Showing posts with label Shipra Goyal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shipra Goyal. Show all posts
Christina Grimmie's murder: Indian singers talk about security concerns in India
8:31 AM
Singers weigh in on security concerns while performing in India, in light of the recent murder of Christina Grimmie by a fan
Bryan Durham (DNA; July 3, 2016)
Fans and admirers are an unpredictable lot. At their best, they stand one as armies that cannot bear even the slightest slight against their idol; at their worst, the same idols need to take out restraining orders against them. Worse still, tragic incidents occur around gigs and concerts, with the idol at the receiving end of a fan’s attention and cruel intentions. Former The Voice USA contestant Christina Grimmie found out the hard way at a club where she was performing, that an enamoured fan had managed to smuggle a gun into the venue where she was playing. He shot her dead.
As artists in this country will tell you, most people in most places and venues are the best kind. But, at times, in certain places, crowds do get unruly. For example, earlier this year, a DJ was shot dead in North India for not playing a request. But by and large, such incidents are few and far between. We asked young, popular singers with legions of fans what their security concerns were and what precautions, if any, could be taken...
Shalmali Kholgade
Frankly, I haven’t imagined a situation like this, arising in my career. At least, not at this point. I have admirers and fans, but I have always assumed they are realistic in their idea of who I am. Having said that, during a government festival, college show or any public gig, it is important to have adequate security to avoid any unruly behaviour. My manager has the final say in what is safe for me to do and what not. I don’t question her judgement.
Anushka Manchanda
I usually don’t feel threatened during, before and after a concert. Sometimes there are huge crowds which are pushing and pulling, but I always have big, beefy security guards who are very vigilant, and my manager and team are super protective about me because I’m totally out there and never hold back. In different parts of the country and at different shows, the audience is always different. I would be more careful at a public show than a corporate one, or in the North of India than in the South. Danger can come from anywhere in any form. All you can do is be careful and not incite or invite trouble.
Neeti Mohan
This kind of an incident can happen to anyone irrespective of the quality of security measures undertaken, since artists generally get up, close and personal with fans at public events and there’s a high risk of threat to life when it comes to any public figure. However security measures such as screening of all fans at entry points with metal detectors, assigned artist security personnel, personalised electronic gate passes for all crew members, sniffer dogs at key access points, screening of meet-and-greet fans is a must. I would even go the extent of suggesting artists wearing bullet-proof jackets, artist’s families being insured and organisers ensuring all ticket holders have a clean police record. Artists in India don’t have standalone security riders really and that would be a great start to things. The basic requirement of venues being patrolled by local police and then being cordoned off 12 hours before a show is a must, with sound check happening only 24 hours before the show instead of the general norm of an hour before the show. Backstage green rooms should have strict regulations minus the ad hoc walk-ins and the live stage should also have armed personnel and not just stage managers. But I think, at the end of the day, if someone is mentally unfit, the chances are he or she will find a way to do something socially unacceptable. At the end of it, artists and fans are very closely integrated and no amount of monitoring can really protect an artist from a calamity of this sort.
Jasmine Sandlas
What happened to Christina Gimmie is heart-breaking. I pray that her loved ones find solace in the memories that they have shared together. As a performer, this incident doesn’t motivate me to necessarily beef up my security but it reveals to me that there should be an effort to increase awareness of mental health issues and treatments. I feel that there are many signs of distress before an act of violence is committed. It’s important to recognize these signs and get professional help before it’s too late. This way, we can combat the bigger issue at hand. I hope something like this never happens to anyone again.
Shipra Goyal
Often, I get to hear news of skyfires (celebratory gunfire), at our very own Indian weddings, which sometimes end up in untoward accidents. We all are aware of this. Not only weddings, though. Apparently, clubs in the metros are not safe either becasue sometimes one hears of people entering with guns. So, as an artist, it scares me, if the venue I am going to be performing at, a history of such incidents. I clearly refuse to go onstage Or the event managers or organising people they have to make sure of my security and remove any alien element or threat present in my audience. For security reasons, I have my personal bouncers present with me during all my shows. But yes I feel there is a strong need for change in regard to security of artists across the globe because not just this one case, there have been numerous of artists shot down dead while performing in Punjab or Pakistan, too!
