INTERVIEWS



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* INTERVIEW # 1


 
Kumar Sanu


http://www.hindustantimes.com/nonfram/071000/HTC12.asp

(Interview submitted by: Mohd. Hanif)




* INTERVIEW # 2


 

KUMAR SANU

It's not easy to be Kumar Sanu. It took him many years of hardwork, dedication and patience to reach where he has reached now. Once there, he continuously worked on improving himself and singing umpteen melodious songs meant just for him. He is one playback singer who has sung more than 8000 songs till day and shown the love and passion he is showing towards his music now, the day should not be far enough when there will many more songs to his credit. Kumar Sanu holds the record of singing 28 songs in one day. As if this record was not enough for him, he also sang 161 songs in one month and 1100 in a year. All these records brought him immense name and fame and also mention in the Guinness Book of World Records. This singer is so versatile in his approach that he manages to sing differently for different composers. In this tete-a-tete with ChannelBollywood, Kumar Sanu speaks at length about his life as a singer, actor and as a normal human being.



How do you manage to give the most number of hit songs?
It always happens. I don't have to do anything. Its just that whichever songs I sing becomes hit and I feel very good about it.

So how much and what kind of homework is done in your songs?
There is no homework involved at all. I just go to the studio, sing and get out of the spot as soon as possible. I know what kind of songs to sing and what goes with the singing. So there is no homework required as such.

But have you ever come across difficult songs which required little more of your attention than the usual songs?
Yeah. There has not been just one song but many difficult songs with Ravindra Jain, Jatin-Lalit and Anu Malik. But I was able to sing each of them because I had worked hard on them.

Do you have any favourite music director?
No, no one is particular.

Okay, tell me what are the most important aspects of a singer?
Anyone can be a singer but to become a successful singer, you have to take care of two important 'Ps' - patience and perfection. You should wait for your time patiently and not get frustrated. Your time will surely come. You should also know the importance of 'sur', 'taal' and 'lai'. You should be having the right kind of expression and of course you got to have god gifted tonal quality.

Kumar Sanu From being a Kishore Kumar clone, you have ended up having clones of your own.
I feel the word 'clone' is a very wrong word. I wasn't Kishore Kumar's clone, I was his follower. Moreover, all the singers have followed someone or the other at one point of their career. There's nothing wrong in it. We also follow our teachers in school. There are 40 students in a class and they all follow their teacher. They like something in their teacher and so they try mixing those talents in them and come out a totally different individual at the end. Not all the 40 students become teachers but some become astronauts, engineers, doctors and some even journalists like you.
Lata Mangeshkar followed Noorjehan initially. Mohammad Rafi followed Doorani and Kishore Kumar followed K L Saigal. Even Asha Bhosle followed Geeta Dutt before she came out with a distinctive style of her own. So I would again say that there's nothing bad or wrong about this. In fact, everyone should choose someone and follow him.

There's a huge concert in USA in October. How are you preparing yourself for the big occasion?
There's no need to prepare. I have been performing from last 10 years and have been to USA for at least a dozen times. The audiences have known me all over the world and they know what kind of songs I will be singing each time. Yeah, of course I will sing my usual songs and the hits of this year.

When do you enjoy singing the most?
I always enjoy singing. If I don't enjoy singing then the people for whom I sing the songs won't enjoy listening to them. I don't want to spoil anyone's mood by singing badly and in a bad mood. So whenever I sing I make it a point that I am in a cheerful mood.

Tell us something about your pre-'Aashiqui' days?
I started my singing career in 1979. I used to sing in Calcutta shows and restaurants. I came to Bombay in 1987 when Jagjit Singh offered me 'Andhiyaan'. Then I got Kalyanji-Anandji's 'Jadoogar'. Then I got 'Aashiqui' and after that everyone came to know about me.

Tell us something about your family.
I was born in a musical family. My father Pashupati Bhattacharya was a classical singer and composer. I was a tabla player at one point of my life.

When is your Bengali film 'Gaane Bhuvon …. Debo' going to release?
It has already been released in Bengal and its doing quite well. Now it has been dubbed in Hindi and it is due to be released in October.

How was the experience of working in a movie?
To tell you the truth, it was very boring.

