Acclaimed singer, composer Mohit Chauhan, known for his soulful renditions and heartfelt melodies has always emphasised on the importance of storytelling and authentic expression. His songs like ‘Phir Se Udd Chala’ from the film Rockstar or Masakali from Delhi-6, are proof that a song can be more than just background music. They have stories within them, deep meanings that stay with listeners long after the movie ends. This is the same spirit he wants to see in films and music today.
The ace musicians recently shared his candid views on the current state of Bollywood music and film content. As the patron of the Kathakar International Storytellers Festival, which is held every year, Mohit spoke about the domination of remakes and sensationalised item songs in the film and music industry these days.
The “Weird” Item Songs…
While talking to News24, Mohit expressed his concern over the prevalent trend of remaking South Indian films and promoting them with “weird” item songs. “I find it very strange that every movie that is being made these days is a remake of some South Indian movie,” he remarked. “Secondly, the promotion of the film is always happening with a weird kind of item song.”
He lamented the lack of nuanced musical expression in contemporary films and compare it with the golden era of Indian cinema. “These songs (dance numbers and item songs) used to be part of movies but in a situation, and there used to be other sensitive songs around other emotions too,” Chauhan explains. “These days when movies are promoted, you never get to hear anything else other than that song (the dance number). It has a very different kind of choreography too (laughs). The gravitas, jise hum wazan bolte hain na, wo nahi hai aaj kal.”
Chauhan observed that while these commercially driven songs may achieve temporary popularity, they often lack the depth and emotional value that truly captivates music lovers. “That track could be playing 10 times a day, but real music lovers may not remember it for long. They may also not have that song in their playlist. Those kinds of songs may play once in a while, in a dance setup only.”
Stories Too Lack Emotions…
He continues to critique the lack of storytelling in films these days as well and expresses a longing for stories with a “human touch.” “Stories that have a human touch to them, which are fun..like ones from the golden era of the industry are not being made these days in the Indian film industry. We have a few filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, giving gems such as Barfi, but most content lacks depth,” he tells us.
Even though he’s concerned, Chauhan understands why filmmakers make these kinds of movies. “They believe in what they’re doing,” he says and goes on to add, “But I won’t do it myself. I’ll keep making songs that speak to my heart.”
That’s why he supports the Kathakar festival. “In this busy world, it’s good to have a place where you can hear good music and stories,” he said. “That’s the idea behind Kathakar.” He hopes the festival will remind people of the power of authentic storytelling, a power that his own music so beautifully demonstrates.