Bryan Durham (DNA; July 3, 2016)
Fans and admirers are an unpredictable lot. At their best, they stand one as armies that cannot bear even the slightest slight against their idol; at their worst, the same idols need to take out restraining orders against them. Worse still, tragic incidents occur around gigs and concerts, with the idol at the receiving end of a fan’s attention and cruel intentions. Former The Voice USA contestant Christina Grimmie found out the hard way at a club where she was performing, that an enamoured fan had managed to smuggle a gun into the venue where she was playing. He shot her dead.
As artists in this country will tell you, most people in most places and venues are the best kind. But, at times, in certain places, crowds do get unruly. For example, earlier this year, a DJ was shot dead in North India for not playing a request. But by and large, such incidents are few and far between. We asked young, popular singers with legions of fans what their security concerns were and what precautions, if any, could be taken...
Shalmali Kholgade
Frankly, I haven’t imagined a situation like this, arising in my career. At least, not at this point. I have admirers and fans, but I have always assumed they are realistic in their idea of who I am. Having said that, during a government festival, college show or any public gig, it is important to have adequate security to avoid any unruly behaviour. My manager has the final say in what is safe for me to do and what not. I don’t question her judgement.
Anushka Manchanda
I usually don’t feel threatened during, before and after a concert. Sometimes there are huge crowds which are pushing and pulling, but I always have big, beefy security guards who are very vigilant, and my manager and team are super protective about me because I’m totally out there and never hold back. In different parts of the country and at different shows, the audience is always different. I would be more careful at a public show than a corporate one, or in the North of India than in the South. Danger can come from anywhere in any form. All you can do is be careful and not incite or invite trouble.
Neeti Mohan
This kind of an incident can happen to anyone irrespective of the quality of security measures undertaken, since artists generally get up, close and personal with fans at public events and there’s a high risk of threat to life when it comes to any public figure. However security measures such as screening of all fans at entry points with metal detectors, assigned artist security personnel, personalised electronic gate passes for all crew members, sniffer dogs at key access points, screening of meet-and-greet fans is a must. I would even go the extent of suggesting artists wearing bullet-proof jackets, artist’s families being insured and organisers ensuring all ticket holders have a clean police record. Artists in India don’t have standalone security riders really and that would be a great start to things. The basic requirement of venues being patrolled by local police and then being cordoned off 12 hours before a show is a must, with sound check happening only 24 hours before the show instead of the general norm of an hour before the show. Backstage green rooms should have strict regulations minus the ad hoc walk-ins and the live stage should also have armed personnel and not just stage managers. But I think, at the end of the day, if someone is mentally unfit, the chances are he or she will find a way to do something socially unacceptable. At the end of it, artists and fans are very closely integrated and no amount of monitoring can really protect an artist from a calamity of this sort.
Jasmine Sandlas
What happened to Christina Gimmie is heart-breaking. I pray that her loved ones find solace in the memories that they have shared together. As a performer, this incident doesn’t motivate me to necessarily beef up my security but it reveals to me that there should be an effort to increase awareness of mental health issues and treatments. I feel that there are many signs of distress before an act of violence is committed. It’s important to recognize these signs and get professional help before it’s too late. This way, we can combat the bigger issue at hand. I hope something like this never happens to anyone again.
