Industry divided on actor-singer debate

Although it’s now confirmed that actor Sonakshi Sinha won’t perform at Canadian pop star Justin Bieber’s May 10 India concert, the speculation was enough for singer Kailash Kher to express his displeasure about actors being preferred over musicians as opening artists for a musician’s gig.

“If we want to improve our music scene, it’s important that musicians also get the similar recognition which other stars get,” voiced Kher, garnering singer Armaan Malik’s vote for the same. This led to Sonakshi also joining the debate with the tweet: “A secure artiste would encourage another artiste to grow their skills and follow their dreams.” She went on to clarify that she is “not performing” at the concert, but was “approached” for it.

The film and music frat is divided on the issue. Subir Malik of Delhi-based band Parikrama, says: “Ideally, a musician should open for an event like this, but that’s not the case. Even when Coldplay performed, no rock band was invited to perform.” VJ and music festival curator Nikhil Chinapa adds: “If you can Armaan Malik strongly supported Kailash Kher’s sentiment that actors are the wrong choice for opening international concerts sing, you must. If you can’t, and use auto-tune or lip-sync, stay at home,” he adds.

While filmmaker Pritish Nandy calls it a “matter of choice,” ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar says Indian musicians don’t focus on the “entertainment aspect” of a concert. “Then Kailash should be like Michael Jackson, with the dancer, the pyrotechniques, lighting etc.”

Meanwhile, Bieber’s gig’s organisers defended their choice of artists, saying: “Associating with Bollywood names enhances promotions.”

Sonakshi Sinha is a star. If the organisers want her to perform, what’s wrong with that? Last year Coldplay’s event was bigger because Bollywood stars performed MADHUR BHANDARKAR, FILMMAKER Yeh actors, mileage lene ke liye muh utha ke kahin bhi aajate hain. They should realise they are stars, and shouldn’t go anywhere to get some footage KUMAR SANU, SINGER

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