New Delhi: In recent years, music reality shows have become a staple of television entertainment, captivating millions with their dramatic performances, heartbreaking backstories, and the promise of discovering the next big star. However, amidst the glitter and glamour, a debate has been brewing regarding the authenticity and fairness of these talent competitions. Renowned singer Anup Jalota has recently raised eyebrows with his candid remarks about the role of judges in these shows and the overwhelming influence of SMS voting. His concerns have sparked a heated discussion: Are these shows truly recognizing talent, or are they just a popularity contest?
Anup Jalota, a celebrated figure in the world of Indian classical and devotional music, is known for his deep, soulful voice and his renditions of bhajans and ghazals. With decades of experience and a profound understanding of music, Jalota’s words carry significant weight in the industry.
Jalota’s critique highlights a fundamental flaw in the reality show format: the disconnect between talent and popularity. The premise of these shows is to find the best singer, the one who possesses not just the technical skills but also the emotional depth to move audiences. Yet, the reality is often far from this ideal. The voting system, which allows viewers to vote via SMS, often becomes a numbers game, heavily influenced by regional biases, fan clubs, and social media campaigns.
The result? A talented singer might get overshadowed by a contestant with a larger fan base or a more compelling backstory. Jalota’s concerns are echoed by many purists in the music industry who believe that genuine talent is being compromised in the name of entertainment.
The presence of knowledgeable judges on these panels is meant to lend credibility and expertise to the competition. However, Jalota argues that their role has been significantly diminished. ” Talent needs protection and honing, but singers such as Rafi, Kishore, and Lata Mangeshkar were gifted by God and have no comparison,” he stated.
By allowing public votes to have the final say, the shows effectively reduce the judges to spectators, unable to make meaningful decisions that could guide the contestants based on musical merit. This practice, according to Jalota, is not conducive to fostering genuine talent.
Jalota’s perspective is shared by other veterans in the music industry, including ghazal exponents Jagjit Singh and Pankaj Udhas. These artists believe that for a reality show to truly discover and nurture talent, the judges’ decisions must be the sole criteria for selection. Jalota expressed his willingness to be associated with such a show where musical prowess, rather than public opinion, would be the primary focus.
The call for reform is not just about changing the voting format but also about recalibrating the purpose of these shows. Are they about finding the next music superstar, or are they simply about generating TRPs? This is a question that the producers and creators of these shows need to address if they are serious about contributing to the music industry.
Jalota’s critique extends beyond reality shows to another contentious issue in the music world: remixes. Describing them as “crimes against music,” Jalota expressed his disdain for the trend of remixing classic songs. “Remixes may become popular with the masses, like ‘Kaanta Laga,’ but people remember the dancer rather than the rendering,” he pointed out.
While reality shows have indeed provided a platform for many aspiring singers, helping them gain exposure and recognition, the long-term impact on their careers remains debatable. As Jalota pointed out, very few winners of these shows go on to have sustained careers in the music industry. The allure of instant fame, bolstered by reality TV, often fades quickly, leaving contestants to grapple with the harsh realities of the entertainment world.
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Anup Jalota’s concerns are not just a critique but a call to action for the music reality show industry. There needs to be a concerted effort to bridge the gap between talent and recognition. This could involve revising the format to give more weight to judges’ decisions, ensuring that contestants are evaluated based on their musical abilities rather than their popularity. It could also mean focusing on mentoring and training, helping contestants refine their craft and develop a unique style that sets them apart.
As Jalota aptly puts it, singers like Rafi, Kishore, and Lata are gifts from God, incomparable in their artistry. If the music industry is to continue producing such legends, it must prioritize talent over popularity, artistry over entertainment, and quality over quantity. Only then can it truly honour the rich heritage of Indian music and pave the way for the next generation of musical greats.
