There’s no denying that Oscar-winner AR Rahman is the star of the concert, entitled The Journey: Celebrating Music, on January 26 at the Bollywood Parks in Dubai. But there’s also no denying that he has a string of singers that are becoming a force to reckon with in Indian music. Gulf News tabloid! caught up with a few singers such as Benny Dayal, Jonita Gandhi and Haricharan to find out more about them. Here are their thoughts on music, AR Rahman and the song that they wished they had sung...
JONITA GANDHI
You have heard her voice in: The Break Up Song (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) and Sau Tara Ke (Dishoom).
Choose three adjectives to describe your music?
I can only think of two right now: soulful and honest.
The perfect song that you would play on your first date and why?
Too much pressure. I wouldn’t want to select a song specifically for my first date with someone.
Tell us about your dream collaboration.
Bruno Mars.
A song that you would have loved to sing, but another singer had the honour?
Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha).
Which Bollywood actress best suits your voice?
Anushka Sharma.
What’s on top of your playlist right now?
Finesse Remix.
A song that you think is over-rated and all hype, but is popular right now?
Main Tera Boyfriend (Raabta).
Is nepotism rampant in the music industry too?
Yes, nepotism is rampant in all industries... It’s human nature.
What’s your favourite AR Rahman track and why?
Dheeme Dheeme Gaaun (Zubeida) and Barso Re (Guru) because I used to perform these at singing competitions while growing up.
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BENNY DAYAL
You have heard him in: Badtameez Dil (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewanii) and Bang Bang.
Choose three adjectives to describe your music?
Honest, fun and enjoyable.
The perfect song that you would play on your first date and why?
Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye from Ghajini. It was my first Hindi song with [AR] Rahman sir and is my most favourite song till date. It’s a song that’s very close to me.
Tell us about your dream collaboration.
My dream collaboration would be with Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and Pharell Williams.
A song that you would have loved to sing, but another singer had the honour?
Nashe Se Chadh Gaye Re, beautifully sung by Arijit Singh in Befikre.
Which actor best suits your voice?
Ranveer Singh.
What’s on top of your playlist right now?
Filthy by Justin Timberlake.
A song that you think is over-rated and all hype, but is popular right now?
None
Is nepotism rampant in the music industry too?
No comments.
What’s your favourite AR Rahman track and why?
Dil Se. It is the reason why I’m a musician today.
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HARICHARAN
You know his voice from: Tango Kelaayo (Kaatru Velliyadai)
Choose three adjectives to describe your music?
Worthy/interesting, spontaneous and contemporary neo-classical.
The perfect song that you would play on your first date and why?
Agar Tum Saath Ho. This song represents contemporary love.
Tell us about your dream collaboration.
Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Warren Mendosa, Clinton Cerejo and Rashid Khan.
A song that you would have loved to sing, but another singer had the honour?
Bulleya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil).
Which actor best suits your voice?
Dhanush.
What’s on top of your playlist right now?
Afreen cover by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (Coke Studio Pakistan).
A song that you think is over-rated and all hype, but is popular right now?
Some dance numbers which go viral even though there’s not much happening in the musical sense.
Is nepotism rampant in the music industry too?
Not really. Nepotism is risky when the audience is brilliant and are looking for something interesting continuously.
What’s your favourite AR Rahman track and why?
Saathiya from Saathiya. It’s such a dynamic song with very pristine arrangements and amazing lyrics from Gulzar Saab and Sonuji’s [Nigam] amazing singing.
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JAVED ALI
You know his voice from: Kajra Re (Bunty Aur Babli) and Guzaarish.
Choose three adjectives to describe your music.
Peaceful, harmonious and desirable.
The perfect song that you would play on your first date and why?
Pehla Nasha from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander.
Tell us about your dream collaboration?
Duet with Lata didi [Lata Mangeshkar]
A song that you would have loved to sing, but another singer had the honour?
Channa Mereya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
Which actor/actress best suits your voice?
Hrithik Roshan.
What’s on top of your playlist right now?
Kaisi Hasse Aaj Baharaon Ku Raat — Mohammad Rafi.
A song that you think is over-rated and all hype, but is popular right now?
Munni Badnam Hui from Dabangg.
Is nepotism rampant in the music industry too?
Yes, but only talent survives.
What’s your favourite AR Rahman track and why?
Jiya Jale Jaan Jale from Dil Se.
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Don’t Miss It!
What: The Journey: Celebrating Music
Date: Friday, January 26th, 2018
Venue: Bollywood Park Dubai.
Time: Gates Open at 6pm, showtime is from 9pm-11.30pm
Tickets: From Dh157 and are available on platinumlist.net.
