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By Rekha Balaa
MUSCAT — The countdown has begun for the finale of the Indian Social Club-Minara Music Festival to be held at Le Grand Hall of Al Falaj Hotel tomorrow (Friday) from 7:30pm.
The event began on September 12 and included competitions in light vocal, duet vocal, classical vocal, group songs and instrumental music.
Around 450 participated in the competitions, which were judged by experts in Carnatic, Hindustani and light music.
The finals will only feature competitions in the light music categories (solo, duet and group). Winners of all categories will be awarded prizes during the function.
Jatin, of the famous Bollywood music director duo Jatin-Lalit, will be the guest of honour.
The duo, the youngest music directors in Bollywood, have been instrumental in bringing back melody through youthful and peppy music. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Khiladi, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and the recent Hum Tum have all been chartbusters.
Jatin is also a judge on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge, a reality musical show on Zee TV.
In an interview with Times of Oman, Jatin reveals his plans of opening a music school in the city, touches upon the music scene in India and the hype surrounding talent shows.
You are visiting Muscat for the second time this year, this time in a totally different role, as a guest of the ISC-Minara Music Festival…
I am really excited as I am already part of another music contest, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. I am also planning to open a music school in Muscat. We are looking for the right place after which we will start operations. Once the school is established, I propose to come here often.
Do you think that competitions like these will help in identifying the right talents and promoting them?
Of course. You never know where and when you can spot real talent. When somebody is genuinely talented, one can push him/her in the right direction.
Will you be promoting the talents from Muscat by giving them a chance in your films?
If they are genuine and good, why not?
How do you judge talent at these kinds of competitions?
I look for voice quality, diction and the kind of foundation the child has had. Also important is the feel and soul in the voice.
You with brother Lalit are one of the youngest music directors in the Hindi film industry. Do you think the industry promotes young talent especially when quite a few seniors rule it?
A lot of young and new talent has come up in the recent past. To be a good music director, you need to have a creative spark. There are people who come up with a few tunes, do a few songs and then get exhausted. It is important to keep updating yourself and be consistently good.
What do you think of the present state of the industry? Do you think the remix trend and the fast pace of music have put melody in the backseat?
I fully agree with you. I don't enjoy the kind of music being churned out these days. Everybody is trying to kill melody and coming up with all kinds of nonsense. I just pray and wish there is a revival of melody and an end to this soulless music.
Do you think singers today have the talent and the sustained interest to consistently deliver?
While doing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we were amazed by some wonderfully talented singers. I hope that in Muscat too, I will be hearing some very good singers.
Do you think shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Indian Idol and now Fame Gurukul are successful in unearthing real talent or is it all just hype?
There is a mixed side to these shows — a little bit of hype and a lot of reality. But Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is an authentic talent show. A lot of hard work has gone into it. We have even gone to the small states of India to discover the right talent. The competition is very genuine.
The Indian Idol winners have achieved a kind of cult status. Do you think they will live up to the hype?
We will have to wait and watch. Overnight success is not good. One should go step-by-step.
What kind of music moves you? Do you have a favourite music director?
Melodies with good lyrics. I like Madan Mohan's music.
Can you name any recent Hindi film song, which you have found different in terms of melody and composition?
I like the songs of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. I like the Kal Ho Naa Ho title song as I feel that it is closer to our style of music.
Hum Tum was a stupendous musical hit. What's in the offing?
We are doing another Yashraj movie — Fanaah with Aamir Khan and Kajol. It has a strong melody with some very good numbers. We have opted for the younger lot for this movie, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan, Sonu Nigam and Mahalaxmi.
Do you have any favourite singers whom you cannot do without?
Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan and Abhijeet.
Entry to the programme is by invitation only. For invitations contact Indian Social Club at 24701347
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