audience is judging her for Badass Ravi Kumar, Kirti Kulhari says she starred in the spoof action comedy to challenge her own perception of being a serious actor
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 8, 2025)
Why her?” That was the question many viewers had after watching Kirti Kulhari in Badass Ravi Kumar’s trailer. Interestingly, the actor too had a similar question—“Why me?”—when actor-musician Himesh Reshammiya offered her a role in the Keith Gomes-directed spoof action comedy. After all, Badass Ravi Kumar was wildly different from the powerful stories, like Shaitaan (2011), Pink (2016) and Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors (2020), that Kulhari has leaned towards in her 15-year career.
“I was shocked. But Himesh told me, ‘I need an actor for this role.’ I was flattered that he thought of me for his film,” she smiles.
Kulhari laughs that her hairdo, a short bob at the time, was another reason why Reshammiya thought she would be the perfect fit to play a glamorous assassin. She recalls, “He said, ‘I really like your hairstyle. I want that look for the part.’”
The actor knew that the audience would be surprised to see her in the action comedy that demands suspension of logic. She viewed it not as a deterrent, but as an opportunity to challenge the audience’s perception of her. More importantly, she wanted to challenge her own biases about the kind of actor she wants to be.
“I am seen as a serious actor. But I realized that I didn’t want any strict notions about me, not just from the audience, but also myself. I wanted to shatter any judgment I harboured for spoof films. I also wanted to break the perception I had of myself as an actor. Until a few years ago, I wouldn’t have said yes to a film like this.”
In the days between the trailer’s release and the film hitting the marquee, Kulhari got it all, from compliments to criticism. “People are telling me that I’m looking hot. I’m surprised by it because I had a glam look in Four More Shots Please! There are also many comments where people have criticized me. In fact, this is the first time in my career that I have been trolled. People have written, ‘Aisi bhi kya majboori thi [that you had to do this film]?’ When you’re used to being praised for your work, this feels like a different experience. I asked myself if I was at ease receiving criticism, and the answer was yes. It felt freeing.”
Himesh Reshammiya’s father composer Vipin Reshammiya dies at 88
8:59 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (September 20, 2024)
Music director and producer Vipin Reshammiya, father of singer-composer Himesh Reshammiya, has died at the age of 88. As per reports, the veteran music director was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night due to breathing and age-related issues.
In a media statement issued on behalf of the family, close friend Anup Singh said Vipin Reshammiya died on Wednesday.
“It is with profound grief that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Vipin Reshammiya on September 18, 2024. A kind soul with a heart full of love, his presence lit up the lives of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, cherished memories and timeless music,” the statement read.
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 20, 2024)
Singer-composer Himesh Reshammiya’s father, music director Vipin Reshammiya died on Wednesday night. In a media statement issued on behalf of the family, close friend Anup Singh said, “A kind soul with a heart full of love, his presence lit up the lives of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, cherished memories and timeless music.”
Vipin was admitted to a suburban hospital in Mumbai and was reportedly suffering from breathing issues and age-related health problems. His last rites were conducted at the Oshiwara crematorium.
Vipin has composed scores for several notable films throughout his career, including Insaf Ki Jung (1988), and The Xpose (2014) and Teraa Surroor (2016) - both films starred Himesh in the lead.
In 2021, Himesh spoke on Indian Idol 12 about how his father composed a song with late singers Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar which was never released. He had shared a clip on Instagram, writing, “I feel that it’s one of the finest classic melodies of all time which should come out in the market for all music lovers and I will be bringing the song out in the market soon. (sic)”
Himesh Reshammiya granted relief; no prima facie case, says court
7:55 AM
Rebecca Samervel (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 13, 2023)
Mumbai: Upholding a lower court’s order that there was prima facie no case against him, a sessions court on Friday rejected a plea by a 60-year-old Indian-origin American national’s cheating complaint against Bollywood actor and musician Himesh Reshammiya, his father, manager and a film director.
The complainant, Vijay Taneja, who invested Rs 40 crore in Himesh’s 2007 film ‘Aap Kaa Surroor’, alleged he never received reports of the film’s business, as agreed upon, or profits.
