PRACTICE OF FREE Amit Mishra feels that after you become successful, MUST STOP: people expect more from you SHALMALI

The singer says that music lovers in India should develop the habit of buying concert tickets, but then the prices should also be low

Singer Shalmali Kholgade says that the emergence of music festivals and growing number of live gigs in India is a positive sign for independent musicians, but the public needs to stop seeking free passes.

Shalmali is known for songs such as Pareshaan, Balam Pichkari and Lat Lag Gayee, and she also celebrates independent music along with her playback singing career in Bollywood.

Asked whether the increasing number of music festivals is a good sign for independent artists, Shalmali said, “Yes, as show organisers are creating a platform for us. But it needs more publicity and appreciation in mainstream media. As an artist, I think our listeners should buy tickets and attend our concerts. The practice of taking free passes should be stopped.”

At the same time, Shalmali feels that ticket rates should be low so that everyone can afford it. “Everyone should make it a point and a habit to buy tickets. I wish that along with promoting good music, all the show organisers should also encourage the habit of buying tickets.”

Talking about one of her collaborations, Shalmali goes on to express how singing an unplugged rendition is a creative process that she enjoys. She admits that although it’s a “risk to experiment with an already popular song” that is loved by listeners, “there is something about organic sound.”

The singer elaborates, “You see, on a normal day if a singer takes his guitar and starts stomping and singing, even though he is not performing to perfection, it is human nature that tends to love that acoustic sound, the natural sound of the instrument and voice... It always touches us somewhere. Therefore, when we are creating an unplugged version of a song, we are already presenting it in a positive light.”