Raahon Par Manzilen Abhi Aur Bhi Hai

Singer Abhijeet Sawant shares his views with HT City while his visit to Lucknow Mahotsav.

How do you feel about the experience in Lucknow?

Lucknow is really good. I have been here many times. The audience is really supportive. Another reason behind coming here is that I have a whole lot of friends in Lucknow.

What is your favorite song for all moods?

Well, my favorite song is ‘Zindagi ka Safar’ by Kishore Da.

Who do you think was your toughest competitor in Indian Idol?

Amit Sana, I guess.

Do you think being married can decrease your fan following?

No, I don’t think so.

Which project of yours has been closest to your heart?

Mohabbatein Lutaunga being my first album will always be special to me.

Who is your favorite singer?

Kishore Kumar is my all time favorite singer.

Who was your favorite co-star?

Well, I have worked with a very few people. But, yes among them Shreya Ghoshal has been really good.

How does it feel from an Indian Idol Contestant to a Playback Singer?

It feels great. This was the only dream I used to see. But, “Raahon Par Manzilen Abhi Aur Bhi Hai”.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Mom-Made Dal and Rice.

Any future projects you are working on?

Yes, right now I am working on my new album which will be launched soon .

Any message to Lucknowites?

Yes, it is your love and support because of which I am here and do continue to give the same.

Chandni Gulati

I am Huge fan Of Lucknow

Singer Shreya Ghoshal gets in a Chatty Mood While her visit To Lucknow Mahotasav.

What do you like about Lucknow?

 I am a big fan of Lucknow. I have always received great welcome from Lucknowites. After coming to Lucknow, first and foremost thing which I did was to have ‘Lucknow Ke Kebabs’. And right now I am in a total Lucknowi mood.

Do you think you are getting typecast as a romantic singer?

Is that so, and if such is the case then that’s not even a problem. Yes, I agree that mostly all my songs are romantic. And I am happy with it.

Who is your favorite singer?

My favorite singer always has been Lata Mangeshkar.

Which movie has been your best project or something which is close to your heart?

Devdas being my first film will always be special to me.

And  your  favorite song from your movies?

It is difficult to say which one is the favorite because all of them are good.

How does it feel being a contestant in Saregamapa a reality show to a playback singer Shreya Ghoshal?

See, it is a gradual process. You do not get things all of a sudden. I still feel uneasy when I am asked to sit on the judge’s seat.

What do you want to say about reality shows in today’s time?

Today, reality shows have a pure level of competition. Due, to the increasing commercialization reality shows have reached to a really higher stage.

Chandni Gulati

        

Music can not be segmented

‘Wadali Bandhu’ Pooran Chand Wadali and PyareLal Wadali were in the city for a performance in Lucknow Mahotsav.

There's this perception that you don’t sing other singers songs? Why?

The reason behind this is that we don’t will to sing songs which are not our own. We are known for our originality and that is what keeps us connected to our roots.

Are folk songs losing steam? What future do you see?

There's nothing like that. Other music is like a sparkle which show its effects for a few minutes.But, Sufi Kalam is like worshipping the 'Almighty’. If one has dedication for music he has a great future lying ahead.

Are there less platforms for folk songs?

No, its just that we have to realize our potentials.

Is there a need for reality show in folk singing?

Yes, there is a huge need for a reality show meant for folk singing.

Your son Lakhwinder Wadali was in a reality show.Was he happy and should more singers come forward in folk singing?

See, firstly they asked him to sing folk songs but later on they insisted more on making him sing the song of their choice .Due to which he was a little bit unhappy. Definitely there is a need for talented singers in folk singing.

According to you who take folk more seriously Indians, foreigners or Indian abroad?

Actually everybody likes Sufi music. There is no bar of age, caste or nationality.

Comment on Folk and Bollywood.

Well, both are different streams. And even work patterns are entirely different from each other. Both, work at their own respective places.

What are the future plans for Gennext and their children?

See, Commercialization is necessary to build up a future in Sufi music.

Lucknow is a culture city but does it have a ear for folk singing?

Well you can see that. We are having such a lovely audience around.

Is there a need that folk singing should be blended with the nation's taste and not just a particular region?

Definitely, because music can not be segmented for a particular state or region. It should be made for all.

-Chandni Gulati

Songs are like instant coffee

Singer Shaan was in the city to for a performance in Lucknow Mahotsav.

If not a singer, what else would you have been?

Journalist, I guess.

According to you which star on silver screen suits your voice the most?

Doesn’t matter whoever the star is. Its my labor and efforts which matter.

Do you see a revival in lyrics? And less thoughts or depth in songs?

Definitely, there is a complete change. Either the song can be good or bad. Lyrics are the foundation for a good song. And now-a-days somehow I felt that depth is missing.

