Kailash: Creations are fine, but the meaning of a song should not be compromised

Make way for remixes. There has been a lot of buzz recently about old Hindi classics being remade for Bollywood projects, featuring the original singers or new artists. Singer Kailash Kher, who celebrates his 51st birthday today, sees no problem with this as long as “the aesthetics are not compromised in the name of reinvention and modernisation”. He says, “As times change, trends change too. If you remake something, you will never do the same. When you see reinventions, you will never compromise on stature. If you don’t take them seriously, you will never feel that you will take them seriously.”

The Padma Shri awardee has done playback for six Bollywood gigs this year, “and there are many more in the pipeline.” But he makes sure to strike a balance between film and non-film music. “I record at least seven to eight film songs every month, for Hindi and regional films. But as an artist, it has always been my intention to release my own music. I have always aspired to be a complete musician, so I compose, sing and write. While film music gets you recognition and has definitely cemented my place in the industry, independent music is my first love as it is all mine. It is a creative outlet that satisfies my soul. So for Kailasa (his band), no matter how many film songs we do, it is always a priority to release independent music.”

Sharing his birthday plans, Kher said he has decided to give himself a birthday gift in the form of a single. Ishq Hai“It is a love song, straight from the heart,” says the singer, adding, “I am also performing a bhandara today where I will distribute 200 kg of laddoo to the needy in Rishikesh today.”