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Yesudas seeks foray into Arabic music

DUBAI - Indian singer K.J. Yesudas, who has thousands of hit songs in Hindi and South Indian languages to his credit, is looking for a chance to foray into the Arabic music scene.

Yesudas, who began his singing career in 1961, told Khaleej Times on Friday, 'I am waiting for the right time and right song for my entrance into the Arabic music world.'

He is on a visit to Dubai in connection with the grand finale of the eighth edition of 'Gandharva Sangeetham', a talent-hunt show to search for young promising voices, being organised by Kairali Television at Al Nasr Leisure Land on Saturday.

He said he is exploring the possibilities of singing songs in the maximum number of languages.

'Music is not just the source of my bread and butter. It's my passion and I am learning new lessons everyday,' said the veteran Malayali singer.

Commenting on the popularity of the reality shows, Yesudas, who is known for his melodious voice, said, 'They are good platforms for the young generation to enter into the mainstream music industry. However, parents, judges and organisers should be extremely careful while dealing with the children to avoid any untoward repercussions later and shouldn't hurt their sentiments.

'For instance, a girl from Bengal paralysed after hearing the comments about her singing ability from the judges on a recent reality show. The people involved in such shows should be extremely careful. The shows should motivate the young generation.'

In the current music scenario, melody songs have not much place like in the past, he said. 'I used to sing several Bollywood songs. But now the music culture has been changed.' The change of taste is brought about by the difference in the pace of life, he added.

The Gandharva Sangeetham finale show will start at 5.30pm. The winner will bag the Kairali-Swaralaya Yesudas Award.

Six finalists are competing for the award that will be judged by music director Johnson, playback singers Sujatha, Srinivas and Anuradha Sriram.

A music and dance show by T.K. Rajeev Kumar will accompany the event.

riyasbabu@khaleejtimes.com