Prominent Indian playback singer to perform in Dubai

A well-known Indian crooner is in Dubai this weekend to perform - and to nudge his daughter into the limelight. Shabbir Kumar launched his career in the Indian film industry during the 1980s as a playback singer - the voice behind the lipsynching faces. His career skyrocketed upon the death of singer Mohammed Rafi, whose style Kumar's is said to recall.

With mainly romantic ballads in his repertoire, Kumar could best be described as the Barry Manilow of India. "I never sing cheap or vulgar songs," said Kumar. "I sing love songs that could be listened to by the entire family."

But the bulk of his fans consist of the older generation, while the younger generation pines after newcomers such as Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam. Since his heyday 15 years ago, popular Indian music has undergone changes.

"Change always comes for the good, so I accept the new songs," he said. "But the rhythm is a little different nowadays. The new singers have talent, but they are not maintaining quality because they are overly preoccupied with money.

"Every day so many songs are recorded, which is another reason why quality is sacrificed." Kumar, who has visited the UAE several times, will perform tonight at the Four Points Sheraton alongside his daughter, 21-year-old Tehzim. In doing so, he will be joining the long list of Bollywood megastars who have passed on the mantle of fame and fortune to their offspring.

Ravi Shankar, renowned sitar player, launched his daughter Anushka's career earlier this year in New York. "If there is talent in the child, why not help her?" he commented. "But ultimately, whether she succeeds or not, will depend on the public."

About 200 tickets out of 250 have been sold for the performance this evening. The industry is "very much competitive today," acknowledges Tehzim, who has been trained by the maestros of Indian classical music. "But God is with me and so is my family."

Kumar is confident that she will "make it big." "Some of the best music directors have been impressed by her. She has a very good voice, a gift from God," said her father.

Much like an Indian Von Trapp family, Kumar's younger son Dilshad, 20, has taken up composing, and some of his music will be performed by his father and sister.