Do you want to do another film of such kind?
No. I just wanted to act in one film and that's it. No more acting in movies.

So tell me what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity?
The kind of love you get from the audiences and people around you is overwhelming and touching. Of course there is a lot of name, fame and money. Talking of name, once you acquire that, normal life is no more normal. Things which you could have done yourself otherwise is no more done by you. You keep a secretary to look after your things and that way you become dependable. There is a lot of misunderstanding and things become complicated for you.

You have sung in so many different languages. Have you ever considered singing in English?
I hate pop and English music. There is no proper voice and clean singing. I don't even listen to English music. They only shout and not sing. I feel Elvis was a great singer who had a clear voice but after him there's simply no one who really interests me.

Lastly, which are some of your forthcoming songs?
The songs from the films like 'Khauff', 'Albela', 'Mela', 'Sangharsh', 'Hum To Mohabbat Karega', 'Chehra' and 'Gang' are good enough.



- Jubilee Mukherjee.


http://music.nazara.com/interviews/bollywood/k/kumarsanu/index.asp

(Interview submitted by: Mohd. Hanif)




* INTERVIEW # 3


  In an informal chat with Ajit Ghosh, Kumar Sanu speaks about the music industry and his future plans. Excerpts from our conversation.

How do you evaluate the coming year?
I think, careerwise, the coming year will be more promising and brighter for me. Whatever work I have done, you'll see the outcome of it by next year. Also, I am planning to launch a Hindi serial, under my own banner. My Bengali serial Bhori Bhori Ravi is already on air in Bengal. I wanted to have an experience first in my mother tongue. There are many plans for the future but I don't want to reveal them right now.

If not a singer what would you have been ?
If I would not have been a singer, I would have been a tabla player or a painter. I was creative right from my childhood.

How many songs do you record in a day ?
Earlier, I use to record 3-4 songs in a day but now, I record 3-4 songs in a week. I have become choosy, I work according to my mood. I don't feel insecure now, Ab main mar markar kaam nahi karata. If sometime the studio is already booked, I myself call some other singer and ask him to sign instead of me.

Who is your favourite female singer ?
There is none in particularly, but I have sung maximum number of songs with Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy.

With the comeback of Nadeem - Shravan, have you been benefited or not ?
Nadeem - Shravan are my favourite music directors, but that doesn't mean others are not. But with Nadeem - Shravan I have given melodious songs. With their come - back, I am definitely happy but the thing is, I have consciously cut - down my assignments. If I like the song then only I agree otherwise, after hearing on telephone, I say no. The song should be romantic with lyrical values. I don't sing vulgar songs. Now I'm in a position that I can say no to when I don't like any particular song or don't feel like working. I have achieved whatever I wanted to, so now I am not in a rush. I am far from the rat race. If somebody calls me to record a song, I myself suggest some other singer's name and tell him to approach him. I am a more settled person now as of carrier - wise and mentally too.

Which songs top your list of all time favorites?
I cannot pick one particular song but some of my favorites are - Jab Koi bat Bigad Jay…, Kuch na kaho …, Ab tere bin jee lenge hum …,Teri ummeed tera intezar karte hain ….

Who is your favourite music - director?
Panchamda. I can't name other music - directors. By pleasing some, I may displease others.Any regrets?My only regret is that I have not received what is due to me.

What is important, award or reward?
Definitely rewards as you by awards through reward (money). Yet, money is one party of it. One should give importance to emotions, love, feelings, but his legs should firmly be planted on the earth. Off course, if you don't have money, love will fly out of the window.

What is more important for a film, star cast, script or music?
Off course music. Indian films cant run at the box - office without music unlike Hollywood films. People first hear the music, watch the songs on the TV and then go to the theatres.

Tell us about your future assignment?
How many songs and assignments should I talk about? Almost 450 songs of mine are going to be chartbusters in near future. Some films, which I can name, are - Yeh Dil Aashiqana, Kasoor, Kahi Pyaar Na Ho Jayae and Roshni.Which according to you was the golden era for the filmi songs?