“However, there is no material on record to show that there was any element of the deception, manipulation, fraud and embezzlement of funds on the part of respondent Nos 2 to 5 (Himesh and others) from the very inception of the investment, as alleged,” additional sessions judge AZ Khan said.
On December 14, 2021, a magistrate’s court rejected Taneja’s plea seeking directions to the police to register an offence against Himesh, his father Vipin Reshmmiya, manager Mahendra Singh and film director Prashant Chadda. Taneja moved a revision application in sessions court in 2022.
A US resident, Taneja submitted that he had a business that involved promoting events and organizing shows for actors and performers in India. He submitted that Himesh approached him through the manager and director with a proposal to fund the film.
He said that the partnership deed was executed in 2006, whereby it was agreed that the estimated cost of the film, Rs 40 crore, was to be invested by Taneja and that it would be completed by February 2007. He would bear the losses. The film was estimated to produce revenue in the range of Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore and the parties were to equally share profits from the film after the return of the invested amount of Rs 40 crore.
He said that the film made over Rs 10 crore in the first week of its release. He alleged that neither a copy of the partnership deed nor Rs 40 crore along with the profit, as agreed, was given to him despite several reminders.
Denying allegations of cheating, the Reshmmiyas submitted that all documents, account statements and information in respect of expenses and revenue collection including losses were communicated to Taneja. They said that Taneja received Rs 2.27 crore from as full and final settlement and had agreed through email not to make any further claims.
The judge said, “...documents filed by both parties clearly read that there were number of communications between the complainant and respondent No 2 (Himesh) through e-mails and through their respective advocates wherein the respondent made available all documents, account statements and information in respect of expenses and revenue collection etc...”
The judge said Taneja’s subsequent actions seemed unfair and unjust.
I became a TV serial producer at 16-Himesh Reshammiya
8:32 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 18, 2023)
Himesh Reshammiya on how it is important for an artist to keep evolving. Himesh Reshammiya has been part of the industry for a long time now. In addition to singing and composing, he has also been actively judging singing reality shows. While he is all set to return as a judge in the upcoming season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023, he talks about how he believes singers should focus on their overall personalities, too.
He says, “I feel that singers need to be physically fit, in addition to being talented, because it is no longer only about playback singing like it used to be. They are seen and they have to interact with people as well, so they should focus on their personalities, too. For an artiste, it is important to evolve.”
Singing and dance reality shows are often accused of showing too much drama. Ask Himesh about this and he says, “It’s the atmosphere on the set... it’s all natural. Even when I have a bond with someone, it is real. There are family stories and emotional stories shared on stage, but the final voting is always up to the audience.”
The singer recollects when he started off and talks about his love for music. "I became a TV serial producer at 16. Later, I became a composer in films and then a singer and now, I am also acting. I have done 25 to 30 reality shows till date. Music is in my blood and it helps me to reinvent myself each time.”
25 Years of Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya: 50-100 saal baad bhi iss film ka music fresh hi lagega-Kumar Sanu
8:32 AM
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 15, 2023)
Singer Kumar Sanu holds the two songs he recorded for Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998; PKTDK) — the film’s title track and Tum Par Hum Hain Atke Yaara — close to his heart. “The film marked my first collaboration with (composer) Himesh Reshammiya. Odh Li Chunariya was my first song with Himesh and it became a hit. After that, we recorded many songs together. I had a great time recording Odh Li Chunariya. Himesh was very young at that time and I was quite seasoned. But he surprised me with his prowess and command over melody,” shares Sanu.
From O O Jaane Jaana to Deewana Main Chala — the songs of PKTDK continue to be loved even today. Explaining why, Sanu says, “All the songs of the album were melodious with simple and beautiful lyrics. That’s why the songs can be sung by anyone and seem fresh even today. 25 saal kya, 50-100 saal baad bhi iss film ka music fresh hi lagega.”
The singer adds that besides having fun while recording the tracks, the fact that the film’s lead actor, Salman Khan, loved his work made it even more memorable. “Tum Par Hum Hain Atke Yaara was loved by Salman ji. He praised the song and that’s a memory that stands out for me,” Sanu recounts.
