Sunidhi Chauhan has been active in the industry for a little less than two decades. Crooning songs like Ruki Ruki (Mast 1999), Bhumro from Mission Kashmir (2000) and Sajna Ve Sajna (Chameli, 2004), Sunidhi is one of the most prominent singers of Bollywood. We sat down for a chat with the singer. Excerpts from a conversation that followed
Let's start with your song Pyaar Ho in the recently released Munna Michael.
I got a call from the composer and co-singer Vishal Mishra of the track. When I heard the song, I found it very soothing but catchy at the same time. So, the whole process of singing behind the mic and doing inflections was a lot of fun.
Sunidhi Chauhan Performing At An Event
Over the years, have you become selective about the kind of work you do?
Yes. A little bit. I don't want to repeat myself. I am not inclined towards singing similar sounding songs or numbers which anyone could sing. I need to be able to add my flavour. I also say no to a song when I am not comfortable with the lyrics.
Many female singers often complain that they do not get solo melodies. How far do you agree with that statement?
May be yes! But a lot depends on the situation. You can't challenge or complain. If producers and directors do not require a female oriented number, then they don't. If there is a requirement, songs will surely come to you. When a film is made, there are a lot of people involved so I am sure they think about each and every aspect.
Unlike decades ago, we only remember hook lines of songs now. What, according to you, is the reason?
There are songs which we remember and groove to. I agree that the shelf-life has gone down, but there is so much work happening unlike earlier. There are too many films, singers and composers. Earlier, we had one composer doing an entire film. So times are different and we can't really compare the two eras.
It is also said that we do not have complete albums these days. What according to you could be the reason for this?
I feel it's all about the compositions and how much people relate to it. There are times that people relate to all the tracks of the film and you get a hit album. No composer knows the future or formula for a hit song. If that was the case, all of them would have chartbusters to their names. We get lucky when the entire album works. For e.g. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani; we loved the songs and the film. When a film does well, it helps the songs. There are times that one film entirely rides on one song and things work in your favour.
The recent trend has shifted to actors and actresses singing songs in films. What do you feel about it?
Actors and actresses have always been singing. Maybe not that frequently, but they have.
But, at times, the promotion of the film rides on that one song.
It is true in some cases par haar baar aisa nahin hota. It's their fundamental right to sing especially when you have the technology that can make you sound good. I don't see a problem there and ultimately it’s for the audiences to decide who can or can’t sing. There are some people who have a very strong opinion and they might sing a song or two and feel that they are not doing a good job and they quit. The ones, who are stronger, continue singing. Any art form is not a jagir so even singing is meant for everyone. As long as you sound good and have a different tone which sounds fresh, you are good to go because everything will be ultimately taken care of.
Your views on songs from earlier days being recreated.
That is happening a lot and I fail to understand why we recreate old song despite so much talent in our country. There are many people who are waiting to get an opportunity and are talented. I am not fond of recreations. We need to have original music orelse everything you hear is the same.
You made your acting debut with Playing Priya. What’s next?
I have been approached by a few filmmakers and am reading scripts, but I want to do something that creates impact. I am waiting for the right script and if things work, I shall say yes.
Image Souerce: instagram/sunidhichauhan5