Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 13, 2020)

Tulsi Kumar has been spending her days during the Coronavirus lockdown learning to use numerous recording equipments. While she’s making the most of this situation with her two-year-old son Shivaay, she has been spending some time at her in-house recording studio. She shares, “I’m trying my hands at various recording equipments. I have a little studio in the house where I’ve been making music on my own since the past few days. I would rely on my sound engineer earlier but now I feel more independent than ever, technologically.”

She’s happy to have not stopped working as she adds, “Work from home is going on in full swing. I just released a reprised version of one of my songs, Phir Na Milen Kabhi. Planning its release and getting the master sorted through the phone have happened from my home. I’m working more than ever.”

The singer, however, says that she misses the high of being on a stage and being behind a microphone. “I’m missing my in-studio recordings and live gigs. A couple of my concerts got cancelled. I miss my audience and the vibe I get when they sing along with me. But my live sessions on my social media page and other portals are helping me stay connected with my fans. I’m happy to have figured out an alternative,” she says.

Talking about connecting with her audiences through the digital space, she says that she’s happy to be reaching out to them in several parts of the world. “Music has a very calming and soothing effect not just on the artistes but also on the people listening to it. Music creates positivity and good vibrations. It has a healing power and what better than to listen to some great music while you’re sitting at home. As artistes, it’s our responsibility to provide entertainment and calm people through our music,” she signs off.

Tanishk Bagchi is recreating Sonam Kapoor’s song ‘Masakali’ for a video produced by Bhushan Kumar
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 6, 2020)

A R Rahman’s 2009 composition, “Masakali”, from Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi-6, featuring Sonam Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and a pigeon, is still popular. Now, Mirror has learnt, that a 2.0 version with Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria has been recreated by Tanishk Bagchi. Directed by Adil Shaikh and sung by Tulsi Kumar and Sachet Tandon, the music video is produced by Bhushan Kumar.

“A R Rahman created a musical gem in ‘Masakali’ which has been a personal favourite for years. The song is still a rage among youngsters, so I thought it might be a good idea to present it in a new fashion. We got Sidharth and Tara for the song as they look good together on screen and they infused life into the chartbuster,” says Bhushan.

Sid points out that the song is relevant today, when we are all locked in following the Coronavirus spread, trying to stay safe from the deadly virus. “We have unintentionally made a song revolving around two people cooped up indoors and still doing a lot of masti,” reasons the actor.

Sid and Tara were earlier seen together in last year’s romantic drama, Marjaavaan, and Tara reveals that they managed to shoot the whole song effortlessly despite having rehearsed only once. “It was a breeze,” the actress exults, adding, “It’s such a catchy song despite being a mid-tempo tune. Bhushan ji and Tanishk have reimagined the 2.0 version beautifully while Tulsi and Sachet have given it a fun, sexy spin, which I love.”

We are wondering if we will see a kabootar fluttering in this one, too.

Vishal-Shekhar recently remixed their own song for the first time
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; February 15, 2020)

Composer duo Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani were recently in the news when they expressed their displeasure regarding remixes. They even issued a legal warning to people against remixing their work without their consent or giving incorrect credits. Attempts by a section of the music industry publishers to remake/recreate an old song by adding or changing a couple of lines, crediting the new composer for it and delinking the original composers from their actual work, was unacceptable to them. What triggered this move was the news that their hit track Dus Bahane was being recreated for Baaghi 3. That’s when the duo decided to be proactive; they intervened in the project and recreated the 15-year-old dance number themselves.

Talking about it, Vishal said, “This is the first time we have recreated our own song. We did it because a lot of the new remixes are just substandard quickie jobs, which have been done on low budgets, by people looking to make a quick buck or to add their name to an already successful product. We didn’t want that to happen to songs that we have created in the past. Dus Bahane 2.0 still sounds fresher than a lot of the music being made now. We didn’t want it to be given the chop-shop treatment that usual remixes sound like. We wouldn’t want anyone else to remix our songs.”

