Indian music driven by films, says Palash Sen

Singer Palash Sen feels the essence of music in India is fading with an increased focus on film songs. Once the focus changes, all will be well, he says.

"Our music industry is driven by films. We are not driven by music per se," Sen told IANS.

He says the problem lies in the fact that the singer starts focussing on how the song will turn out visually.

"What happens is when singing a song, the singer will sing with the perspective of how it will look on the screen. That's the problem," the singer-composer said on the sidelines of the grand finale of a singing competition, Voice of McDonald's, here Monday.

The 46-year-old, who fronts popular band Euphoria, believes whether it is fast-paced songs like "Dhinka chika" or melodious ghazals, all kinds of music can co-exist in the country, and a conducive mix is extremely important.

"'Dhinka chika' is also important. You cannot have a serious Gulzar sahab songs in weddings. All kinds of music can co-exist. Everything is happening right now. We have talent in our country like there is no tomorrow. The talent is unbelievable," he said.

Singer Shilpa Rao and sarod player Amaan Ali Khan were also present at the event to judge the contest.

In times when independent albums have taken a back seat, Rao, who has crooned numbers like "Saiyaan re", "Khuda jaane" and "Tose naina laage", believes it depends upon singers if they want to bring back the magic of albums or not.

"It's on the artist that they take a stand and do this (create albums). I think when people come together, things just happen," she said.

The Voice of McDonald's was a singing competition between 11 employees of fast food chain McDonald's, from various regions.

Salman Khan from Saharaganj, Lucknow, won the contest, and took home Rs.75,000.

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