AAP AUR HUM HF
SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE TODAY THIS NEWS
I haven't heard Himesh
April 29, 2007
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He’s on radio seven times a day, has had 15 out of 2006’s top 30 songs and he even met Latadi 3 years ago. But India’s nightingale is yet to notice him
WHEN the country’s national treasure dismisses “the Indian rockstar” in a line, there is no bigger comedown. “Maine Himesh ko suna nahin,” said Lata Mangeshkar in a rare interview last week.
The legend minced no words about who the real music makers of this generation are. “In my opinion, music directors are very few. Rahman is doing good music.
Jatin and Lalit have now separated. Now I don’t know if they are composing at all, but as long as they did compose they did good work.
A few of Anu Malik’s music scores are good,” said the Hindi film music icon, who was recently honoured with the Forever Indian award by the Diamond Trading Company (DTC).
Other Lata snubs
* She refused to sing the song Ke Pag Ghungroo from Namak Halal because she felt it was demeaning to Meerabai
* The legend is said to have turned down a Meerabai project with Ravi Shankar
* She has also never sung for composer
O P Nayyar
‘I haven’t seen any film of his or heard him’
When Himesh Reshammiya’s name popped up, she added, “Himesh – unki koi film maine dekhi nahin. Maine suna nahin (I’ve haven’t seen any film of his or heard him).”
She also admitted that she rarely listened to film music nowadays, though she added that her favourites were Rahman, Jatin-Lalit and some of Anu Malik’s work.
“In the olden days, songs were of main importance, songs and their lyrics. Nowadays music doesn’t sell and music is based on the film. But then the film was made on the basis of its music,” she said, with reference to Hindi film music.
Himesh on high rotation on radio
Of course, considering that Himesh’s albums, music videos featuring him as well as films have been incessantly released in 2005 and 2006, it is surprising that he went unnoticed.
“Himesh Reshammiya remains mainstay with Shakalaka Boom Boom and more recently Good Boy Bad Boy.
He’s rocking the charts again,” says Rohit Kulkarni, who heads programming at Radio One FM 94.3, Mumbai. Himesh’s tracks are currently on high rotation (7-8 times a day) and in the last quarter of 2006, approximately 15 songs featured on the radio channel’s Bollywood Top 30 countdown.
Boom time on music channels too
Music channels too are bombarded by Himesh numbers constantly. “His positioning is such that there are songs released every month, and since they’re a part of the T-Series catalogue they make sure that they get their share of airtime from all channels. His songs are on high rotation.
The rotation of songs depends on its duration,” said Luke Kenny, programming head, Channel V. Agrees the channel’s head honcho Amar K Deb, “He’s a highly requested artiste and has a tremendous fan following.
I think he has a nose for music.” MTV in fact has tied up to promote the singer’s debut film Aap Ka Surroor – The Real Love Story.
“There are three reasons why he’s on high rotation for us — his songs are popular, the sheer volume of his songs because he keeps churning out music so you can run but can’t hide and his debut has a Roadie Bani in it,” says Ashish Patil, vice president, creative and content, MTV India.
Biggest brand for labels
According to T-series’ Bhushan Kumar, the singer’s Rock of Gibraltar, Himesh’s top albums include Aap Ka Surroor, Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Aksar, Tom Dick and Harry and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. Incidentally all these albums are from the past two years. “He’s the biggest brand for the label today,” says Kumar, T-Series chairman and managing director.
Ghazal album to be released by T-Series
Incidentally, Lata Mangeshkar’s ghazal album titled Saadgi, which comes after a gap of 17 years, is being released by T-Series, Himesh’s biggest ally till date. “There are a few numbers in the classic style of ghazals as well as a few modern ones.
Those, which have been written by Javedsaab, have a modern touch. We’ve used the verses of a few other poet greats as well,” says Mangeshkar.
There was also talk of recording with Pakistani ghazal veteran Ghulam Ali. “Yes we had decided to work together but then he went away to Pakistan and London and I got busy,” she adds. The album is scheduled to release next month.
Dangling the carats
The Nightingale of India shares with us her love for diamonds. “I love wearing diamond bangles and traditional Maharashtrian jewellery, especially the earrings we call kudis. I always wear these same pair of kudis,” she says, pointing to her favourite diamond earrings.
There’s another story that Mangeshkar loves to narrate. She had never met the iconic singer K L Saigal but has in her possession one of his rings. “I’ve met his wife and through his son obtained his ring.
I consider it lucky. Saigal saab’s brother Mahendra Saigal used to bring jewellery, which were in fact his friend Baapa Lal used to trade,” she remembers, “This is back in 1952 or 53.
He used to tell me, ‘Didi these jewels are of good quality and quite reasonably priced. We plan to sell them. You keep them with you for safekeeping.’ Eventually it would be me who would buy them.”
Himesh’s other pangas
Asha Bhosle vs Himesh Reshammiya
When Himesh allegedly said that R D Burman sang through his nose, Asha Bhosle reacted saying that he should be slapped. Himesh later publicly and personally apologised to Bhosle.
Sonu Niigaam vs Himesh Reshammiya
While Sonu won’t comment on Himesh, he admits to have heard rumours of Himesh dissing him at his concerts in America. Himesh on the other hand has admitted to this paper that “Sonu is the best singer in the country”.
Anu Malik vs Himesh Reshammiya
Anu Malik composed the music for the original Hera Pheri but lost out to Himesh in the sequel. Next he’s said to have been outraged when a record label roped in Himesh to do the title track for Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye in the last minute.
Anees Bazmee vs Himesh Reshammiya
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee reportedly fell out with Himesh during the recording of the yet to be released film Welcome. Himesh was replaced by Anand Raaj Anand after he recorded two songs for the film.
Boney Kapoor vs Himesh Reshammiya
Producer and filmmaker Boney Kapoor is said to have accused Himesh of violating the copyright act over a song called Tanhaaiyaan that was composed and recorded by Himesh for Kapoor’s film Milenge Milenge but was later used by Himesh for his own debut film.
Himesh cleared the air and said that he’s been trying to get in touch with Kapoor in vain and that the rights of the songs did not belong to the filmmaker
Himesh reacts, in a telephonic interview, “I went over to Lataji’s place to seek her blessings three years ago. Lataji is my idol. She is the best. I love her and respect her.
She is India’s pride.” The singer turned actor has 10 days of shooting to complete for his debut. Himesh, who was in Mumbai for a day will be leaving to resume his shooting in Bangkok.
When informed that the legend hasn’t heard his music he says, “What can I say? Whatever Lataji says is the final verdict for me.”
DHALL