I plan to get married to Shweta Agarwal by the end of this year-Aditya Narayan
8:09 AM
The singer-actor opens up about his 10-year relationship with his debut film actress
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 12, 2020)
It’s official! Aditya Narayan is tying the knot with his long-time girlfriend and actress Shweta Agarwal by the end of the year. The couple met on the sets of their debut film Shaapit in 2010. Talking about their relationship of 10 years, the actor-singer said, “I have never kept my relationship a secret. But at one point there was too much being said about it. So, when I decided to not talk about it, people left me alone.”
He revealed, “I met Shweta on the sets of Shaapit and we hit it off instantly. Slowly and gradually, I realised I was head-over-heels in love and started pursuing her. Initially, she wanted to be ‘just friends’, because we were both very young and needed to focus on our careers. Like every relationship, we have seen a lot of ups-and-downs over the last 10 years. Marriage is just a formality between us now, which hopefully should also happen by November or December. My parents know Shweta and like her a lot. I am happy that I have found my soulmate in her.” Aditya feels that it is important that people do not invade a couple’s privacy when they are in a relationship. He says, “I remember a few years ago, how people had assumed that Shweta and I had a big spat on the street and had broken up. After that it was so difficult for me to even go out with her.”
“I accept that there can be issues in a relationship, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the road. Marriages break easily these days, so we were both taking our time to know each other. Now, after a decade, I feel it is the right time to take the plunge,” says Aditya. Besides singing and acting, he is also a popular anchor of reality shows on TV, while Shweta has done films in the South opposite actors like Prabhas and Kichcha Sudeep among others.
Singer Neha Kakkar, who’s been linked to Aditya, is also set to tie the knot with singer Rohanpreet Singh. Dismissing the rumours that linked him with Neha during the last season of Indian Idol, Aditya said, “It started with a joke that was in the script of the show. People assumed so many things after that. There was no truth to those rumours. Neha is a dear friend and I am happy for her. I have known Rohan since he was the second runner-up of a music reality show I hosted in 2008. I am thrilled that two of my good friends are getting married.”
However, Aditya is not sure of attending Neha’s wedding. “I would have loved to attend it, but the wedding is happening in Delhi. I have a bad shoulder injury and I am not sure if I can make it. But almost everyone from the show, including Vishal sir (Dadlani) and Himesh Reshammiya are attending it,” he informed.
He also defends father Udit Narayan’s comment that he wanted to see Neha and Aditya getting married. “I had told my parents to not talk about Shweta, so when the rumours of Neha started, my father casually mentioned how if there was a possibility, he would love to see us together. Audiences watch a fragment of our lives and make assumptions. But I’d like to say that people, most of the time, do not know even five per cent of a public figure’s life,” said Aditya.
We have to be masked till the camera rolls-Maniesh Paul
8:23 AM
Maniesh Paul, the host of a kiddy talent hunt contest, explains the new normal
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2020)
Over the weekend, Maniesh Paul returned to the sets as the host of Zee TV’s singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa: L'il Champs. The actor admitted it was wonderful to be back in action, even though a lot has changed. “It’s not about the warm welcomes, hugs and handshakes anymore,” he pointed out.Prod him on changes in the process of shooting and he informs that there are two-three entry points and they have to go through the sanitisation tunnel every time. “We have a doctor to check our oxygen levels and temperature at the entrance. One has to wash hands before entering the vanity van, as it’s sanitised before use,” Maniesh reveals, adding that it is mandatory for the team of judges and hosts to wear PPE kits all the time. “And we have to be masked until the camera rolls. The saddest part for me is that there’s no live audience anymore.”
The show is judged by Alka Yagnik, Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali. In the opening episode, the makers decided to pay tribute to real-life Coronavirus warriors. Maniesh shares, “We had an ambulance driver who had not gone home for the last three months and a doctor who had lost her doctor-husband to the dreaded virus. A couple donated all the money they had saved for their wedding to procure oxygen machines and beds. It’s inspiring to have such ‘warriors’ on the set. We all should be out there helping people.”
Being the host, it was difficult for Maniesh to maintain social distancing. He points out that he has the habit of meeting contestants with warmth but has to keep his jhappis in check now.
He will be shooting every week and while he admits they were all a little scared earlier, he is reassured now that all the precautions are being taken. “It’s not easy being on the set right now but the show must go on. I was happy that now some of my crew members will be able to earn a steady income again. I hope I can spread some happiness,” he signs off on a positive note.
Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali replace Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs
4:22 PM
Musicians filling in for Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan on show
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 7, 2020)
In February, Zee TV returned with another season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs with the ’90s trio of Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan as judges. Within a month of its launch, the show came to an abrupt halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, its team is all set to return to work on July 10, but with new faces on the jury.Turns out, Sanu and Narayan had to opt out of the show due to other work commitments. Now, Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali will be joining Yagnik on the panel.
Javed, who has been a jury member earlier on the 2011 and 2017 editions of Li’l Champs, is excited to return to his “second family”. “Sanu ji and Udit ji are legends with their own signature styles, I have mine. I am emotional about kids, so I will try my best not to upset them. Alka ji, Himesh and I have an amazing chemistry and being a part of this trio will be magical,” promises the singer, adding that the safety of the child participants while working during the pandemic will be of prime concern. “Zee has a legacy to carry forward, so I have confidence in their preparations. It would be a new experience for all of us.”
Javed believes that with no audience present during the shoot, the bond between judges and contestants will strengthen. “They will be singing just for us. Our instant reaction will be the key in encouraging them. So, we’ll be more expressive and find ways to express appreciation to ensure that they feel as much warmth as a hug from us would feel,” he explains.
Himesh, who had co-judged the 2017 edition of the show with Javed and was recently a part of the silver jubilee celebrations, is equally excited to be back. “My association with Zee goes back 20 years, and this is like homecoming for me. I am looking forward to a fresh start with the current season post the lockdown and hope we receive a great response,” he says, adding that he is taking his role as a mentor very seriously. “I would like to nurture the kids’ aspirations and dreams and hope to lay the groundwork for them to enhance their talent.”Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik join Sa Re Ga Ma Pa's silver jubilee celebrations
8:16 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 14, 2020)
In a recent conversation with Mirror (May 8), Shaan had informed that to celebrate the silver jubilee of his first television show as a host, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, the makers have come up with a musical marathon. The singer will return as a host for a three-hour special, Ek Desh Ek Raag, across all Zee channels, including Zee TV. Several artistes associated with the franchise, including Himesh Reshammiya, Udit Narayan, Javed Ali and Richa Sharma, will perform in the celebration of 25 years.Now, we have learnt that joining the list of performers are ’90s singing sensations, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik. The two, along with Udit, have been judges on the ongoing season of L’il Champs, which started in February, but came to a halt following the Coronavirus lockdown.
Singer-composer duo Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik, too, are on board. Incidentally, Armaan, who recently released his first international single, started his singing journey as a contestant on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs in 2006. He finished as one of the finalists in eighth place. The Malik brothers will get into a friendly face-off, with Shaan also hosting the games they will play in the show, including dumb charades and a rapid-fire round. All the artistes will be performing a medley of their popular hits from their homes, while Shaan will take the artistes on a trip down both memory and melody lane.I’d wake up shouting, ‘Aap ka swaagat hai’-Shaan
8:30 AM
Shaan explains why he is MIA in Hindi playback, reveals celebrations are in order for his first show as host, which has completed 25 years
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 8, 2020)
In recent years, Shaan had been missing in action as far as Hindi film playback goes, but the singer has been a part of several fundraisers to raise money for the needy during the coronavirus pandemic. Ask him why he is not singing more songs and he retorts, “I accept every work I get. But I won’t go asking for it. I’m not singing simply because I’m not getting too many offers.”He points out that he recently lent his voice to “Tujhe Rab Mana” in Baaghi 3 and has also sung for the upcoming John Abraham-starrer Mumbai Saga. Recently his song, “Dus Bahane”, was also recreated for Tiger Shroff’s last actioner. “Recreations, if justified, make sense, but using them just for the heck of it seems senseless. If something works, don’t go for an overkill,” Shaan cautions.
The singer rues that composers are limiting their creativity today. “A song that can be easily strummed on the guitar is what works today. Everyone is talking of the science of creating a chartbuster,” he laughs, admitting that he has dropped the plan of recreating his father’s Bengali compositions in Hindi for this very reason. “I don’t want my father to get angry up there for diminishing the value of his work by presenting it at a time when people don’t like that kind of music anymore.”
