The Indian music landscape is witnessing a transformation, and veteran singer Shaan stands as a testament to the changing tides. Known for his mesmerizing voice and chart-topping hits such as ‘Musu Musu Haasi Deu,’ ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahan,’ ‘Chand Sifarish,’ and ‘Jab Se Tere Naina,’ Shaan has carved a niche for himself in an industry that is now evolving beyond the realms of film music.
In a candid interview, Shaan revealed his insights into how an artist’s route to fame is no longer confined to the silver screen soundtrack. He pointed out that music icons of today have emerged from various avenues, showcasing a diverse range of musical talent and style outside the film industry.
One significant example Shaan provided was Arijit Singh, whom he referred to as the ‘last big exponent’ to emerge from the Bollywood music scene. He observed, “All the big names today in music, they are either rappers or they have their own brand of music styles. Arijit Singh was probably the last big exponent who came in from film music.”
Shaan highlighted how the industry has nurtured artists who first gained recognition for their independent non-film work. Stars like Guru Randhawa, Honey Singh, Badshah, and King initially captivated audiences with their unique music, independent of cinematic productions.
For Shaan himself, his identity as a Bollywood playback singer has become both a badge of honor and a challenge. He expressed the difficulties in encouraging his audience to appreciate his non-film tracks. However, other artists, like Neha Kakkar, have successfully transitioned from social media stardom to mainstream cinematic music, suggesting an industry that is becoming more accessible and diverse in how artists can achieve popularity.
Despite the accolades and success, Shaan also shared a feeling of being ‘underutilized’ in the contemporary Bollywood music scenario. Reflecting on the last decade, he feels he hasn’t been as involved in high-profile Bollywood songs as in the past. This sense of distance, however, has not dampened his spirits; rather, he views it as an opportunity for introspection and skill enhancement. “When you are constantly on a roll, there’s no time to introspect, no time to work on your skills,” Shaan remarked.
He treats this season of his career as a ‘little getaway’ – a chance to refine his craft and prepare for future endeavors. Always looking forward, Shaan continues to engage with the music industry and his fans through various projects. Notably, he has recently lent his vocals to a playback for the upcoming Bengali feature film ‘Network,’ a composition by Dabbu.
The conversation with Shaan underscores a broader shift in the Indian music industry. No longer are artists confined to the boundaries set by film music. Instead, there are burgeoning opportunities to reach audiences through independent music, social media platforms, and live performances. As the industry’s dynamics evolve, established artists like Shaan adapt and pave the way for emerging talents to shine on their own terms.
This evolution is more than a trend; it’s a reflection of a progressive and vibrant music industry that embraces innovation and diversity. What remains constant is the love for music that artists like Shaan continue to embody, regardless of the medium through which their melodies reach the hearts of millions. It’s a harmony of tradition and modernity, playing out through India’s evolving musical narrative.
(With Inputs from PTI)
