I AM NOT AGAINST SINGING REMIXES: PALAK MUCHHAL
The singer says that remakes should be seen as a tribute to the yesteryear legends
The voice behind hit songs such as Jumme Ki Raat (Kick; 2014), Teri Meri Kahani (Gabbar is Back; 2014), Kaun Tujhe (MS Dhoni: The Untold Story; 2016), and more recently, Ik Mulaqaat (Dream Girl), Palak Muchhal is known for her melodious voice and the distinct sweetness in her vocals. After being a part of the music industry for almost a decade, Palak has carved a niche for herself, and she is, without a doubt, very happy about it. After her recent hit in Dream Girl, we caught up with the singer about her journey so far and the current state of the Hindi film music.
Your latest song, Ik Mulaaqat, has garnered almost 50 million views on YouTube. How does it feel?
Of course, it feels amazing to get so much love for the song. I absolutely loved the tune and lyrics when I heard it for the first time. I had just heard my portions of the song, and I said, ‘oh, this is so beautiful’. My voice was very different from the rest of the song. It actually brought a new flavour to the number. I have been getting so many messages on social media praising the song, so, it feels great.
There are fewer romantic songs being made today. But do you feel good that such songs
come your way? I am very happy with the kind of songs that I am offered. Whenever I get a song, it has a very prominent ‘feeling’ part to it. It feels fantastic because my forte is sweet, romantic and beautifully melodious songs. And I enjoy singing them. And, of course, whenever a romantic song comes out, it immediately connects with hearts since that’s all we thrive for.
In an era when remixes and rehashes are a hit trend, do you think people still value originality?
Definitely. Originals are something that’s always going to work because every generation has it’s own flavour of music. So, 10 years down the line, I feel the next generation should also have something to remake (laughs). They should also have some original numbers.
Personally, do you have any apprehensions about singing remakes?
No, I don’t have any apprehensions about singing remakes. I am not against remixes as I have been a part of a few myself like Pehla Nasha Once Again (Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz; 2018) and Ek Do Teen (Baaghi 2; 2018). It’s a great way, I think, to give a sort of tribute to the yesteryear legends. It should be looked at that way and not get compared with the original songs. The kind of music that was composed back then was immensely beautiful and the current generation needs to hear that. I enjoy originals more but I am not against remixes provided the fact that they are created with the intention to give a tribute to the earlier generation and due credit is given to them.
A lot of people feel that female singers don’t get many opportunities anymore in Bollywood. Your take?
Honestly, and talking from my experience, I don’t relate with it at all. I have heard my cosingers complaining about it as well. It may be true for some people but the kind of songs I have been getting, be it the title song of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), Kaun Tujhe or Ek Do Teen, are solo numbers. Whenever I have been approached for a song, it always had a prominent female part in it. So, I am happy in my space and don’t have any complaints.
Are you choosy about the kind of songs that you sing? Do you say no to any particular kind of song?
I have become even more choosy over the last one year. Earlier too, I had some specifications vis-à-vis the lyrics. I never wanted to sing something that I don’t believe in. I’ve never sung songs that had vulgar or cheap lyrics. Of course, there’s a lot of work coming in. But at some level, you have to decide and offer people the best version of you. So, I don’t want to sing anything and everything that comes my way.
The independent music genre is making a comeback in a big way. Do you also plan to plunge into it?
Absolutely! In fact, I have a lot in the pipeline, in terms of independent songs, because I haven’t explored that side much yet. But, in a few days, one of my singles will be coming out. After that, I have another project coming up with my brother. I surely will explore that genre and I think every artiste should take advantage of it. It’s amazing that people are so receptive to independent music now, and that they are accepting new voices. If we are making 200 films in a year, not everyone may get an opportunity to sing in them. And it (Bollywood songs) can’t be the only identity for a singer. So, it’s great that this is finally happening.
I never wanted to sing something that I don’t believe in. I’ve never sang songs that had vulgar or cheap lyrics. There’s a lot of work coming in. But at some level, you have to decide and offer people the best version of you. PALAK MUCHHAL, SINGER