22nd August 2023, Mumbai: Legendary singer Kumar Sanu recently reminisced about the golden days of the music industry. During his exclusive interview with Filmy Charcha, he took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, “Our Era used to be a different kind of Era where there were lesser singers and hectic amount of work. Nowadays, it’s not like that. Now, it’s like there are fewer songs and a big number of people because there’s a lot of competition.” With an explosion of talent and easy access to platforms for showcasing art, the industry has become more competitive. The influx of artists has led to a deluge of songs, but not all leave an indelible mark.
Disappearing Melodies
“Earlier, songs used to have some kind of meaning, some sort of relativity, Ghazals, shayaris, etc. Now, the songs just disappear in a couple of days and don’t create a lasting impact.” Sanu laments. He touches upon an important aspect of music; it’s not just about catchy tunes but about stories, emotions, and relativity. Songs from the past carried emotions that resonated with listeners for years, becoming timeless classics.
Kumar Sanu Slams Rapper Honey Singh
When questioned about the root cause of this decline, “Is it the audience’s fault that they’re not accepting good songs, or is it the makers’ mistake?”, Kumar Sanu responded with a pointed critique, “Makers are literally hammering a single song to the audiences’ minds. Ab Agar roz subah subah tum unhe ‘Chaar Bottle Vodka’ Sunaoge baar baar, unke mind me hammer karoge ek hi ek hi cheez toh vo obviously pura din wahi gun-gunayenge.”
A Call to Action for Listeners
Sanu’s observation rings true in the age of repetitive radio plays and streaming platforms where certain tracks get incessantly played. Yet, he doesn’t solely blame the makers. He earnestly appeals to the audience, “Aur mai audience se bhi ye request karna chahta hu ki please yaar thode ache gaane suno, ache gaano ko promote karo tabhi industry aage baddh sakegi.” It was evident that Kumar Sanu wasn’t going to hold back when he subtly slammed rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, emphasizing the kind of music that’s been reigning the charts lately. Sanu’s comment was not just a critique of a single artist but a reflection on the changing tastes and preferences in music.
The music industry, like all other forms of art, has evolved with time. While the past was about soulful melodies, meaningful lyrics, and fewer artists, the present seems to be dominated by fast-paced numbers and a plethora of artists vying for the top spot. Kumar Sanu’s reflections provide a mirror to the industry, urging it to introspect and find a balance between quality and quantity.