Apparently Kishor Kumar's era was the golden one.


http://www.calonline.com/entertain/n_starsays9.html

(Interview submitted by: Niladri)




* INTERVIEW # 4


 
Kumar Sanu

 
Kumar to launch new songs

Touring Indian superstar promises South African fans a 'spectacular' show

  • This is the third time you will be touring SA. What can fans expect?

    Firstly, I will be singing a range of new and unreleased songs. I will also be touring with several new singers and musicians.

    Any performer will tell you that touring with new musicians adds a different dimension to a show.

    I will also perform songs from the movies Hello Brother , Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Kahona Pyaar Hai , among others.

  • You have sung in 17 Indian languages. Any plans to experiment with or sing in any South African dialects?

    Music today is all about fusing and experimenting. Thus, if someone was to invite me to record in another dialect or utilise a different sound, I would gladly jump at the opportunity.

  • You have recorded 28 songs in a day and over 9 000 in your career. When do you think you will stop singing?

    I will stop singing the day I die. I am passionate about what I do and there is nothing that I would do more than sing.

  • Your songs have been heard in more than 1200 films. What movie are you presently working on?

    Because the industry in India is so big, I record songs on a daily basis for several movies at the same time.

  • Ever thought of turning to acting?

    Never. My passion is singing. There is nothing else I want to do.

  • What is your favourite Indian film?

    There are so many. The most memorable has got to be Kuch Kuch Hota Hai . Not because I sang the title song, but because the chemistry between the lead actors, Kajol and Shahrukh Khan, was extremely good. And it also was a refreshing take on what is an old theme in Bollywood. I am also a Govinda fan and enjoy all his movies. In my opinion, he has yet to make a dud.

  • How did your singing career begin?

    I come from a family of musicians. Although I am a commerce graduate, getting into the industry seemed a natural progression. I started off as a tabla (drum) player before taking to singing in 1979.

    Jagjit Sing, the famous ghazal singer, was composing the music for the movie Andhiyan and invited me to sing one of songs. That was how it all began. After that, I worked with Nadeem Shravan on the hit movie Aashiqui.

  • Where was your first performance and what was the experience like for you?

    My first live performance was an open-air concert in Calcutta in 1979. Naturally, I was nervous and had the jitters. Nevertheless, the experience proved to be invaluable.

  • Where do you perform next after South Africa?

    I go to the US, after which I will tour Holland, the United Kingdom and then the Middle East.

    I am looking forward to Holland because I have a large following there among the Surinamese and Dutch folk. It is quite refreshing to discover that people of other cultures are taking to Indian music.

  • What has been the highlight of your career?

    Without a doubt, singing with Lata Mangeshkar in 1992 for a song in the movie Naya Sawan .

  • Tell us about a day in the life of Kumar Sanu?

    I am an early riser. After I get up, I usually go for a long walk and then meditate and exercise. Shortly afterwards I head for the studio where I spend the entire day recording. When I get back home I usually watch English movies in my home theatre. I am a great fan of action movies and my favourite actors are Sylvester Stallone, Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude van Damme. The last movie I saw was Bruce Willis's latest film, Unbreakable.

  • Who or what has been a motivating/inspirational force in your career?

    My father, Pasupati Bhattacharjee. He was a classical music teacher and is largely responsible for the person I am today. Even now, he advises me about my music and career.

  • What do you do when you are not in the studio or performing?

    I love going on long drives in the Indian countryside. I own four cars. My pride and joy is my Toyota cabriolet. It is fast and sleek and turns heads. I also love travelling and am a keen gambler.

  • What kind of people do you like?

    Open-hearted and straightforward people.

  • What motto do you live by?

    I believe in honesty and integrity and feel that every human being should live by these virtues.

  • What is your most prized possession?

    This may sound odd, but my prized possession is my voice, and, thereafter, my career.

  • What is your most irritating habit?

    Like most artists, I am temperamental and tend to lose my temper easily. Most musicians are, in fact, creative, emotional and moody. I am so because I am a Libran.

  • If today were the last day on earth, what would you do?

    Spend the day relaxing with my family, especially my three children.

  • What advice do you have for those who wish to get into singing?

    I followed two basic principles in the course of my career: firstly, patience and, secondly, perfection. They go hand in hand.

  • What message do you have for your South African fans?