Vishal, however, maintained that recreations can never be better than the original, “As the saying goes, ‘Baap baap hota hai’. The idea was to just refresh the song, with a strong hint of nostalgia, and a beat that makes you dance. What we did was to try and keep the essence of the original intact, and since it’s our song, to have a little fun with it.”

Working on the recreation was a challenge for the composers because the song had already been shot and they had to match their composition with it.

Shekhar explained, “The tempo was faster than we would have liked, but we had to keep that because it had already been shot. So, we started from scratch and made a track that fit Tiger Shroff’s vibe and Shraddha Kapoor’s moves.”

The duo retained the original voices of Shaan, KK, their own and added female vocals with Tulsi Kumar.

“This particular instance will also define the future of how songs are respectfully and correctly re-used with the consent of and full credit to the original creators. I hope it is a breakthrough for not just this film and crew, but for the entire industry,” signed off Vishal.

DNA (July 10, 2019)

After creating a buzz with her previous songs, Tulsi Kumar has reinvented herself with the recent release, Sheher Ki Ladki from the upcoming film, Khandaani Shafakhana. The hit track from the ’90s, starring Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon, has been recreated by composer Tanishk Bagchi, and crooned by Tulsi and Badshah. Along with a modern twist, Tulsi’s voice lends freshness to the ditty, with the latter singing the melody and rapping. Also featuring Diana Penty, the track that released last week is gaining love from the audiences and trending on YouTube since its launch.

Tulsi, who is riding high on the success of Tera Ban Jaunga from Kabir Singh, was ecstatic when she got the opportunity to render the number that needed her to give variations with her vocal quality. Both, Tera Ban Jaunga as well as Sheher Ki Ladki, have become the most-viewed videos in the last 24 hours on the video-sharing platform and within no time, garnered over 80 million views. Tulsi says, “Sheher Ki Ladki is an iconic song I have grown up listening to, and it’s an absolute honour and a huge responsibility to help recreate the magic. Diana and Badshah have done such a fab job in the video.”

About her first collaboration with the Kaala Chashma hitmaker, who taught her to rap behind-the-scenes, the songstress says, “Badshah is a powerhouse of talent and a pleasure to work with. We were both asked to understand the vibe of the ’90s for this song, and, at the same time, create a contemporary version using our strengths. I feel Tanishk has struck the right chord by maintaining its old charm while offering something new. The bridge of this song is new and there is an excellent rap that Badshah has absolutely aced. This one is really special.”

A fan of Raveena, Tulsi feels honoured to have lent vocals for the actress. “Raveena-Suniel made it iconic in the ’90s, and I am so grateful that in my ode to the era, they decided to feature in the video.” She feels humbled about receiving so much affection and says, “It’s a wonderful feeling to get all this adulation from our fans and music lovers from different parts of the globe. It’s impossible to achieve such a feat without strong team efforts and the love of my fans. It’s an achievement for the entire crew.”

Actress’s next reviving ‘Shehar Ki Ladki’ with Diana Penty in guest turn
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 27, 2019)

Mirror was the first to report (February 11) that Badshah is making his acting debut with Sonakshi Sinha’s upcoming social-comedy, Khandaani Shafakhana, which is directed by Shilpi Dasgupta. The rapper-composer plays a Punjabi singer in the film. The team wrapped up filming a few months ago in Punjab, and now we have learnt that the makers are recreating the iconic song “Shehar Ki Ladki” from Rakshak (1996). While the original, composed by Anand Milind, featured Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon, the remixed version will be filmed on Badshah and Diana Penty, who makes a special appearance in the Bhushan Kumar, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Lamba production.

According to a source, the song will be shot today and tomorrow at a city studio. “Unlike the original track, which was filmed outdoors—from a railway station to a bridgethe modern-day rendition is a conventional party number in a pub,” the source added. Tanishk Bagchi has recreated and rewritten the song, and it is sung by Tulsi Kumar and Badshah, who has also penned the rap portions.

