July 27th VS's interview: here's an excerpt of SRGMP related questions only.
(begum megam - đ)
Aren't you offering songs to the contestants of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa?
Shekhar: We are launching Vishal And Shekhar Records wherein Junaid and Shaberi, two of the contestants, will be recording for a private album. We will also be giving a chance to six other finalists including Raja, Amanat, Musarrat, Apurva and Sunil. However, the first artiste to be introduced by our label will be Raghu Dixit who's not a Sa Re Ga Ma Pa product. We are planning to release his album in August. A talented musician, he has sung and composed the songs.
Vishal: Frankly, when we got the offer we were not very comfortable with the idea of being gurus. These singers are talented but they are still young and haven't got a break in the industry. We are more like friends to them.
Shekhar: The entire scenario of talent-hunts has changed. I was a contestant in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa when Sonu Nigam used to anchor the show. Back then, the focus was completely on singing and one didn't bother about one's appearance. I used to bring outfits from my home. Today the focus has shifted. It has become more commercial and the first thing, after the contestant enters the show is his/her makeover. Also, in a bid to push TRPs, channels resort to dramatising events. Simple differences of opinions between the judges are highlighted with sound effects and repeated shots!
But hasn't it given you recognition?
Shekhar: To a certain extent, definitely. After Sa Re Ga Ma Pa whenever we travel, people tell us they like our music or that the singers of the contest are very good. So far, they only knew our music, now they know the faces behind the music.
So, will you be part of a talent-hunt again?
Shekhar: I don't think Vishal and I will judge any show in future because we are very emotional and feel bad when a singer gets hurt.
Vishal: The contestant gets just a week to prepare two songs and they shoot overnight for two episodes. We think it is inhuman and have protested in the past but to no avail. Then there's the concept of mahagurus to whom the job of eliminating a singer is entrusted. I don't know what are we doing then! I think mahagurus should be giving advice to singers. Having said that I must say that it's been good fun with the singers and we have had a great time. All of us on the show including Bappi Lahiri who sang 'Bambai nagariya...' for us in Taxi No 9211, Himesh Rehammiya and Ismail Durbar are good friends. Ismail may sound rude to the singers but he is a very good-hearted person.
source: screenindia
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