Hema Sardesai talks about casting couch

Noted Bollywood singer Hema Sardesai, who is known for some evergreen numbers like "Badal pe Paw hai" from 'Chak De', “Aawara Bhawaren” from 'Sapnay', has hit the town this weekend.

Emirates 24|7 caught up with this singer and had a little chit chat.

With a versatile voice this singer matches her cord with almost all the movie stars. “People have said my voice sounded like Kajol’s in 'Awara Bhawren' in 'Sapney', Karishma in 'Jungle hai aadhi raat hai' in 'Biwi No 1', Kareena in 'Hai Re' in 'Kushi',” said the ever smiling Hema Sardesai. “I try and blend my voice with the actors I sing for.”

After spending over two decades in the industry Hema has worked with all the music composers. However there is one composer she would love to work with again. “I have sung songs for composers like Bappi Lahiri, Vishal-Shekhar and I share a good rapport with all of them. But if given a chance I would love to work with A R Rahman again as he has given me my first ever super hit song 'Awara Bhawren'”.

On being quizzed about the latest music trends in Bollywood the singer believes that the new crop of songs do not etch a mark on our memory. They are rather "run of the mill” per se.

Commenting on the item numbers she said, “Item numbers these days are more the kind where you dance and then forget. I wouldn't indulge in double meaning songs.”

Despite her opinion about the trending music, Hema believes that the industry still has some A-class composers. “Because there are some decent music directors, music industry is being respected. Because of singers like me womanhood is being respected.”

“When talking about respect, I meant the forever spoken casting couch which also exists. Forthcoming artists don’t want to go through the crowd; hence they resort to such short cuts. I want people to follow me and not Rakhi Sawant,” said Hema.

Hema has recently sung for an internationally acclaimed director Ujjwal Thengdi for his forthcoming untitled Hindi film.

She is currently working on two devotional albums out of which one will be popular tunes for the disco going kids to connect our genX with divinity.

Hema will be performing in Dubai on some of her Bollywood hits combined with some Sufi music and regional folk songs.

The show will be held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on Thursday in Indian High School at 8pm. Tickets are priced at: Dh50, Dh100, Dh150, Dh200, Dh300.

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