“Shehar Ki Ladki is one of my favourite tunes by the composer duo. I couldn’t be happier about singing and performing for it. I hope fans will love my tribute,” Badshah says. 

BOMBAY TIMES (April 18, 2017)

Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; November 17, 2016)

After being one of India’s popular composers for four decades, Bappi Lahiri is testing international waters. While speaking to hitlist from the US where he is currently on tour, the veteran musician discussed his association with the international project, Moana. “I am really excited. This is the first time I have sung a track (Shona) and done a voiceover for an international film.”

But that’s not all. There is an upcoming single with rapper Snoop Dogg, a track that he recorded in America. “I’ve sung it in Punjabi, with Snoop rapping in parts. Tulsi Kumar (singer) also features in the number. The single should be out in January,” he said.

Ask him if he has a dream project and the veteran surprises us with the name he picks. “To sing alongside Lady Gaga. I will share news on that soon.” So, is there a collaboration in the pipeline? “It’s a surprise (laughs).”

Singer Tulsi Kumar has started an academy with Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Dino Morea, Sharman Joshi and Ahmed Khan on board
Kasmin Fernandes (MID-DAY; September 26, 2016)

It is proving to be an eventful year for Tulsi Kumar. It started with Airlift’s Soch Na Sake, a recreation of Hardy Sandhu’s Punjabi hit Soch. Bollywood father-daughter team Anil and Sonam Kapoor launched her special tribute Mere Papa, which she rendered with sister Khushali for her dad, late Gulshan Kumar. More recently, she dueted with Arijit Singh on Salamat (Sarbjit) and Neeraj Shridhar on Nachange Saari Raat (Junooniyat). Apart from her songs in upcoming Tum Bin 2, Wajah Tum Ho and Noor, the Delhi-based singer is making her father’s dream come true with a new venture for new talent.

You have a song coming up this week.
I’ve sung romantic duet, Dekh Lena, composed by Ankit Tiwari in Tum Bin 2. The first film is close to me. It’s my mom’s favourite film. Everyone will be transported into the melodious era of the past with the songs from the sequel of Tum Bin.

Your vocals feature on three tracks in next year’s Wajah Tum Ho.
Yes, the title track is composed by Mithoon. I have sung another by Meet Brothers; the third is a recreation by Abhijit Vaghani. The songs will roll out next month.

What’s keeping you busy?
I will be traveling to Muzaffarnagar for a gig soon. Then, of course, there are more concerts lined up in November and December. Like I mentioned, I am rendering three tracks for Wajah Tum Ho and Noor next year. Noor is a multiple composer soundtrack with a song by Amaal Mallik which I gave vocals for. My husband and I have started T-Series Stageworks Academy of Film, Music and Performing Arts in Film City, Noida. It offers certification courses in music, singing, acting, modeling and dance. Eventually, we will venture into direction and editing courses. It’s a continuation of my father’s dream; he encouraged a lot of new talent in Bollywood. It has certification courses in different streams. The academy has Shaan and Sonu Nigam (singing), Sharman Joshi (acting), Dino Morea (modeling) and choreographer Ahmed Khan (dance) on board for the courses. We’ve already had a visit from Akshay Kumar and Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali Khan saab to guide the students.

Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2016)

BOMBAY TIMES (April 1, 2016)

BOMBAY TIMES (September 29, 2015)

Delhi-based designer Khushali Kumar is stepping in front of the camera to feature in a special music video as a tribute to her father, late music mogul Gulshan Kumar. Khushali reveals that the video is a recreation of the song Mainu Ishq Da Lagya Rog from the superhit film Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin. She shares that it was her brother Bhushan Kumar who came up with the idea of recreating the classic number from the Aamir Khan-starrer, as it was among their father's favourite tracks. Khushali has designed for the video too. The song is being recreated with a more romantic, modern sound and a catchy tune, and has been sung by Khushali's sister Tulsi Kumar. The video is scheduled to be shot this month. 