Shipra Goyal
Often, I get to hear news of skyfires (celebratory gunfire), at our very own Indian weddings, which sometimes end up in untoward accidents. We all are aware of this. Not only weddings, though. Apparently, clubs in the metros are not safe either becasue sometimes one hears of people entering with guns. So, as an artist, it scares me, if the venue I am going to be performing at, a history of such incidents. I clearly refuse to go onstage Or the event managers or organising people they have to make sure of my security and remove any alien element or threat present in my audience. For security reasons, I have my personal bouncers present with me during all my shows. But yes I feel there is a strong need for change in regard to security of artists across the globe because not just this one case, there have been numerous of artists shot down dead while performing in Punjab or Pakistan, too!
Kumaar is my mentor in Bollywood-Shipra Goyal
7:44 AM
Singer Shipra Goyal talks about the making of Tutti Bole Wedding Di (Welcome Back) and Yadaan Teriyaan (Hero)
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; September 19, 2015)
What was the brief for Tutti Bole Wedding Di?
Director Anees Bazmee sir briefed Meet Brothers that he wanted a full-on Punjabi number for Welcome Back. Manmeet from Meet Brothers called up and said, 'Let's do this song.' I was given the brief that it's a dhamaal peppy gaana. I was thrilled because we are all Punjabis. That's what I tried in the song. All the songs I have sung in Bollywood till date are all Punjabi. Ishq Bulaava (Hasee Toh Phasee) was romantic, Ungli Pe Nachalein (Ungli) was a Punjabi number and Yadaan Teriyaan (Hero) is a Punjabi sad song.
How did Yadaan Teriyaan happen?
Jassi Katyal, Dev Negi and I had made the song last August and pitched it to Karan Johar. He liked the song and he archived it for his bank. He gifted the song to Nikhil Advani for the remake of Hero. They wanted a song like Lambi Judai that featured in the original. Yadaan Teriyaan features in the same situation as Lambi Judai. Johar sir locked my voice because he felt I sound like Reshma who's sung the original. He heard the dard in my voice. Being from Punjab, I sing Sufi kalam and Pakistani songs in live shows.
What's your equation with Meet Brothers?
I used to sing a lot of sad and romantic tracks but since I have started jamming with them, I am more into that peppy zone. They are super cool. Everyone knows they are good with rap and dance. I have learnt a lot about this kind of music after having worked with them for a while.The atmosphere in their studio is so good that it feels like family. Everyone is jamming and playing around with sounds.
How did you start off in Bollywood?
Though my roots are in Punjab, I was born in Delhi. I belong to a musical family. My parents, Subhash and Anju Goyal are musicians. Bachpan se main tutla tutla ke gaane gaati thi. I would be around them during their recordings. I used to sing songs of those times like Tu Tu Tara (Bol Radha Bol) so my parents knew that I would become a singer when I grew up. They trained me. I started participating in music competitions at the state level from the sixth standard itself. When my parents used to perform, I would wonder why I wasn't on stage with them. I was so eager that my first show was in Class 12. I am two years old in Bollywood playback. In fact, I turned 24 years old on September 25. I did my graduation in classical music from Hindu College in Delhi. I shifted to Mumbai two-and-half years back. God has been great that I got a chance to sing with good banners. I made my debut with Vishal-Shekhar's Ishq Bulaava and have constant support from people like lyricist Kumaar and Meet Brothers.
Do you like living in Mumbai?
After coming to Mumbai I feel like I can't live anywhere else. I am so much in love with it. The vibe of the city is such that once you get attached to it, you can't let go. This is a sentiment you will hear from other people who have come from different cities. Even when I travel for shows, the moment I land in Mumbai, I feel like I am home.
Which composer would you like to sing for?
A R Rahman. If I sing for him, I know he will bring out a different texture in my vocals.
Which artistes do you admire?
I really like Beyoncé. Everything about her her singing, performance and the way she carries herself on stage is mesmerising. I like listening to the ghazals of Ustad Ghulam Ali sahab. I have learnt a lot while listening to the songs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab.
Who are your friends in music?