In 2002, Shaan started his career as the host of the musical talent hunt, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. “It was Sa Re Ga Ma before I joined, I added an extra note to it,” he laughs, admitting that he had never thought he’d be associated with the show for so long. “Even before my first son was born, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa adopted me. People knew me as a singer before that, but it was this Zee show that made me a TV personality and helped me improve my Hindi as there were no teleprompters or earpieces at that time. There were times when I’d wake up shouting, ‘Aap sab ka swaagat hai is pratiyogita mein jiska naam hai Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,’ leaving my wife stunned,” he reminisces fondly.
The franchise completes 25 years this year and Shaan reveals there is a big celebration in store. “Many of those associated with the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa franchise, including Himesh Reshammiya, Javed Ali, Udit Narayan and Richa Sharma, will be seen performing from their homes. In fact, 350 artistes will be a part of the 25 hour long musical marathon titled Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live-athon which is taking place on May 23. The next day, the Ek Desh Ek Raag concert takes place and I will be returning on the show as the host and there will be lots of stories and plenty of nostalgia,” he promises, adding that the Live-a-thon would be telecast on the network’s Facebook pages and the three-hour concert will be played across all Zee channels, including Zee TV.
Any plans of returning to the show as a regular host? “In three years, I’ll be 50. My eyesight is getting weaker, so, I don’t see that happening. I just hope that people remember my smile,” he signs off and though you can’t see him, you can visualise his trademark smile.
First look: Himesh Reshammiya to kick-start the shoot of his next, Namastey Rome
8:13 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (February 1, 2020)
After Happy Hardy And Heer, Himesh Reshammiya is all set to kick-start the shoot of his next as an actor. Titled Namastey Rome, the film will be directed by Rajesh Sethi, and will see Himesh and Javed Akhtar working together after 13 years. The shoot of the movie begins this summer in the UK.While Himesh plays the male lead, the other cast and details of the project will be announced soon. He says, “Namastey Rome is a classic love story based on real incidents; Javed saab and I were floored by it. The film’s music is also outstanding. In fact, I can proudly say that it’s better than the album of Namastey London (2007), which was the last film Javed saab and I worked together on. This time, too, every word penned by him is sheer magic and all the seven songs in the soundtrack have been composed straight from the heart — just like the way I had composed music for Tere Naam (2003) and Namastey London.
He adds, “I am excited to start shooting for Namastey Rome this summer in the UK and have already started prepping for it. This is the first time I’m doing a film based on a real incident. It’s an extremely relatable subject.” Apart from Namastey Rome, Himesh will also soon start shooting for the sequel to The Xposé (2014).
Music is an important part of every love story-Himesh Reshammiya
8:38 PM
Himesh Reshammiya discusses taking the 11-song soundtrack of Happy Hardy And Heer across India via his multi-city tour in a bid to establish the music before the film's release
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; December 9, 2019)
Having landed in the city only hours ago after departing from Abu Dhabi, where he had accompanied Himesh Reshammiya for his UAE concert, the musician's manager is too weary to instantly comprehend our request for an interaction. But when Reshammiya gets on a call an hour later, he, in fact, is bubbling with energy. The exhaustive multi-city tour that he has been on to promote the music of Happy Hardy And Heer — accompanied by his new role as judge of Indian Idol 11 after he replaced Anu Malik — doesn't seem to have debilitated him at all.
And if his Instagram posts are anything to go by, the overwhelming reaction to the film's 11-track soundtrack during his city tours could have a lot to do with his current state of mind. "The reception has been great. [Listeners] have been reacting to songs like Arijit's [Singh] Heeriye, Teri meri kahani, Aashiqui mein teri 2.0 and Cutie pie. In the past, musical hits in Bollywood have been [created] when the film's music was released before the film itself. People have appreciated a soundtrack as well as they have this one, after a long time," says Reshammiya, who has finished gigs in Pune, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai Surat and Baroda, and will head to Delhi, Punjab, Indore, Lucknow and Banglore in the upcoming weeks.