BOMBAY TIMES (September 19, 2015)

Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; July 29, 2015)

One of the cult romantic tracks of the 80s, Ae Mere Humsafar , that featured in the Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla-starrer Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT), has been recreated for director Umesh Shukla's All Is Well. The new version will feature in a highlight scene in the family entertainer that has Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Asin and Supriya Pathak in the principle cast.

A source reveals that Umesh wanted a travel song and used the QSQT track as reference. But it fit so well that he wanted to retain it. As producer Bhushan Kumar has the music rights of the original track, he decided to get a new version. Composer Mithoon and singer Tulsi Kumar, who have previously collaborated for Mujhe Ishq Se (Yaariyan) and Naam-E-Wafa (Creature 3D), were brought on board. The number has been added as a background score in a crucial part in the film. Amitabh Verma has penned the additional lyrics in such a way that they blend with the story.

Tulsi says, “Ae Mere Humsafar is one of my favourite songs from the 80s, and I was quite excited when I heard that it was being recreated for All Is Well. The original number has a happy, romantic vibe to it. I met Mithoon for this song's sitting, and he briefed me about the situation and the change in lyrics. While recording, I was told to keep a smooth texture and give a surreal feel to it as demanded by the film's situation. After I delivered the song, I received a text from Umesh Shukla sir, which read 'Very well sung, no words, God bless'. For me this was the icing on the cake.“

All Is Well, produced by T Series and Allchemy Film Productions, releases August 21.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2015)

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; March 4, 2015)

At another big Bollywood extravaganza, celebrities flocked a suburban Mumbai venue in looking stylish and uber-glamourous. Celebs like Sridevi, Sonakshi Sinha, Shraddha Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bipasha Basu, among others put their elegant foot forward for the reception party of T-Series chairman Bhushan Kumar's sister Tulsi and Hitesh Ralhan on March 2.

No wedding is complete without Manish Malhotra's collection sighting and this one was no different. Sridevi, who came with her husband Boney Kapoor, dazzled in a beige shimmer sari festooned with a gaudy diamond necklace (we wish she had chucked that).



Actress Shraddha Kapoor picked a dainty anarkali from Manish Malhotra's shelf, while Esha opted for the fail-safe lehenga. Ameesha Patel looked rather flamboyant in the navy blue lehenga-skirt with bright yellow embroidery and sequined top.



While some put their faith in Manish Malhotra, some find Anita Dongre's couture befitting. Actress Dia Mirza wore a bright floor length anarkali and Sonakshi Sinha rocked a pale blue mirror-work lehenga.



White colour also dominated the night. Jacqueline Fernandez opted for a lehenga-choli number by Arpita Mehta. Actress Bipasha Basu came in a Preeti S Kapoor anarkali.



Vidya Balan, went for the fail-safe traditional look in a kanjivaram sari adorned with gold jewellery.



We loved Hate Story 2 actress Surveen Chawla choice as well that of actor-producer Sachiin Joshi's wife Urvashi.



But here's who failed to impress us. Bhushan Kumar's wife, producer-director Divya Khosla, who has an (otherwise) impeccable style, wore a silvery fish-cut dress. Her accessories were a further disappointment. But the bride compensated fashion-wise. Tulsi wore a champagne gold embellished lehenga.



Actress Sonal Chauhan, in a pretty pink Neeta Lulla outfit, and Richa Chadda in SVA ensemble, also scored high on our fashion-metre.



We also spotted Sunny Leone at the reception looking absolutely stunning in an Aarchana Kochhar lehenga. She came with her husband Daniel Webber.



Making a statement in embroidery was filmmaker Farah Khan and actress Sonali Bendre.



While the Bachchan ladies gave the reception a miss, megastar Amitabh Bachchan came with his son Abhishek. Also in party mode were Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, among others.



NDTV MOVIES

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; October 29, 2014)

Singer Tulsi Kumar talks about Kuchh Toh Hua Hai (Singham Returns), her relationships in the music industry, and her father Gulshan Kumar 
Srishti Shinde (BOMBAY TIMES; August 15, 2014)