I have lots of musician friends.Kumaar sir is my mentor in Bollywood. He's a great support to me and other fellow musicians. I was a novice when it came to playback singing and it was a challenging task. He taught me about beats, rhythm and how much weightage should be given to specific words.
How important is social media to you?
I realised the importance of social media when my fan page got hacked and deleted. It made me aware of how many fans I had lost touch with since the days I was singing in Punjab. My fan page is up now and it helps me connect with my followers.
Director Anees Bazmee sir briefed Meet Brothers that he wanted a full-on Punjabi number for Welcome Back. Manmeet from Meet Brothers called up and said, 'Let's do this song.' I was given the brief that it's a dhamaal peppy gaana. I was thrilled because we are all Punjabis. That's what I tried in the song. All the songs I have sung in Bollywood till date are all Punjabi. Ishq Bulaava (Hasee Toh Phasee) was romantic, Ungli Pe Nachalein (Ungli) was a Punjabi number and Yadaan Teriyaan (Hero) is a Punjabi sad song.
How did Yadaan Teriyaan happen?
Jassi Katyal, Dev Negi and I had made the song last August and pitched it to Karan Johar. He liked the song and he archived it for his bank. He gifted the song to Nikhil Advani for the remake of Hero. They wanted a song like Lambi Judai that featured in the original. Yadaan Teriyaan features in the same situation as Lambi Judai. Johar sir locked my voice because he felt I sound like Reshma who's sung the original. He heard the dard in my voice. Being from Punjab, I sing Sufi kalam and Pakistani songs in live shows.
What's your equation with Meet Brothers?
I used to sing a lot of sad and romantic tracks but since I have started jamming with them, I am more into that peppy zone. They are super cool. Everyone knows they are good with rap and dance. I have learnt a lot about this kind of music after having worked with them for a while.The atmosphere in their studio is so good that it feels like family. Everyone is jamming and playing around with sounds.
How did you start off in Bollywood?
Though my roots are in Punjab, I was born in Delhi. I belong to a musical family. My parents, Subhash and Anju Goyal are musicians. Bachpan se main tutla tutla ke gaane gaati thi. I would be around them during their recordings. I used to sing songs of those times like Tu Tu Tara (Bol Radha Bol) so my parents knew that I would become a singer when I grew up. They trained me. I started participating in music competitions at the state level from the sixth standard itself. When my parents used to perform, I would wonder why I wasn't on stage with them. I was so eager that my first show was in Class 12. I am two years old in Bollywood playback. In fact, I turned 24 years old on September 25. I did my graduation in classical music from Hindu College in Delhi. I shifted to Mumbai two-and-half years back. God has been great that I got a chance to sing with good banners. I made my debut with Vishal-Shekhar's Ishq Bulaava and have constant support from people like lyricist Kumaar and Meet Brothers.
Do you like living in Mumbai?
After coming to Mumbai I feel like I can't live anywhere else. I am so much in love with it. The vibe of the city is such that once you get attached to it, you can't let go. This is a sentiment you will hear from other people who have come from different cities. Even when I travel for shows, the moment I land in Mumbai, I feel like I am home.
Which composer would you like to sing for?
A R Rahman. If I sing for him, I know he will bring out a different texture in my vocals.
Which artistes do you admire?
I really like Beyoncé. Everything about her her singing, performance and the way she carries herself on stage is mesmerising. I like listening to the ghazals of Ustad Ghulam Ali sahab. I have learnt a lot while listening to the songs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab.
Who are your friends in music?
I have lots of musician friends.Kumaar sir is my mentor in Bollywood. He's a great support to me and other fellow musicians. I was a novice when it came to playback singing and it was a challenging task. He taught me about beats, rhythm and how much weightage should be given to specific words.
How important is social media to you?
I realised the importance of social media when my fan page got hacked and deleted. It made me aware of how many fans I had lost touch with since the days I was singing in Punjab. My fan page is up now and it helps me connect with my followers.
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