I have chosen not to compromise

Bollywood singer Hema Sardesai says she has worked on her own terms and principles, sometimes at the risk to her career.

Her first song Awaara Bhanwre from the film Sapnay catapulted her to instant fame as a playback singer in Bollywood. Hema Sardesai has never looked back since.

However, her magical renditions have not matched her career graph. One almost noticed her being out of playback singing too often.

Her recent hit Chori Chori from the Bollywood film Garam Masala has shot her back into the limelight.

"Every time I have a hit song, I am told that I am making a comeback. I have never left the scene, I have always been around," claimed the deep-throated singer on her recent trip to Dubai.

In an exclusive interview with Tabloid, Hema disclosed why she never made it to the top as a singer, and sheds light on the Bollywood music scene.

Despite arriving with a big bang with Aawara Bhanwre from the film Sapnay, you seem to be going into oblivion too often.

When I entered Bollywood music, I knew and understood that the bottomline for a singer is the success of his/her song. If you have one hit song, then the sky is the limit. I am the only singer in the industry who stood up and said "no" to cheap double meaning and vulgar innuendo songs. I would never sing a Choli ke peeche kya hain type of song. Such statements of mine have landed me in trouble.

Your fearless and forthright quotes about your "unwillingness to compromise" seemed to have irked many a music composer.

I have always chosen not to compromise on my principles. I am the only female singer other than Asha Bhonsle who has never had flops in my life. Success has always been there, I may have taken less work than others. I am proud to stand tall amongst the crowd in my own way. I think the industry knows the word compromise by now, which is rampantly evident.

One hears a lot about music camps and politics within the Bollywood music scene. Looks like you have been victimised.

Sadly but honestly, all around me was corruption of the mind and body. Yes, there is an abundance of politics in the music field too. And the mantra that a hit song is the prerogative to have lots of songs is just a delusion.

Remixes albums seem to have throttled private pop star albums. Do you agree?

There's nothing wrong with remixes. However, I strongly feel the song's video version should not demean the true essence and soulful spirit of the original rendition. For the last two years, I have refused umpteen such offers despite being offered good money. A couple of music companies are definitely opting for cheap money by way of remixing old classic hits, with no respect for the youth of our country.

Pop videos are a flesh-and-skin show. Do you find yourself a misfit in today's music scene?

Yes, pop videos today are demeaningly horrendous, and the sex bit just provides a kick for the moment. I make no qualms about the huge risk I take for what I am saying. It never mattered then, nor does it matter now. I am quite unlike my Cancerian traits. I have been strongly influenced by my dad's Gandhian principles. His thinking has moulded my life.

Your brand of songs has been lapped up by the younger and vibrant singer Sunidhi Chauhan. Do singers also have short-lived careers like actors?

Just like my ardent fans, you too expect Hema to don the mantle. I have a sexy voice, but refuse to give that extra slur and vulgar feel in my tone to make it sluttish for a song.

I heard you are also training yourself in filmmaking.

Oh God, you keep track of all that I am up to. Yes, I have been learning filmmaking from Bapu Sarvagod, who is an institution in filmmaking. We are working on a film script, which I should be directing. This again is a marvellous project, which I am sure will win lots of international awards. Life moves on for me, so long as I don't have to compromise on my principles.