Indian music industry is coming of age: Kunal Ganjawala

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Bollywood playback singer Kunal Ganjawala blames his originality for achieving success late compared to his contemporaries. But he also feels the Indian music industry is changing.

'There is a lot of struggle in the music industry and for me it was an individual one. It took me really long to succeed because I was real,' Ganjawala told IANS here.

'When I started my singing career, the clones of past singers were required but I refused to copy and maintained my style. Hence, it took time for me to make it to the hearts of music directors and success was delayed,' he explained.

But he is upbeat about the future of the music industry.

'The Indian music industry is slowly coming of age. Today songs are made keeping singers in mind and soon specialised singing will take the industry by storm.

'Moreover, if producers ask their music directors to make original music and give time to the singer to rehearse we could churn out many more beautiful songs.'

The singer struck fame with the song 'Bheege honth tere...'. His numbers in films like 'Saathiya', 'Dhoom', 'Krrish' and 'Saawariya', to name some, set sales soaring.

Once a participant in the reality music talent hunt show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa', Kunal is currently judging 'Chhote Ustaad' and says that he is tired of seeing the wrong people win.

'I am sick of seeing the wrong person winning a competition. Now, we (Kunal, Pritam and Shreya) have got the power and we will undo the wrong.

'This year I have taken a resolution that this reality show will become a true talent hunt show. We will select the most talented singer instead of the most popular one,' said Kunal, who was in the capital to promote 'Chhote Ustaad'.

Kunal also slammed the phenomenon of judges fighting on-screen.

'Whether on screen or off screen, at no point of time can one compromise on etiquette. I don't think that such tussles are shown to increase TRPs. Actually, when different points of view clash they fuel such clashes.

'But as a layman I believe no one should fight; moreover, it should not be shown on screen as nobody likes to see it.

'I don't think such fights will happen among us because we are very simple people and have no hidden motives. Also, we discuss more about the voices of participants and our point of focus is kids, not we,' concluded Kunal.

In an ever-demanding profession where the burnout rate is rapid, what keeps Kunal going?

'Our profession is extremely taxing and I think marriage proves to be a great help. My wife Gayatri (Iyer) is from the same field and understands the pressures very well. For instance, when I am travelling she would just message me to give a call when I am free.

'Distance does matter but spending quality time and each other's support largely helps cope with work pressures.'