    I have developed a close bond with my local fans. I promise them a spectacular show which will be filled with new songs. It is because of my fans that I am Kumar Sanu.


    http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2001/01/21/arts/durban/aned02.htm

    (Interview submitted by: Mohd. Hanif)




  • * INTERVIEW # 5


     
    Kumar Sanu

     
    Durga Puja celebrations

    Kedar Bhattacharya's journey to Kumar Sanu has been a long one; from a Calcutta University Commerce graduate who grew up in North Calcutta's Sinthee area to the Hindi film music superstar. After Manna Dey and Hemant Kumar, once again a voice from Calcutta gained prominence in the world of Hindi playback singing with Kumar Sanu. He has already sung over 9000 songs in over 800 movies. This interview was taken during the Durga Puja celebrations in California last year with the assistance of Shyamal Chowdhury of Prabasi and Partha Chakravarty.

    Q: Your path to success started with Aashiqui almost 12 years ago, and you have not had to look back ever since.

    A: Yes, it has not been easy to continue pleasing my listeners. I have had to struggle in the past, and I am struggling now too.

    Q: You mean to say that holding on to your success has been just as difficult as reaching the top.

    A: I would say that holding on to one's success is even more difficult than achieving it. One may become successful by a stroke of luck, but continuing to deliver is much more tough.

    Q: When did you leave Calcutta for Mumbai ?

    A: During November of 1986.

    Q: How did you get your first break?

    A: Jagjit Singh gave me my first break in the film Aandhiya. Kalyanji Anandji were the first famous music director to use my voice in the film Jaadugar in Amitabh Bachchan's lip. I first gained popularity in Gulshan Kumar's Aashiqui.

    Q: Have you worked with R D Burman in any film other than 1942 A Love Story?

    A: I have sung for his Bengali film Nyay Anyay. There have been some other Bengali films too, but they were probably never released. I worked with Pancham-da for another Bengali film called Nawab.

    Q: What was your impression of him?

    A: It is difficult to say anything about Pancham-da. He could be called a school by himself in the industry, he was almost a one man industry by himself. He had a tremendous range, and there was a lot to learn and know from him.

    Q: There is a trend now to have more than one music director in films...

    A: This trend is not totally new. But in the past, it used to usually be two music directors who formed a team, even though they may have been successful scoring for films individually. But now it is not like that any more. Now a film can have up to three or four different music directors. Few composers have the guts to handle all the songs of a film individually.

    Q: Who do you find promising among the new music directors?

    A: Himesh Rashmiya. A R Rahman is now a senior. I also like the work of Sanjeev Darshan, Saajid Wajid, and Anand Raaj Anand.

    Q: Some people complain that nowadays producers and actors are influencing film music.

    A: Yes, their interference has increased. This is not good. Sometimes, the producer or director decides on the type of songs or the choice of singers, the influence of so many people robs the music director of freedom.

    Q: You mean there is no freedom?

    A: Nil, nothing. Producers and directors are dictating terms, and there is no scope of individuality or talent or experimentation.

    Q: What is the reason for this?

    A: The tendency to achieve everything easily. Some new music directors are coming up who have neither confidence nor knowledge. They are ready to work just for publicity for little or no money. And the producers and directors are taking advantage of the situation without realizing that it is killing the music industry.

    Q: Has the longevity of recent hit songs gone down? No one listens to hit songs of five years ago any more.

    A: Five years? Its more like three months. Every new film is introducing new singers who are never heard of again. The TV channels are using any type of singers to fill up their time slots. They are promoting new singers by taking a hefty sum of money. They are playing the same song continuously fifty times a day and hammering listeners with it.
    And even if their songs are not a hit, these new singers, the ones who pay the TV channels a couple of lakhs of rupees to make their music videos, they are also earning some money by appearing in a couple of shows. No one cares for quality any more, and this is slowly changing the trend. The new generation is being introduced to Hindi film music through an odd mixture of western pop style. Hindi songs are moving away from the tradition of mainstream Indian music.

    Q: Did you learn music at home as a child?

    A: There was an atmosphere of music at my home. My father was a classical singer in the Bare Ghulam Ali gharana. He used to sing khayals and thumris. We had two music schools at home. I have learned a little from my father, but not a whole lot. I have learned more from watching my father and hearing him and other people sing. My elder brother Tapan Bhattacharya used to act in jatra and theater. My elder sister used to sing too, she sings on the radio and has a music school at home.

