NEW DELHI: Well-known Bollywood singer, Madhushree, who started her career with Kabhi Neem Neem (Yuva; 2004), Kangnaa Re (Paheli; 2005) and Tu Bin Bataaye (Rang De Bansanti; 2006) is back to mainstream Hindi film music with ‘Tu Yahin Hai’ from ‘Meenakshi Sundareshwar.’
She spoke to the Daily Guardian.
Q. Be it acting or singing, Indian cinema values only that act which lasts for a long time. You sang your first song in the year 2001. What are the qualities needed to survive for so long?
A. Getting into the industry is very difficult, surviving in it much more difficult. Because not only do you still have to fight for new assignments, you have to deal with other matters, including staying relevant in the industry and not falling prey to leg pullers.
Q. The OTT platform has not only changed the perception of the entertainment world but has also given a tremendous challenge to the cinema culture. Opportunities have opened up for artists, how does an artist view this change?
A. As far as acting is concerned, there are enormous opportunities, but at the same the cinema has changed tremendously, where music is no more the integral part of it as it was before. There is hardly any lip singing now. And this means that the singer has to create his or her own identity.
Q. A debate has been going on regarding the standard of songs that is being churned out today. Do you really think that the standard of songs in Bollywood has fallen?
A. I still believe that composers and writers can do wonders. It’s a fact that today’s changing cinemas have very less or no scope for music. So the makers do not spend time and money to focus on good music. Previously music was created first and then film concepts were built on them.
Q. Do singers become outdated over time? You have been talking about nepotism. Does nepotism help in getting work?
A. Yes, singers can get outdated in this changing cinema. But if a singer keeps updating themselves, then such singers can do wonders, especially with their experiences. I never stopped working on my skills, which has helped me. Yes, there is and will always be nepotism, but in the long run, only talent will survive.
Q. You have worked a lot with AR Rahman in your career. What was the experience like and what is his most special thing about working with him?
A. A.R.Rahman has given me what I’m today—a known name—Madhushree. I’m thankful to him for this. He always makes artists feel very comfortable and that brings out the best from the artist.
Q. Sanya Malhotra is an emerging artist of Hindi cinema. You have sung for her in ‘Meenakshi Sundareshwar’? What kind of energy do you see in her?
A. Sanya is a very special actor in looks, acting and above all very natural. That makes her unique and not a cliche. I’m so happy that ‘Tu Yahin Hai’ has been pictured on her.