Kavita Krishnamurthy on what has kept her away from Bollywood in recent times

Bollywood has missed her voice over the past few years. But Kavita Krishnamurthy's stance is simple -- she'll step inside a recording studio for a song that's worth her while

Kavita Krishnamurthy

Bollywood has missed her voice over the past few years. But Kavita Krishnamurthy's stance is simple -- she'll step inside a recording studio for a song that's worth her while. Counted among the most successful playback voices in the Hindi film industry, she hasn't lent her voice to a commercial Bollywood project since 2011 (her last song was 'Tum Ko' from 'Rockstar'). "I don't refuse to sing for Hindi films, but I haven't got any good songs in a while. Whatever I have sung in the past few years haven't been great either. After recording so many songs, there is no point in singing just because you have to, professionally," the veteran tells mid-day.

Old is gold
Be it expressing the innocence of first love in 'Pyar Hua Chupke Se' or the playful flirtation in 'Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan', the singer has been the voice behind many musical gems in the '90s. She rues that the songs today lack magic. "I treasure the songs from 'Devdas' (2002), 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' (1999), 'Khamoshi: The Musical' (1996) and '1942: A Love Story' (1994). I doubt something like that will ever come my way. I'm longing for an excellent piece to be offered, something I can work hard for."

Ask her what makes her miss the tracks that were churned out in the past, and the singer discerningly says, "Some of the songs that are made these days are interesting. But I wish the lyrics were more meaningful.

I don't like over-programmed tracks. Sometimes, I feel they [the composers] use the auto-tuner too much."

Young guns
While the music industry leaves a lot to be desired with regard to penning lyrics, she agrees that it does boast of bright talents when it comes to singing. "The brightest stars right now are Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Arijit Singh. They have stood out within a short span of time."

Music and me
With over a 40-year-long career behind her, the Padma Shri recipient continues her long-standing romance with music even today. Last year, she toured the UK with husband, violinist L Subramaniam, performing with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). "Recording with the LSO at London's Barbican Centre in November was extraordinary. I sang with the orchestra, and it was an original piece written specifically for my voice. That has never happened to any Bollywood singer before," says Krishnamurthy. For now, she is focussing on her new multi-artiste album. "It features Pandit Jasraj, Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, Lucky Ali and Suresh Wadkar," she says.

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