    Q: At one time Kumar Sanu used to sing Kishore Kumar's songs and now others sing Kumar Sanu's songs. How do you feel about this?

    A: It feels good. I followed Kishore-da initially in my career, and now others are following me. It feels like an achievement.

    Q: Who is your favorite artist?

    A: Of course Kishore-da. And Lataji and Ashaji among the female singers. In Bengali I like to listen to Manna Dey and Manabendra, and Debabrata Biswas' Rabindrasangeet.

    Q: And among the new ones?

    A: Shaan is good, and Kay Kay is not bad either.

    Q: What about Babul Supriyo?

    A: He is good, but (smiles) he wont be able to do much as long as I am alive, I mean as long as people can listen to the original, but he is a good singer.

    Q: You had decided not to accept any more filmfare awards...

    A: Yes. I took that decision after winning the award for the best male playback singer five years in a row. That is still a record. But now I have spoken to them again and said that I wouldn't mind accepting the award any more.

    Q: You also have a record in the Guinness book...

    A: Yes, for recording 28 songs in a single day.

    Q: How did you enjoy singing in the US during the Durga Puja?

    A: I really enjoyed singing here. I don't remember singing so many songs in a single program in recent years.

    Q: Thanks a lot from the readers of our web site.

    A: Thank you.


    http://www.calcuttaweb.com/bangla/sanu_en1.shtml

    (Interview submitted by: Salman)




    * INTERVIEW # 6



    'I will sing my way into voters' hearts'

    By E Jayakrishnan in New Delhi Tuesday, 16 March , 2004, 16:06

    Noted playback singer Kumar Sanu has joined the BJP and will be campaigning for the party in the run-up to the ensuing elections. Sify.com caught up with the singer for an informal chat. Excerpts follow.

    Why did you decide to join the BJP?

    For the last four years I have been watching the functioning of the BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister (Atal Behari) Vajpayee. They have done a tremendous job. I am particularly impressed with the leadership of the Prime Minister. Watching him, one feels that the country is safe in his hands. I honestly feel that if Vajpayeeji is given another term India will be well on its way to becoming a super-power.

    But why are you joining the party now?

    I can only join after I am convinced that the BJP and the Prime Minister is doing a great job. I joined after watching them for some time. Nobody said I was a good singer when I sang my first song. It was after only the film "Aashiqui", that I came to be known as a good singer.

    I had sung 2,000 songs before that in various languages. Just like that I am joining the BJP after seeming them in action for four years.

    Would you consider contesting the election?

    Absolutely not. I'm not contesting, only campaigning for the party. I will sing my way into the hearts of the people and convey the achievements of the Prime Minister and the BJP.

    Do you believe that India is shining?

    Just a few years ago, the mood was so downbeat. We were nowhere in the picture globally. We were still known for poverty and problems. Look how the mood and the image of India has changed.

    When I go abroad for music shows I can see there is now a new respect for the Indian passport. That was not the case before. Today we are talking of India shining and India being a super-power: That makes me proud to be an Indian.

    What do you think of stars accepting money to join and campaign for political parties?

    I've not taken a single naya paisa. God has been very kind to me and I do not need anybody’s money. I have enough for my needs.

    I expressed a desire to join to the Information and broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and he facilitated my joining the BJP. In fact, far from taking money, I am ready to pitch in with my finances if the party wants funds for campaigning.

    What do you think is the solution to the Ayodhya crisis?


    http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13430958




    * INTERVIEW # 7



    I still command the highest price in the industry

           
     

    Kumar SanuThe Mayor of Dayton, Ohio has declared March 31 of every year till the end of the millennium, Kumar Sanu day in the American state. Why were you singled out for the honour?
    Honestly, I don’t know why I was singled out for the honour. Perhaps it’s because my songs are so popular there. I just had a charity concert there and the response was mind-boggling. All over the world my concerts draw packed houses. There are repeated demands for chart-toppers from Aashiqui, Saajan, 1942-A Love Story, and more recently from Kasoor, Ek Rishtaa-The Bond Of Love, Hum Ho Gaye Aap Ke and Albela. I’ve sung more than 9000 songs in my career and have had many big hits.

