‘Who says Kumar Sanu is finished? - Latest Interview - by Faizan Ahmed

The ‘Kuch Na Kaho’ singer defends his turf while speaking about his future projects

Ram Kamal Mukherjee

For the last five years you have not made too many public appearances.

I am here in Mumbai with my family. Just because I am not singing for too many Hindi films that doesn't mean I am dead. (Laughs) I regularly record for Bhojpuri, Bengali, Assamee, Tamil and Telegu films. My track ‘Chickni Chickni’ from Boney Kapoor's No Entry was a hit. I’ve always been quality conscious and I will maintain that. Recently, I recorded a song for Sooraj Barjatiya's Vivah which was composed by Ravindra Jain and is very melodious.

It has been alleged that your work has shrunk because you are not getting too many offers.

Why are these people spreading such baseless rumours? I am happy and content with my life. I agree that the trend has changed and now music is more about the visual impact. I’ve stopped switching on music channels because most of the songs involve semi-nude models and vulgar dance steps. It's a pity that they are not even sparing legends like Mukeshji, Rafiji, Kishoreji, Lataji and Ashaji. I am waiting for this era to get over. I am sure melody will return with a bang.

Have you turned your attention completely to production now?

Yes. I’ve completed Uttham with Priyanshu Chatterjee and Neha Dhupia. I have composed the music and Pyarelal (of Laxmikant Pyarelal fame) has composed the background score. I had to monitor each shot of the film. The director went on shooting and we had to chop a considerable portion of the film. Now the film looks good and I am sure people will like it. It releases in June

It was reported that you had problems with Neha Dhupia during the post production of the film. She even refused to dub for your film.

This is untrue! I don't think that she had any problem with me. If she did, she would have informed me. There was a problem with the director, which has been sorted out.

Is it true that you are producing another film with Ujjwal Chatterjee based on Sarat Chandra's novel?

Yes, I am going to make a film based on Sarat Chandra's novel, but not with Ujjwal Chatterjee. I have already recorded two songs with Asha Bhonsle and by the end of this year we shall start work on the film.

Why aren't you releasing any private albums like your contemporaries?

I have a contract with T Series. They paid me only Rs 101 for three years. Besides this, one of my private albums has been lying with them for a year. I was extremely close to Gulshan Kumar and his son Bhushan, but I've asked him to release me from the contract so that I can bring release my own albums.

Are you disappointed that Himmesh Reshmiya is getting all the attention in Bollywood these days?

I think he is very lucky. Nowadays songs are all about media hype and promotion. Even an average song can be a chartbuster. If a bad song can get so much adulation, what about melodious song ? It's sad that people aren’t listening to Nadeem Shravan’s music anymore.
We are all aware of Himmesh’s capability as a singer, and how much he has been promoted. In a country where Emraan Hashmi becomes a super star, anything can happen.

Faizan Ahmed