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By Taru Talwar Š2003 Bollyvista.com |
"Soone shaam savere, kab se hain mere, jab se gaye ho tum". The emotions in these words are apparent in the voice of the singer; a soft voice, full of expressions, resonates in the air as this song plays on. The voice reminds us of another legendary voice that made us happy, laugh and sad for decades. Yet, the owner of this beautiful voice remains hidden on the scenes of Indian Music Industry. His history is simple, born in a natural-musically-inclined family, he is the son of the legendary Kishore Kumar. He has to his credit, over 800 songs, a few pop music albums in which he has even composed music, showing us his multi-talented personality similar to his father. He even has to his credit a few movies, in which he acted while his father was still alive. A genuine, natural born artist, his talent speaks for himself. Oh yes! We are talking about Amit Kumar here. Upon request from several of his fans through his fan-club here at Bollyvista.com, we met up with him and asked him the questions that his fans wanted to ask him.
What was the first movie that you recorded a song for?
The film was "Door Ka Rahi" and the song was "Mai Panchi Matwaala" which was eliminated from the film. That was "the Kishore Kumar style of working". It was recorded at the Bombay Labs in 1965, music and lyrics were by Kishore Kumar. Another song 'Beeti Jaaye Zindagani" was also recorded for the film, but that was also eliminated.
As far as we know, you have given music for your non-filmi albums, but did you ever give music for any movies as well?
No, none. I am not a regular composer- I just have inborn talent and as R.D. Burman said at the release of Mad- I am 25 years ahead of my time (Mad was released by R.D. Burman). However, I have given music for Bengali movies.
Have you ever written lyrics for your non-filmi as well as film albums?
Yes, for Bengali albums- Amanat, Tai jodi hoto, my next release "Mahjabeen" has lyrics by Leenaji. She is a superb lyric writer who can grasp the mood and translate it into meter. It is commendable for a person not trained in the art of writing.
Have you ever recorded in any other languages besides Hindi and Bangla?
Yes, in Marathi, Punjabi and Oriya.
In the late 80s, there was an interview of yours published in the Filmfare where you sounded very upset with HMV for not giving you the royalty money for all Kishore Kumar songs released by HMV, and a subsequent letter by Mr. Vijay Kishore Dubey, then VP (?) of HMV wrote that no royalties were owed to Kishore Kumar or his estate since HMV's royalty contract was with the producers of a film and not with the singers for any film, could you shed some more light on the issue as well as give us your views on it?
No comments. It's water under the bridge and there is no need to bring it back up.
Did you ever sing for free in any movie?
No.
While we are the subject of money, have you ever given any money to any charities or benefits?
Yes, I have given money to Ram Krishna Mission and Mother Teresa- when I did the show Dui Kishore in Calcutta.
What are your views on today's music industry? Where do you think it is headed?
Today, everything is a facade, poetry has vanished and melody is non-existent. There is no originality left in the music and no depth in the lyrics. Compositions lack creativity. There are no sad songs being written or composed-only happy and romantic songs for the generation X. But life is not like that- "kabhi khushi hai to kabhi gam", music companies are only promoting happy songs as they believe that is what sells and that doesn't give variety in one single album. It's not nice to listen to the same emotion again and again, music should also reflect life, but in the end the people will listen to what is doled out to them.
Do you like A.R. Rahman's music?
ARR is a very talented composer. He knows his stuff, he knows music. His arrangements are very good. The background score for "Lagaan" was superb.
A lot of people would love to see you singing for ARR, do you think that is a possibility?
Who wouldn't like to sing for Rahman- everybody would- and I am no different.
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