Songs in Bollywood are identified with the actors than the singers? Does that bother you?

I think the labor of any singer is just for a few hours. But an actor shoots for days and months. So, it doesn’t bother me.

What changes do you see in this field regarding the increase in reality shows?

Well now-a-days songs are getting like instant coffee. Various artists try to get instant popularity which vanishes in a few days.

What do you feel special about Lucknow?

Lucknow is great.Lucknowites have always given special welcome to me.

Any upcoming projects?

Yes, you’ll get to see my songs in upcoming releases like 3 Idiots and Chance Pe Dance.

Do you feel that a song receive more popularity because it is visually attractive?

Yes, I believe that a song will grab more attention if it is visually more appealing.

What’s your take on the comment of Abhijeet Bhattacharya saying ‘Shaan is the best’ during his visit to Lucknow Mahotsav?

Oh! Thanks if he said so. Its great to receive such a good comment from him.

As it is said that Lucknow is the city for Nazakat and Nafasat? Did you felt the same?

Definitely, I can see the same. The Nawabi culture I feel is still alive.

-CHANDNI GULATI

I am ahead of times

The singer who made us break the shells and put on our dancing shoes on TWIST gets in a chatty mood with HT City.

How has the transition been from a pop singer to a mainstream singer?

Not very different. When I started my career, the kind of songs and music I used to do never existed in bollywood earlier. So, you can say I am ahead of times.

What exactly happen to Bombay Vikings?

Bombay Vikings will always be there. We established our band in 1992 and till 1993 it became solid.But,our band used to be more of western music.But,later for earning bread everyone went our own way, Then finally we parted in 1995.

What’s your take on the views of certain political parties about Non-Maharashtrians living in Bombay?

See, there is nothing like being Maharashtrians or being of any other specific state. I respect the emotions which one has for its state or region.But,our first duty is to be an Indian.

Tell us something about your forthcoming projects?

Yes, I have a song in Dulha Mil Gaya which is picturised on Shahrukh Khan, a song in Chance Pe Dance and another in Houseful.

How is the connect you find with Lucknow?

I would have loved to be in Lucknow.The food culture here is very rich. The Indian delicacy is famous till far abroad. ‘Kaash main bhi yahin ka hota’ he says.

You being a Non Resident Indian, have you completely shifted to India?

Yes, I have shifted over here as there is better scope for career.

Your voice has improved by leaps and bounds and you have been giving one hit after the another in movies. Why do you think you’ve succeeded?

I never felt that if any song of mine is hit then I am a star and should be extremely proud of it. The Mantra for success definitely is Feel Good Approach.

Is there anything in your career you wish you would have done differently?

This I feel after six or ten months later of my songs release and think I could have done better.

Who do you give your credit for success?

My parents, simple as that. They have always understood me and have always helped me in each and sphere of life.

What is the mystery behind your name?

Well , there is nothing like mystery .My real name is Neeraj Sharma.But,one of my father’s friend did not had children. Then my father said to him that my children are yours too. His surname was Sridhar.So,from then onwards my father kept mine and my brother’s surname as Sridhar.

Why do you change your looks frequently?

I never want life to be really boring. Not only I experiment on my looks but also on interior decoration for my house, the color of room’s wall and so on.

When do you believe was the turning point in your life?

When I launched , Kya Soorat Hai as a part of Bombay Vikings ,that phase I believe was the turning point in my life.

Do you believe you can match up to the singing in 60’s and 70’s?

Well not at all ! Legends will always be legends.

Have you ever been offered for acting in a movie?

Yes, I was offered a movie by Anees Bazmee.

You are said to be a Master Of Remix . What’s your comment on that?

Remix when made in a good way is appreciable. But , when it is more of nudity and exposure then I believe it is not worth.

Any message to the audience of Lucknow?

You have given me great love and support. And continue to give the same.

-Chandni Gulati.

Sexy Lady On The Floor

The Stage of the Lucknow Mahotsav 2009 was all set to welcome one of its most sensational playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan .The enthusiasm was clearly seen on the faces of the audience.

Before the performance started “Jo Chaho Ujiyar” a musical drama put the audience entertaining. Although the play was really good but still it was unable to hold back the patience of the audience who were eagerly waiting to see Sunidhi performing.

After arriving she swayed the audience with her popular number Aa Aa-Aashiqui Mein Teri from (36 China Town).After this she sang many of her songs like Chhaliya-Chhaliya(Tashan) and Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai(Kaminey).She made the audience spell bound after singing Crazy Kiya Re.