Despite juggling duties as musician and actor for Happy Hardy And Heer, the screenplay of which has been written by wife Sonia Kapoor, Reshammiya makes his acute skills as a businessman evident when he says, "Music is an important part of every love story; case in point being films like Sajan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Tere Naam. Today, filmmakers unveil a film's promo, along with one or two songs, a month ahead of its release. Then, if the film does well, the soundtrack may receive attention. But, pure love stories have stopped being made because people have stopped establishing the film's music before its release. In the past, [producers] would release the music seven months in advance. If the music worked, the film would work. So, we knew that the music of Happy Hardy And Heer had to be popular, and that it should connect with viewers before the film's release."
Among an assortment of romantic tracks, heart-wrenching numbers and playful offerings, the singer has retained his trademark song, Aashiqui mein teri, giving it a contemporary rendition, since the hook line: Aashiqui mein teri, jayegi jaan meri, pretty much establishes the film's theme.
A quick scan at the soundtrack will reveal that Reshammiya has roped in a wide array of singers, right from the top brass (Arijit Singh, Udit Narayan), to budding and even débutante singers (Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K in her Bollywood debut, and Aaryan Tiwari). It also features his latest find, Ranu Mondal, belting out one of the film's crucial numbers, Teri meri kahani, which, he says, "needed a Lataji-kind of alaap".
Even though the established singers admire his work, Reshammiya particularly has the younger brass in awe of his methods, with the latter always referring to him as the ideal mentor. "I always tell singers that they are [appointed] for a song because their tone works for it. But, singing it in accordance with a composer's notes, is crucial. The modulations should be in sync with what he has written. For instance, when Arijit sings, he takes a song to another level without meddling with the notes. That marriage leads to a hit track."
Himesh Reshammiya replaces Anu Malik on Indian Idol 11
7:48 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 4, 2019)
Singer-composer Himesh Reshammiya has replaced composer Anu Malik as judge on Indian Idol 11 after the latter withdrew his name from the show after a spate of #MeToo allegations against him. A few weeks ago, Anu had stepped down as judge after growing outcry against him over allegations of sexual harassment, levelled by singer Sona Mohapatra. Singers Neha Bhasin and Shweta Pandit, too, had accused him of sexual misconduct in the past.Now, Himesh will join Vishal Dadlani and Neha Kakkar on the judge’s panel. Speaking about the development, the composer-singer said: “I was a part of Superstar Singer and now my journey continues. It is not only one of India’s longest running singing reality shows but also one of the most iconic ones. I am extremely elated. From here on the responsibility only increases two fold. I have been following this season and I must say that this year has seen phenomenal singers come forward, who I am sure will create ripples in the Indian music industry.” In fact, Himesh has already signed one of the contestants of the show as a singer for his next film.
I agree that there is a creative bankruptcy, but remixes should be stopped-Himesh Reshammiya
8:11 AM
Recreating his hit Aashiqui mein teri, Himesh admits Dadlani is 'justified' in his stand against rehashed songs; says original composers should be given credit
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 14, 2019)
Himesh Reshammiya is back — with his signature cap, nasal twang and his old ditty. Even as detractors argue that the countless reprised versions of old gems is a sign of the music industry's creative bankruptcy, the actor-singer-composer has revisited his 2006 chartbuster from 36 China Town, Aashiqui mein teri, for his next, Happy Hardy And Heer. "This is Aashiqui mein teri 2.0 as it has a fresh tune. Of the six phases in the song, three are completely original while we have retained the [original composition] for the remaining part. Since my fans love to see me in my cap avatar, I decided to don the look for this song. I have also retained the nasal twang that they like so much," says Reshammiya of the song that drops online today.Tell him how his peer Vishal Dadlani has continually criticised the trend of remixes, and Reshammiya tries to view both sides of the argument. "I agree that there is a creative bankruptcy, but I don't think remixes should be stopped. Vishal is justified [in his stand]. If due royalty and due credit are given, and the necessary permissions taken, then there should not be any issue. However, when the credit is given to the original composers, it has to be prominently [displayed], instead of being mentioned in small [font size] on YouTube. I also feel that [those recreating a song] should seek the permission of music composers, and not just the music label."
