22 August 2023, Mumbai: The world of Bollywood is filled with stories of triumph, challenges, and unexpected turns. Recently, the filmy charcha had the privilege of sitting down for an exclusive interview with the legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu. During the interview, our journalist delved into the intriguing question of whether Kumar Sanu had ever received an offer that he refused. The singer’s candid response shed light on a lesser-known aspect of his career and the decisions that shaped his journey.
The Offer He Couldn’t Refuse
When our journalist posed the question, “Have you ever got an offer and you refused?” Kumar Sanu’s response was a revelation into his experiences in the world of films. He recounted an offer he received for a Bengali film, where he was not only the hero but also involved in singing songs and contributing to the music. This film turned out to be a massive hit, running successfully for 23 weeks in Kolkata. However, despite its success, Kumar Sanu’s experience while working on the film left much to be desired.
The Bitter Experience
Kumar Sanu’s account of his time working on the Bengali film unveiled a different side of the film industry that is often overshadowed by glamour and fame. He candidly expressed how the process of filming turned out to be tedious and uninteresting. Describing the repetitive nature of shooting, he mentioned how each shot required multiple takes due to lighting adjustments and other technical aspects. As a result, the shooting progress was slow, leading to frustration and boredom.
Battling Boredom
The acclaimed playback singer went on to emphasize the tedium of the process. Kumar Sanu shared that the shooting day was filled with long hours of waiting, interspersed with only a few lines of dialogue being filmed. He explained how the cycle of sitting and waiting for hours to shoot a few lines made the experience monotonous and mundane. While he acknowledged that he could have continued acting and reaping the benefits of being a part of the industry, he decided that the monotony was not worth his time.
The Choice to Prioritize Music
Despite the initial success and offers that followed, Kumar Sanu chose to prioritize his love for music over acting. He expressed his realization that the film industry’s allure faded when faced with the tedious reality of shooting. His straightforward response to the question, “Have you ever got an offer and you refused?” revealed his unyielding dedication to his passion and the music industry. While he could have pursued acting for the sake of appearances, Kumar Sanu made a conscious choice to stay true to his own interests and preferences.
A Glimpse into the Past and the Present
As Kumar Sanu recounted his experience with the Bengali film and his subsequent choices, he shed light on a chapter of his life that was a brief deviation from his musical journey. Through his honesty and candidness, he demystified the perception of glamour associated with the film industry, acknowledging that it wasn’t the right fit for him. His decision to step away from acting allowed him to fully embrace his talent as a playback singer, a choice that led to unparalleled success and acclaim.