    True, but your best songs have always been with Nadeem-Shravan. Even your recent hits from Kasoor, Ek Rishtaa... and Hum Ho Gaye Aap Ke have been composed by the duo.
    That’s because Nadeem-Shravan understand my style and know what kind of songs suit me best. We share a great tuning. Nadeem always says that he composes a song with me in mind. But I’ve given hits with other music directors too like Anu Malik, Jatin-Lalit, Bappi Lahiri and more recently Sajid-Wajid and Himesh Reshammiya. Perhaps that’s why I was not too badly affected by Nadeem’s sudden exit from Mumbai. Even with Nadeem out of town, I featured amongst the hits. I’ve given a ‘Tumko sirf tumko....’ (Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi) with Anu Malik, a ‘Haiya hoo, kya masti...’ (Albela) with Jatin-Lalit, and a Kahin na kahin to milegi... with Raju Singh in recent times.

    There was a time when you were the undisputed Number 1. Then you suddenly disappeared from view. What happened?

    The number game is a farce. You pay channels big money and your songs will make it to the top 10 charts

    The break was intentional and necessary. Everytime you switched on the radio or the TV you’d get to see and hear me. I was being over-exposed. I had to break the monopoly and the monotony for my sake, as well as that of the industry. It was also coincidental that around this time I get busy with the Bengali film I was producing and acting in, Gaane Bhubon Bhariye Debo. I was also laid low with an actute case of sinusitis. Then there were all those concerts I was doing in different parts of the globe that kept me away from playback singing.

    (Thoughtfully). You know in every singer’s life, whether it is Kishore Kumar or Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar or Asha Bhonsle, there comes a phase after 8-10 years of unprecedented popularity, when things get a little slack. I’ve been lucky that with the grace of God, despite this two-and-a-half year break, and the onslaught of so many new singers, people still want me. They love my songs.

    Do you ever regret turning producer-actor and forfeiting your numero uno position as a singer for a film that didn’t run?
    Who said the film didn’t run? It ran for 23 houseful weeks in Kolkatta before I pulled it out from the theatres myself. I wasn’t getting any returns. The distributors and exhibitors were eating away all the profits. Now Zee TV has bought the rights. It will be releasing Gaane Bhubon Bhoriye Debo in Hindi as Jeevan Ka Safar.

    When will you start work on your next film?
    No more films, thank you. I only got into this field to understand how things work. And I’ve realised that production is not always a money-making business. As for acting, it is the most boring job in the world. You say one line and then you have to sit for half-an-hour for the lights to be set up again. The next shot is a mid-shot of your co-star and you’re mouthing the line again for her to be able to react to it, with a camera at your shoulder. Then it’s a combination shot and you’re saying the same thing a third time. For every dialogue you have to give three shots. It’s really tedious.

    Acting, they say, is the most difficult job in the world. You agree?
    No way. It certainly wasn’t tough for me. I spoke and behaved the way I do naturally and people called it great acting. (Smiles). Spontaneity is always appreciated but not everyone realises this. Some actors become very inhibited in their movements and affected in their speech. Body akad jaati hai when they’re facing the camera. I didn’t face that problem perhaps because I have been performing at the live shows for so many years. I am used to facing a crowd of thousands, so the camera was easy in comparison.

    Watching me, no one felt that I was acting in my first film. I was so un-self-conscious that it was almost like I was a veteran actor. I didn’t get any bad reviews. No one said that I shouldn’t have tried my hand at acting. No one said, “Arrey, Sanu ne yeh kya kiya!” Even the songs sold very well, all 10 of them. So there was no reason to regret my brush with production and acting. But I doubt if I’ll ever act in another film again. A commercial Hindi film is out of question. I don’t look like a chocolate box hero and I’d be a fool to think that I’d fit into a regular masala movie.

    After a two-year hibernation do you think you’ll be able to recapture your former glory?