John Abraham and Ileana DCruz recreate Salman Khan-Kajol's hit number 'Tum Par Hum Hai Atke'
7:54 AM
The duo feature in the recreated version of the 1998 Himesh Reshammiya chartbuster in their upcoming comedy
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 24, 2019)
Remixes are the flavour of the season and Anees Bazmee’s upcoming comedy, Pagalpanti, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Kumar Mangat, is in on the trend. “Tum Par Hum Hai Atke”, from the 1998 Salman Khan-Kajol romcom, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, has been recreated by composer Tanishk Bagchi and sung by Mika. Shot at real locations across London for three-four days, it has John Abraham wooing lady love Ileana D’Cruz with background dancers prancing around.“The scale of this song is spectacular, a notch above the original,” promises Ganesh Acharya, who had, incidentally, also choreographed the original. “While no one can do what Salman and Kajol did, John and Ileana have done well to match up to the original.” He goes on to reveal that the original was shot amidst heavy rains. “Can you imagine, we managed to pull it off in just three hours, and the song has attained cult status today!” he marvels.
While John, who counts the song among his favourites, “thoroughly enjoyed dancing to it,” Ileana admits to being nervous before filming as “recreating a classic is always met with certain expectations but shooting with Ganesh master made it easier”. Anees says he loves the way John has performed in this song and believes there should be more such songs with him.
Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya marked Himesh Reshammiya’s debut as a composer. He is ecstatic that a lot of his songs are being remade today. “I am not against remakes, it’s a superb trend. As long as the original composer and lyricist get credit and royalties, it’s great,” he asserts and is grateful to Salman, his brother and the film’s director Sohail and their father Salim Khan for giving him a break. “This song became popular because of its tune, which was composed on a completely experimental, off-beat rhythm,” he points out.
It was because of Palak Muchhal, that we met Salman Khan-Meet Brothers
8:08 AM
In conversation with Palak Muchhal, Meet Bros' Manmeet and Harmeet Singh open up on the struggles they endured before feeling like they have finally arrived
Sonil Lulla (MID-DAY; September 30, 2019)
In our tryst to arrive at musician duos who share a great camaraderie to do justice to this property, the Meet Brothers and Palak Muchhal come as a blessing. Their interaction is generously peppered with puns and satire, but their questions reveal their deep-seated aspirations as musicians. Manmeet and Harmeet Singh have known Muchhal since she was aged seven, and are hence evidently protective. Muchhal is every bit playful (and respectful) towards them. Even as we concise this 40-minute chat for print, we suggest you catch the full low-down on mid-day.com.
Muchhal To Meet Bros
What Are The Pros Of Working As A Duo? Would You Have Rather Been Solo Musicians?
Manmeet: If we had to be solo musicians, [we wouldn't] have worked for 20 years. The thought we harboured was that one and one makes 11. Initially, it was tough, because we weren't mature enough to handle it. There's no school that teaches you how to run a business with a brother. But when you pass through the storm of understanding each other, then it comes together.
Harmeet: We always have each other's back, so it is a blessing. There are very few cons of working with a brother. In life, you have to make money with another person, be it a composer or singer. Disagreements are bound to take place. So, you might as well disagree with your brother.
As Composers, Do You Prefer To Create A Song After Receiving The Lyrics, Or Would You Rather Compose First, And Then Hand That Over To The Lyricist?
Manmeet: The past has proven that those who've created the people who've created a revolution are those who have not been masters of the field [they achieved success in]. They became masters while training on the job. That was also the case with us. We are entertainers. It's all that we wanted to do. When we were young, Harmeet would perform cabaret very well. So, I'd play with the lights to create a disco effect while he'd dance on Piya tu ab toh aaja, to entertain people. That's also how we work with our lyricists. We sit together and go with the flow. All our biggest hits have come from jamming with lyricists.
There Are Many Singers Who Don't Get A Platform To Showcase Their Talent. With Your Label MB Music, You Are Correcting That. What Was The Idea Behind Creating It?
Harmeet: It was essentially a life lesson. For 15 years, when we went about visiting different labels and didn't get a break, we know it involved a lot of struggle. When we didn't find support, we would be disappointed. Now that we know that we have the power [to give another person a chance], we shouldn't behave the same way that [the label owners did]. Our channel features a bevy of young artistes. All our videos have a small story. It's like watching a mini musical movie. We understand what the artistes want; the little things that corporates don't.
