MUMBAI: City boy Vikas Bhalla is on cloud nine. Having tasted success with acting in television shows, he is now planning to make a dent in playback singing with his debut track 'Po Po'. A trained Hindustani classical singer, Bhalla has already recorded a track for upcoming Ajay Devjan’s film ‘Son of Sardar’, thanks to Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
In a candid interview with Radioandmusic.com’s Zuala Chhangte, Bhalla shares his views and thoughts on how he will keep balance in acting and singing.
Excerpts:
You have got a break in playback singing with the song 'Po Po' in Son of Sardar. How does it feel? And what do you think are the qualities required to be the voice of Salman?
I couldn't have got a better launch pad for playback singing other than ‘Po Po’. In playback singing, one must also keep in mind the hero, his style and his mannerisms apart from emoting and modulating one's voice to the genre and mood of song. Moreover, all this has to be done maintaining perfect pitch and rhythm apart from other technical parameters. It is way more intricate than it appears. While singing ‘Po Po’, I visualized Salman, his facial expressions, how he would say a particular word, and sung it accordingly.
You are already a known face on TV. Will you jump ship to take up singing as a full-time career?
I love to sing and act. Acting has given me a certain platform, and has allowed me to follow my heart and pursue my music. I would continue to do quality work in both fields. I consider music as my religion.
Today it has become a trend for actors to try their hand at singing. Do you think this trend dilutes the respect of playback singing and genuine musicians?
I released my début album ‘Awara’ way back in 1997. And its lead single ‘Dhuan’ ruled the charts for almost two years post release. Simultaneously, I was undertaking my various acting assignments whether on TV or film. So obviously, it's not like I'm following any particular trend. And why should an actor who sings, dilute the effect of playback singing or genuine musicians? An actor could be a fabulous musician too, as we have seen in the past examples such as KL Saigal to Kishore Kumar and to Ayushman Khurana from the current lot. A true musician will always have his place under the sun, no matter what.
As a career, how does playback singing pay? Is it a viable option for many talented singers who come to Bollywood?
Of course it is a viable career option, provided one has the talent and the drive to follow his heart right through all possible obstacles. There are various revenue streams like live performances, performance fees and royalties amongst others once the singer and his music is popular. Above all, there is unparalleled satisfaction in creating magic through music, which is way beyond of any materialistic gain.
What do you think is more important: Singing talent/ great lyrics/ or a great tune?
All of the above. For example, the song 'Chingari Koi Bhadke', which I rate as one of the perfectly created songs ever, has a combination of the music genuis of RD Burman with lyrics by Anand Bakshi and Kishore Kumar’s vocals. If you remove even one of the above factors from the song, it will not be the same.
Coming back to your song for Son of Sardar, what does 'Po Po' mean?
‘Po Po’, literally, has no meaning as such. But yes, when Himesh Reshammiya taught me the song, he mentioned the sound of the wedding bands that play in baaraats which create a ‘po po’ effect. So I guess that must have been his initial reference point while creating the track. Whatever the meaning and whatever the reference, Himesh has once again gone to prove that he is a hit-machine when it comes to composing music.
What is your opinion of the item numbers?
Item numbers are great as they provide a slightly kinky edge to the regular film soundtrack. There can be a certain liberty taken in the lyrics and music, as there isn't any particular situation being catered to in most cases. For a singer it's a great platform that ensures instant popularity as the item song generates maximum publicity due to the extensive promotional campaign built around it.
Tell us about your upcoming projects in acting and singing fronts...
I am currently busy with ‘Uttaran’ shoots and ‘Po Po’ promotions. As correct marketing is as crucial as the product today, I am singing and promoting ‘Po Po’ at all possible places and platforms to do my bit towards marketing it well.
I remember Himesh's exact words telling me, “Vikas make this song your life and it will make your life.” And that's what I am doing right now. I will be taking up more assignments soon. I hope and wish that this song gives music directors the confidence to trust me with their compositions and they give me an opportunity to sing for them. My dream is to sing with Asha Bhosle and for AR Rahman.