The people were madly shouting to cheer the most sensational singer cum youth icon. The reason behind such huge audience was that it was the last performance of the Mahotsav that on a weekend which mellowed as a cherry on the cake. As a result of which huge audience turned up to see their favorite singer performing live.

She made the audience take a Chance on Dance and also made them bounce to her tunes. The last song she sang was Aisa Jadoo Daala Re (Khakee) which spread a magic in the air. And by the end she thanked the audience for their love and support and was overwhelmed by such a warm welcome by the Lucknowites.

Interview-Ravi Kant Tripathi

Ravi Kant Tripathi shared his views with HT City while his visit to Lucknow on Thursday evening .

• If not a singer then what else would have you been?

Doctor for Sure! Because I scored really well in my CPMT  exams.

• What are your Upcoming Projects?

My Upcoming album is “Ishq ki Dhun Mein” which will be released soon.

• Whom do you see as your idol?

Actually not one but I have four idols-Mohd.Rafi, Suresh Wadkar, Sonu Nigam and Lata Mangeshkar.

• You were also a part of the reality show. Whats your comment on the coming reality shows?

As reality shows are growing each day. The Competition is also growing more and more. We have to be better day by day  to survive in this industry.

• What changes do you see in the field of music in the last few years?

I believe changes are always mend for the betterment. Till the time we are alive we should keep learning.

• We have heard that you have established a music institute in Pratap garh?What are your plans  for Lucknow?

Definiatly,within the next 2 years we will come up with such an institute in Lucknow too.

• When are your plans to get married?

I already got married in December. But I haven’t disclosed this information yet.

Balki’s interaction at IIM-L

R Balki, the director of movies like Paa and Cheeni Kum, during his visit to the Indian Institute of Management-Lucknow (IIM-L) on Tuesday, appeared impressed with the budding managers. Perhaps that is why he threw an open invite to IIM students to “come and give him “some competition”.

For the uninitiated, Balki, is also a well known ad maker with advertisements like ‘daag acche hain’ (remember the Surf advertisement?) and ‘Jago Re’ (Tata Tea) to his credit.

And Balki’s ‘come and compete’ invite was primarily aimed at urging the management students to probe career opportunities in the ad world.

“I hope to see you as my competition and well, as my client,” Balki remarked during an interaction with the students of the premier management institute. After a pause, he added, “Advertisement is not about doing things correctly. Rather, it is about doing things interestingly.”

His advice to IIM students was very simple: “It’s better to change before it becomes necessary (to change).”

Describing the difference between filmmaking and advertising, he said, “In ad-making, you make a film for your client. In films, till such time a movie becomes a commercial success, you are both the maker as well as the client.”

He said, “Idea rules the advertisement world,” he said in response to a query whether celebrities ensure the success of an advertisement.

“Celebrities are important but then the idea is even more important. For instance in the ‘daag acche hain’ commercial, there is no celebrity. Yet, it has become so popular,” he said.

Needless to add, the management students were impressed by the interaction.

Ishani Pruthi an IIM-L student said, “We are an enthusiastic bunch of youths who believe in following our own dreams. And today’s interaction with the film and ad maker helped us realize that we are not wrong.”

Zinnia Sheoran, another IIM-L student said, “Being at IIM means opportunity to interact with those who have been-there-done-that. Tuesday’s workshop with Balki was very innovative and inspirational. It was very different experience.”

R.BALAKRISHNAN

I AM REALLY INEFFICIENT

R.Balakrishnan popularly known as R.Balki the director of hit movies like Cheeni Kum and Paa in a candid chat with HT City while his visit to Indian Institute Of Managament-Lucknow (IIM-L) on Tuesday afternoon.

While asking about what he really wanted to be except an ad maker or a filmmaker, Balki says I wanted to be a commentator in a cricket match, and will fulfill my dream some day if the audience bears my voice.

Balki who is also an ad maker with popular ads like Daag achche hai (Surf Excel), Jaago Re (Tata Tea) and What an Idea Sir Ji for (Idea Telecom) explain the difference between ad-making and filmmaking. He says, “Advertisements are executed much faster, while for a movie you need a lot of resilience.”

When asked the director about his up coming projects. He says, Yes we are going to release two new ads soon one for Bajaj Discover Bike and another for Britannia Tiger Biscuits. For movies he says, “No work on movies right now. I will make a movie but once within two years, because it takes a long time to write and execute it.”

His favorite movie is Moondram Pirai which is the Tamil version of the movie Sadma.In context of his visit to IIM-L, when we asked what management is, he says “You meet a lot of people everyday, listen to everyone, solve everyone’s problem this is what is management according to me.”

He adds he is really inefficient as a director and as an ad maker and would learn to have the enthusiasm and energy like these budding managers of IIM-L.

-CHANDNI GULATI