    The break was intentional and necessary. I was being over-exposed. I had to break the monopoly and the monotony for my sake as well as that of others

    I was a star singer two-and-a-half years ago and I still am one. I may be singing fewer songs, but my remuneration is still what it used to be. I still command the highest price in the industry and for my shows. And I’m getting what I want without asking for it, which only proves that I’m still in demand. Otherwise why would people pay me so much. I may not have sung any songs for eight months but that doesn’t seem to have affected my market because I’m getting paid more than any other singer even today.

    In terms of quantity, I may be lagging behind but quality hasn’t suffered. Today, I’m doing more work, singing really good songs but you’ll get to hear these songs only after six months. I’ve just got back from a two-month concert tour in the US. I’m getting back into stride.

    Out of sight is out of mind in this industry. How do you plan to tackle the competition and the opposition?
    I’m not threatened by the competition. Sure there are a lot of new singers around today who are doing good work. You have to be talented to catch the eye in a crowd of 200. Whether it’s the voice, the music or the star-appeal, there has to be something special about a film or a song for it to be a hit.

    But today, hits are not all important for me. I’ve seen it all before, this kind of heady success, and it no longer turns my head. I know that the number game is nothing more than a farce. It’s all manipulated. You only have to pay some of the channels big money and your songs will make it to the top 10 charts. That’s the only explanation I can think of for some songs figuring in the number one slots, songs you’ve never heard before. Sab paison ka khel hai. If you really want to know which songs are in demand, go to some big record shop and ask them which are the cassettes people are buying. Come to one of my shows incognito and watch the crowds that pack them go wild when I come on stage and hum the first line. That’s popularity!

    What about awards? Aren’t they a pointer to a best-selling singer?
    Initially, I used to value awards. Log dete gaye, hum lete gaye. If they’re genuine they can really boost your morale.

    When are they genuine? When you win them?
    I don’t know which awards are genuine. (Smiling) I don’t know if even the awards I won were genuine and I won five Filmfare awards in a row which is an all-time record. I’ve said a lot of things about awards that were misinterpreted. I was misunderstood. It’s only recently that I’ve made an attempt to clear up the controversy.

    Which means that your chances for winning an award this year are bright?
    That depends on the jury and the janta. These last 4-5 years I have not figured among the nominations. Even a song like ‘Tujhe dekha to jaana sanam...’ that was one of the biggest hits ever, didn’t win me an award. It wasn’t even nominated even though all over the world I get requests for this song. Hey, it was even playing in the background during ‘Mehendi laga ke rakhna...’ and concerts are named after it. After this I lost respect for the awards. Umeed toot jaati hai when some of your best songs like ‘Zara tasveer se tum...’ and ‘Do dil mil rahen hain... from Pardes are overlooked. For me today the real award is the public demand for my songs.

    What is the secret of your success?
    I’ve been popular because I’ve stuck to Indian melody which is what sells in India and abroad. I’m a romantic singer and romantic songs never get out-dated, they never lose their universal appeal.

    Besides being a romantic singer you’re believed to be a romantic person too.
    I have to thank you guys for this. Romantic singer ke saath humein romantic person bhi bana diya! Along with success I got a lot of badnaami too. When did I give you any romance ke layak khabar?

    Too many times in the past.
    Don’t jump to conclusions. Find out if there was any truth in these stories that were circulated about me. My fans were hurt by some of the lies specially since many of them were the creation of people who had been close to me, those I’d considered my own at one time. But eventually, even they realised who was right and who was in the wrong. For my part I kept quiet. I’m a very practical man. I know I can’t change the way people think about me, so I didn’t waste my time trying to change other’s opinions. I just kept a low profile. Eventually the truth came to light.

    You may have cut down on your film songs but you’ve started coming out with private albums during every festival, whether it’s Id or Durga Puja?
    nIf I don’t, there are five other singers who will. I’m just cashing in on the market. Some time ago I came up with an album of love songs, Kehna To Hai. There have been several copies since. It’s made me plan another album. It makes good business sense. So does coming out with a cassette during Durga pooja. The response is always good. Every music company is running after me to cut an album for them. Why would they do that if the cassettes didn’t sell? This way I can help the Bengali industry too.

    Yeah, it sure could do with some helping.

    I think the Bengali film and music industry is responsible for its own downfall. How can they give their market a boost if they are not interested in marketing Bengali cassettes. Not that there are too many takers for them, which is a sad reflection on our community.

