Bollywood musicians have a short shelf life, says Kailash Kher

From Allah ke bande (for Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II; 2003) to Kaisi hai ye udaasi (Karthik Calling Karthik; 2010)-- Kailash Kher has sung several hit Hindi film numbers. But for some time now, he has cut down on working in the industry. Kailash Kher in conversation with HT.

From Allah ke bande (for Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II; 2003) and Ya rabba (for Salaam-e-Ishq; 2007) to Tu jaane na (Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani; 2009) and Kaisi hai ye udaasi (Karthik Calling Karthik; 2010) - Kailash Kher has sung several popular Bollywood numbers over the years.

Singer-Kailash-Kher-after-casting-his-vote

But for some time now, he has cut down on working in the industry. Even though his newest song -Beti (for an upcoming release) - has earned him a lot of praise, that doesn't take away from the fact that Kailash is not proud of the state of Bollywood music today.

"Composers churn out tracks to sell these days. They would rather create a hit than focus on the music or make something melodious," says the singer, adding, "Sometimes writers and even film producers' relatives write something silly, and that gets called the hook line. I don't want to associate myself with such work. I am a musician and I crave for creative satisfaction."

Kailash feels that the number of new singers being launched in Bollywood is also indicative of how little composers value the work of established artistes. "It is an insult," he says, adding that most of the new singers lack talent, while some don't have any at all. "Composers are increasingly relying on using technology rather than roping in real singers. So, like actresses, Bollywood musicians now have a short shelf life, too. They will last only till they can deliver hits," says Kailash.