Bollywood is overdoing remixes, says Shreya Ghoshal

The undisputed queen of playback singing, Shreya Ghoshal, believes that the Hindi film industry is overdoing remixes and remakes in its music these days. She spoke to City Times ahead of her concert this weekend in Dubai. The winner of four National Awards, six Filmfare Awards and many more accolades will be singing her regional songs apart from popular Hindi numbers for her Dubai performance. Since her debut in 2002, she has been lauded for her talents in Bollywood and has featured on soundtracks for iconic hits including Devdas, Om Shanti Om, Padmaavat, and Bajirao Mastani. 
 
What is the unique aspect of performing in Dubai?
Performing in Dubai is always very exciting. The audience is such a fantastic mix of people from so many different countries and languages with a universal love for music. For Dubai, I am ready with my entire repertoire of songs, including my regional hits apart from my favourite Hindi songs.
 
What is it that you enjoy about performing live?
The energy and the excitement of performing live are unmatched. The stage is where I feel so alive, and when people sing along to my songs, it feels so surreal.
 
Do you have any routines that you perform before going on stage?
I have no particular routine. I like a hot cup of coffee and if possible 10 minutes of silence in my green room before I hit the stage.
What can we expect from your show this time?
As I mentioned, I am extra prepared for my performance at Bollywood Parks Dubai. I will be singing all my hits, including the very latest release Ghar More Pardesiya from Kalank, which is getting a lot of love from audiences.
 
Which are your songs that get maximum response from the audiences?
The response is loud for many songs. It depends on the audience. Songs like Deewani Mastani, Teri Meri, Sun Raha Hai Na, Ghoomar, Radha, and Nagada Sang Dhol get a lot of reactions.
 
What do you think of Bollywood’s recent trend of remixing old songs?
Bollywood is overdoing remixes and remakes right now. It’s a natural formula for commercial success, and with popular old hits, the labels are pushing for such remixes. But I have a feeling that this year, a lot of good original music will release to compensate for the monotony.
 
What has been a significant highlight for you looking back at your career?
My effort is to do something every day that can stand out as a highlight in my career - from singing challenging songs whether film or non-film to working with the best in our music industry, to doing concert tours with my Symphony band.
 
Which is your favourite song from your repertoire? We heard on the radio that Bahara is your favourite song. Is it true? If yes, why? 
I have many favourites, and they keep changing every day. Bahara is one of the songs I love performing; it’s such a beautiful melody by Vishal-Shekhar. 
 
Throughout your career do you feel that your musical style has had to change with the changing times?
I have changed my style from song to song – whether it’s a classical-based song, folk, romantic or a dance number. Whenever I go to the studio, the song’s nature inspires me to sing it a certain way.
 
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I try not to have too much spare time. But when I do have time, I cook, catch up on movies and TV shows, plan vacations – the small joys of life and the best kind.
 
 
What is the future of Bollywood music with the advent of recording technology and its trends?
Bollywood music is an ocean of enormous musical possibilities. And our strength is in our roots with our unique Indian melodies which set us apart from the rest of the world’s music. The added advantage of technology, regarding which we are at par with the Western music industry, helps our songs get love globally.
 
 
SHREYA IN CONCERT
Date: Friday, March 29
Time: 7pm onwards
Location: Bollywood Parks Dubai
Ticket info at dubaiparksandresorts.com