    An Assamese wil always listen to Bhupen Hazarika’s bihu songs, a Punjabi will always patronise Balle balle. But a Bengali these days is more interested in Hindi film music instead of Rabindrasangeet or Adhunik. So the trade is suffering. Today, even if I want to do something in Bengali I’ll think five times before I get started.

    What are the films you’re looking forward to now to revive your career?
    There’s Subhash Ghai’s Yaadein with Anu Malik. I’ve sung only one song but it’s turned out quite good. Subhash Ghai has a great sense of music. There’s Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham with Jatin-Lalit. I’ve sung two songs for this film. I’ve also got Yeh Dil Aashikana and Gordhan Tanwani’s untitled film for which Nadeem-Shravan are composing the music. I’ve sung 4-5 songs for Kya Yahi Pyar Hai and recently recorded another four for Harry Baweja’s Karz under the baton of Sanjeev-Darshan.

    But I don’t expect them to revive my career. How can I stage a comeback when I never went away?

    — Roshmila Bhattacharya
    [email protected]


    http://www.screenindia.com/20010615/mcov1.html

    (Interview submitted by: Altaf(RajAmish)




    * INTERVIEW # 8



    Talking to, Kumar Sanu

    HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN

    Sanuji, how was your experience working with Rajshri ?


    Working with Soorajji has been a great experience. The story, music and lyrics are fantastic ... it's team work at it's best.. I am sure that the songs will prove to be blockbusters.

    You've sung for Salman Khan in this film. While you wererehearsing, we could literally "see" Salman's character singing on screen. How did you manage this so well ?

    (laughs) Soorajji had explained each song situation so well and how Salman's sensitive character will react in each song, I just imagined myself to be in the place of that character and sang to the best of my capability. If you could "see" Salman singing, the entire credit is Soorajji's.

    While singing our songs, you had mentioned that the experience of seeing so many singers sing together for one particular film is something wonderful. Please throw some light on this.


    The songs are wonderful... simply wonderful and the fact that so many singers are singing together in this film, my personal feeling is that why don't we all singers resolve our personal differences and come together... sing together... be together. I felt this title song is actually made for us. Its very nice.

    The family that sings together... stays together...!
    HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN...




    * INTERVIEW # 9



    Kumar Sanu, Singer, on his current status in the music industry

    Straight Answers
    PRATIM D. GUPTA
    TIMES NEWS NETWORK
    [ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2003 12:42:43 AM ]

    Why are we hearing so little of Kumar Sanu these days in Bollywood?

    It’s simple. Earlier, I used to sing for other people — singing 18 to 20 songs every day at break neck speed. Now I sing according to my wishes. You can say I am happier now than ever before.

    But isn’t it a fact that unlike earlier when you used to rule the roost there are many other singers now who have carved a niche for themselves in tinsel town?

    Yes, there are many singers who are really doing good work. Udit and Abhijeet were always there. Now there’s Sonu, Shaan, KK. But most of them have a tendency to shout at a high pitch rather than singing soft and mellow romantic tracks. It’s also a fact that the music directors are making them sing that way. Also, if you observe very closely, there are touches of my singing style in all these singers. Some have taken my huskiness, some my voice modulation.

    What do you have to say to this recent invasion of remix albums?

    It’s just a passing phase. Before Aashiqui also, there was a phase when everyone around was dabbling with disco, pop, break dance and what not. But ultimately, pure and original Indian melodies had to come back. Now also, there are glimpses already that melody is returning with the success of Andaaz, Ishq Vishk and Qayamat.

    You make it a point to release Bengali albums every year in spite of being such a big name in Mumbai. Why?

    Although Bengal hasn’t given anything to me, I have tried to give whatever I can because I feel I emote best in my mother tongue.

    What are your future plans?

    Just singing and singing. On Monday only, I recorded for Abhishek Bachchan for the film Run. Also, I may venture into music direction in a big way in the near future.


    http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=162270

    (Interview submitted by: Salman, Aasim)




    * INTERVIEW # 10



    MAKING WAVES

    FONT face="News Gothic MT" size=2+ color= "GREEN">(Interview submitted by: Swapan)


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