Manmeet: While there is a high in working with [veteran] singers, there's also a different kind of joy in working with new singers. Our songs shine when they're rendered by fresh voices.
What Have Been The Most Satisfying Moments Of Your Life?
Manmeet: The first one would be when we were able to relocate our parents to Mumbai.
Harmeet: I agree. I also believe that our compositions Baby doll and Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan were high points in our life. Very often, you notice how people's lives progress very slowly, even though they struggle [to achieve success]. And then, suddenly, life picks up pace. For us, Baby Doll and Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan were that push for our careers. It is after these two songs that people started noticing us. We will always show our gratitude for the people who were attached with these songs. It is because of their support that this happened. That was our turning point.
Manmeet: Do you know that it was because of you Palak, that we also met Salman [Khan]? That's because you knew him.
Harmeet: That was also important for us. We tried to reach him through 32 people. In his movies, I'd see the names of the cast members and analyse who I knew, and who could help me connect with him. No one could make that happen. Then, one day while talking to you, you said, 'Why don't you just message him, directly?' Then I took his number and messaged him. That's how Hangover happened.
Meet Bros To Muchhal
Who Is Your Favourite Singer, And What Is The Genre Of Music That You Would Want To Be Associated With?
It would be too shallow to use the word favourite for her, but I would say Lata ji [Mangeshkar]. I've always idolised her. As for the songs, there are many that I hear and hope to be given a chance to render something similar. One of them would be Lag ja gale.
As Someone Who Has Done Live Shows Since Childhood, And Then Donated That Money For The Treatment Of Cancer Patients, Do You Derive More Joy From This Act Of Kindness Or From The Awards That You Win?
I say this often — Regardless of how much money you earn or success you achieve, it can't compete with the joy you receive when you see someone smile and know that you are a reason behind it. Till today, 1,985 surgeries have been completed [for cancer patients]. I know that there are kids waiting in the hospital thinking, 'Tomorrow, Palak didi will perform, and then the day after, I can have the surgery'. A lot of people want to help others, and if I am blessed enough to do so, I must do so.
What Are You Most Sensitive About, And What Can Easily Hurt You?
I'm relatively stable, but I'm very sensitive when it comes to my family. Anything concerning my parents or my brother is what really bothers me.
Can You Chronicle Some Important Experiences You've Had With Other Composers In Bollywood?
When I came to Mumbai, I had a list of music directors I wanted to work with, and I've ticked off 90 per cent of names on that list. The person who has taught me a lot is Himesh sir [Reshammiya]. When I work with him, there's always something I can take back home; be it [a lesson on] discipline or dedication. There's so much to learn from him. Also, the way M M Kreem makes a singer sing [is noteworthy]. He makes a singer feel empowered. I also love working with Jeet Gannguli.
What Are The Aspirations You Harbour, As Musician And Individual?
I always have a plan. I want to keep on doing what I am doing. I also want to open a hospital where heart patients can be treated for free. I've already purchased a plot for it.
I became confident when I wore headphones for the first time-Ranu Mondal
7:55 AM
Himesh Reshammiya's protege and Internet sensation Ranu Mondal on her journey from the railway station to the studio
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 12, 2019)
Her singing skill may have thrust her to overnight stardom, but Ranu Mondal seems at ease in the spotlight. Mondal — who became an Internet sensation after a video of her singing Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai, at the Ranaghat railway station went viral last month — has lent her voice to two songs in mentor Himesh Reshammiya's upcoming film, Happy Hardy And Heer.
"I never gave up hope. Even during the worst phase of my life, singing kept me going. I didn't imagine that I would get such a huge platform, but I had complete faith in my voice," she says. Ask her if recording the first number was an intimidating experience, and she says assuredly, "When I wore the headphones for the first time, it made me even more confident. I used to listen to songs of Lata ji [Mangeshkar], Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar and keep learning."
Reports suggested that the singer, 58, had been abandoned by daughter Elizabeth Sathi Roy, which was subsequently denied by the latter. "I don't want to dwell in the past. God willing, we all can be together again someday." Proud to help her find a footing in Bollywood, Reshammiya says, "Salman bhai's [Khan] father, Salim uncle once advised me that whenever I come across a talented person, I should encourage him. Ranu ji's singing was so mesmerising that I had to give her this platform."
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