Himesh sings a new tune
Reshammiya talks about his nasal voice and other controversies
Subhash K Jha
You seem to have patented that sufi-rock style of 'Aashiq banaaya' and 'Janaab-e-jani'.
I will change my style over the next couple of months. I know that it has become a successful formula, but I can't stick to one style forever. When I was followed a predominantly Indian style in 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya' and 'Tere Naam', everyone said I was stuck in that style. Then I entered a new phase with 'Just chill' and 'Nikamma', which were aimed at the youth. After a few months, I moved on to the sufi-rock style of 'Aashiq banaya aapne'. I now want to combine world music and Indian melodies. Today's target audience is 22 years and below. However, now I do want to connect with an audience that's slightly older.
Apparently your insistence on singing your own compositions is causing a lot of heartburn in the music industry?
I don't know why. I've sung just three or four of my own songs. It's just that they've all been hits. I think I sing well. I've had training in classical music singing. But music direction will always be my main passion. I certainly won't be singing in all the 30 films that I may do in the near future. In Dharmesh Darshan's Aap Ki Khatir, I've used several singers. I'll sing only when the song requires my voice. I've never forced any producer to let me sing. I've been accused of singing only in the high range. Well, now I'm going to sing in the middle and lower octaves.
Why is your singing so nasal?
Everyone has a point of view. What some people think is a nasal voice, is actually a high-range voice. How come no one accused Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab of being nasal? Anyway, now I want to prove my detractors wrong by singing a couple of songs in the middle and lower ranges. One of my songs in Phir Hera Pheri will prove my point. I'll let my work speak for me. In my private album Aap ka Suroor, I have already sung in the lower octaves.
History shows that private albums of most music directors turn out to be flops.
But mine is not. The first order was for five lakh units. Then there has been a repeat order of another five lakh copies. These aren't figures invented by me. You can check with T -Series. In this album I wanted to try out music I can't possibly try out in films.
You also act in your music videos. Are you preparing to give Salman Khan are run for his money?
I'm tired of people accusing me of starry ambitions just because I'm seen in my music videos. Anyone who cuts an album does music videos. I have no acting ambitions. My screen presence is restricted to my music videos. The concept of a rock star is alien in our country. I'm trying to fit into the mould of a rock star, like Michael Jackson and Bryan Adams. Otherwise I'm as far removed from acting as is possible. As for Salmanbhai, he's my friend. My album Aap Ka Suroor is dedicated to God, Dad and Salman Khan.
Your participation in the music reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has generated a lot of controversy.
I think I've gained considerably through Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Its unit has become my family. The singing talent on the show is outstanding. As for controversies, I've never had arguments with my colleague-judges. But I have a point of view. And I express it.
Your colleagues on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa think you push your favourite contestant, Vinit, too hard.
That's their opinion. I've always felt Vinit is the best. If he's deserving, why should he not be praised? A lot of people feel I'm hard-selling Vinit . He has never received less marks than 8 out of 10. What more proof is required of his consistent merit?
Who do you think will win, Vinit or Debojit?
They're both running neck-to-neck. It all depends on audience polls.
You've come a long way as a music director...
I work on every song as a student. Today I give filmmakers five, instead of three, options for every song. I've to keep going from Friday to Friday. Two flops, and I'll be back to where I started. I also think the impact of a song depends on the way it's used.
Now I'm really looking forward to the response to my music in 36 China Town. Then there's Aap Ki Khatir, where the director has replaced Nadeem Shravan with me.
You're the first composer since Nadeem Sharvan to sell a film to the audience.
I don't think the music can make a film sell. I'm working hard, but I can't be responsible for a film's success or failure. I have control only over the music, not the way the music is used. I simply make sure that every song of mine works. Last year I had a bank of 500-600 songs. Today I have 1000 tunes that are ready to use.
• What some people think is a nasal voice, is actually a high-range voice. How come no one accused Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab of being nasal?
–Himesh Reshammiya
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