Kailash Kher talks about the dipping standards of music in films

By Screen Weekly -

June 19, 2014 - 5:33 AM IST

With the lyrics of 'Good In Bed' from Fugly creating a stir for its risque content, singer-composer Kailash Kher talks about the factors responsible for the dipping standards of lyrics and music in our films.

Kailash Kher talks about the dipping standards of music in films

"With today's youth exposed to new ideas and trends, there is a distinctive change in their thinking. This change is reflected in the kind of lyrics that we get to hear these days, as songs are specially created keeping the sensibilities of today's youth in mind. In a way, music has become an outlet to express their unfulfilled desires, since, in India the youth have to adhere to societal norms, which are very restrictive at times. It is natural then, that when you try to restrict and subjugate certain things, the curiosity levels increase. Having said that, if we want to make a statement through our songs, the lyrics should be penned and composed in a way that they do not sound preachy.

Another trend, that one observes, especially in urban areas, is that young people have cultivated a taste for quirky lyrics. With audience tastes changing over the years, we find a plethora of crazy lyrics flooding the market. Today, lyricists work keeping in mind the youth. Besides, songs these days are promoted in the market in a manner similar to introducing a new product. Extensive research is involved before a song or a music album of a film is launched in order to target a select audience.

Today, we also find family ties weakening, with the young generation showing utter disregard to what elders are trying to teach them. Youngsters prefer to walk their own path rather than listen to sermons from the elders. Our songs thus reflect the changing mores of society. In order to attract the youth, lyrics are spiced up and we find inane stuff trending on the music charts. Under the guise of experimenting and trying to be different, lyricists and composers sometimes tend to cross the line. Erotica has now begun to rule not only our art but also our lives. The standard of Indian art is falling drastically due to the rise of erotic content.

While, we may blame the Censor Board for not being able to put a curb on the dipping standards of film music, the onus also lies on the film-makers. When the Board passes such inane songs, I feel they are degrading the standards set by our iconic singers and lyricists of yore.

As a singer and composer, I will never encourage songs with risquÃ© lyrics, as I am confident that my songs will sell on their merit without the need to resort to such means that will degrade my standards. I want to cater to the family audience who can flaunt my albums on their shelves with pride. People should remember me as an artist who provides good and clean music rather than the other way round. Having said that, good music and lyrics are timeless and are remembered down the years, whereas, inane lyrics and music that cater to the masses, have a very short shelf life.

As told to Dhwani Mody

Screen India