‘There hasn’t been any financial improvement for musicians’
Kabhi Neem Neem (Yuva; 2004), Kangnaa Re (Paheli; 2005) and Tu Bin Bataaye (Rang De Basanti; 2006) fame singer, Madhushree is back to mainstream Hindi film music with Tu Yahin Hai from Meenakshi Sundareshwar. Within hours of the film’s teaser release, the love ballad captured the attention of music lovers.
So, what kept her away from Hindi film music over the last few years? “For a song to be popular, the film needs to be a box-office hit. I sang a few songs post Baahubali 2 The Conclusion (2017). I’ve recorded a few tracks, but the films aren’t getting released. Fortunately, Meenakshi Sundareshwar is releasing now, after a wait of two years,” she tells us.
But the singer is happy that work is flowing in now. She shares, “I’ve got a couple of offers after Tu Yahin Hai. I’m getting so many calls. People are complimenting me by saying that I still sound like a 16-year-old. But I believe that age doesn’t affect one’s voice.”
Madhushree believes that a lot has changed in the music industry over the last two decades. “The number of lip-sync songs have gone down; most of the tracks are played in the background now. Earlier, we wouldn’t be called to sing dummies and then be replaced by someone else. AR Rahman would compose songs for me keeping in mind my scale and comfort zone,” recalls the singer, who started her career with Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (Moksha; 2001).
However, Madhushree rues the lack of proper financial compensation in the music industry. “I don’t think there has been any financial improvement. We still don’t get any substantial amount as royalty. The payment structure is still unsteady. There are so many singers and music directors today. Abhi naam se gaana nahin bikta,” the singer signs off.