Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s 51st Season Springs to Life with Virtuosos

The “young at art” are headlining the upcoming symphonic season.

Come 2025, one of the youngest conductors in the world will officially take his place as the music director designate of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) at just 25 years old. To open the orchestra’s 51st season, Tarmo Peltokoski and young violin virtuoso Daniel Lozakovich, 23, will headline two performances at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on 5 and 6 September.

It is an exciting time for the HK Phil, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and released the headline-worthy news revealing its next maestro’s identity. With global interest rising since the news broke, the musical institution maintains itself as one of the most reputable in the world, its young blood making for a leap in interest among music lovers of all ages, inspiring aspiring musicians and making classical music accessible to multiple generations.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

UPDATE: Concert is postponed due to T8. 

TBT: Jun Tyler: Model turned Pianist: Eurasian star

 

Outtakes from a shoot with Jun Tyler for South China Morning Post. For the column. 

Earlier had shot Jun for a magazine cover shoot / series. 

What a switch! He was one of the biggest stars in the industry as top Eurasian model. 

Follow him on social media below: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jun Tyler (@juntyleruk)

Playlist: Michael Seifert:

Click to enlarge and read

A mini Q&A about music, movies and more with model Michael Seifert. 

Out with South China Morning Post this morning.

Archive of The Playlist here.

Playlist: Katrina Zai

One of the funniest people I've met in HK, the amazing Katrina Zai of bisous. Check out her naughty littl' club in LKF next time you're in Central, Hong Kong.

Pic by Mike Tao

Divine Inspiration: Sonu Nigam: India's greatest Singer lands in Hong Kong

Sonu Nigam

It is the symbiosis between performer and audience that makes live shows so special, Indian vocalist Sonu Nigam tells P.Ramakrishnan.

Sonu Nigam is widely regarded to be the best male singer in India. But when reminded of this, he demurs, "That's very kind of you to say but it is not true. There are so many great musical talents in India. I'm just happy to be a part of the scene."

Still, Nigam's vast repertoire of multilingual renditions has won him a fan base that includes influential vocalists from Kerala to Kashmir, be they singers of vintage Bollywood numbers (K.J. Yesudas, Manna Dey, the Mangeshkar sisters) or contemporary stars (Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, KK). they all speak of the 40-year-old with deep admiration. He's even done a remix with Britney Spears....

Songs for the Soul: Interview with Pakistani legend Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: Maestro!

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan hails from a family with a 600-year musical heritage, writes P.Ramakrishnan. 


RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN may be the nephew of the late, great Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, but he carries the burden of that vast musical legacy with ease. He is calm and relaxed as we chat about his upcoming show in Hong Kong next month.

Known for his immense singing range, Khan is softly spoken in conversation.

The singer has more than a few of the mannerisms and musical phrasings of his uncle and readily admits that Nusrat had a major influence on him. "I feel I was blessed to be born into his household; I learned so much just by watching him," he says. "When I was little, I would accompany him to shows, and sometimes I would perform with him. I never got stage fright. I was always ready to perform, to sit under the arc lights and sing. As a youngster, I tried to copy his style, but now I have developed my own."

Most South Asian music lovers are familiar with Khan's richly layered voice. He is a popular singer in Pakistan, but has also contributed to the soundtracks of several wildly successful Bollywood films. His repertoire covers everything from devotional and romantic to classical and traditional.

"While others might have found studying music a chore, it never was for me. Like my uncle, I find music divine. It is my way of connecting to the almighty. I love to perform contemporary film songs, but I also like qawwali [Sufi devotional music]. There's a spiritual aspect to it that is indescribable."

That also explains why Khan refrains from anything vulgar, or even singing a syllable that has a double entendre. "I like to sing a good tune, but the lyrics tend to be the most important factor for me. I like to know what the song is trying to say. I have sung many songs in Hindi films, but my favourites are Main Jahaan Rahoon [ Wherever I Live] and Jiya Dhadak Dhadak [ My Heart Beats]. There are verses in those songs that are so profound, that I can sing them again and again. I sing them all around the world, and never tire of them."

Khan began his career at a very young age. "I don't know how I had the bravado to start so early," he says with a laugh. "But, as you know, I come from a family of musicians that goes back over 600 years. I know of no life other than this; music is my be all and end all. It has no barriers, and it transcends all borders.

Music also crosses the political divide between Pakistan and India, he says: "I have met Indian stars and singers, and they have shown me immeasurable warmth and affection. This respect is mutual. The music thwarts the politics."

Many bemoan the fact that youngsters have been tempted by Western culture. They worry that these influences are corroding the subcontinent's musical heritage, and causing the classical forms of music indigenous to Asia to peter out. But Khan has more faith in the next generation.

"Those who are educated in music study classical music, and they are informed and entertained by it. When I look at my audiences, I see youth represented in full force. Classical music dates back centuries, it's not something that will just die. The interest in it will always be there. When I was young, MTV was popular, and of course, we listened to American pop. But that never caused my interest in our music to wane," he says.

"The mind welcomes other forms, but it doesn't shut out one form to make room for a new one. My uncle left many legacies, but the way he put qawwali into the minds of the young is, perhaps, his most enduring."

Khan played Hong Kong in March last year. The Convention Centre show was sold out and the 3,000-strong crowd gave him five standing ovations. Says Anita Garg, one of the organisers of the event: "We've never seen such a reaction from the local community. When he sung a cappella, there was complete silence, and by the finale, the crowd was on its feet."

"Sometimes my shows blend into one another, but I can remember being deeply touched by the Hong Kong audience," says Khan. "They offered me such warmth and love. I'm keen to repay them for that by playing some new arrangements of songs, along with my latest numbers."

When asked if there is any music he dislikes, he demurs. "To me, there is no bad music. All music is merely notes, neither good nor bad," he says. "If it is bad, it is not music."

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live in Concert
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai,
October 8, 2013, 8pm,
HK$300-HK$2,000
HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 6019 0621

HK Ticketing

Mohit Chauhan: Voice of the valleys

PERHAPS IT WAS his time spent in the Indian city of Dharamshala, where the exiled Dalai Lama and thousands of his Tibetan followers have set up monasteries and temples, that brought a hint of spirituality to Mohit Chauhan’s mellifluous voice.

It’s a voice that has been heard in many Bollywood films, and one that will be heard in Hong Kong when Chauhan performs a one-off concert on May 10, coming after he won practically every award possible for his playback singing (recording songs for soundtracks that are lipsynched by actors in the actual film) in the 2011 film Rockstar.

However, it isn’t the rock anthems that have won him the accolades, it is the spiritual sufi (mystical) numbers that climbed the charts and struck a chord with music lovers throughout the Indian subcontinent.

“Like Rahman [the Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman, who composed the songs in Rockstar], I love singing spiritual songs, something that has meaning, a lyrical soul,” the singer says from his home in Mumbai. “I started singing for him just a few years ago and we gelled on those songs. He gives such freedom to his singers – which is why musicians love him. And I love singing his numbers as you can let go and sing your heart out on stage.”

The man seen on stage in his younger days bears little resemblance to the confident star in a black hat and leather jacket who appears under the spotlights today. Chauhan confesses that he did a bit of theatre while studying and sang a bit during his mullet-haired, rock T-shirt-wearing days at college, but nothing too serious.

He and a close group of friends would perform in whatever venues they could find around Dharamsala, singing and strumming along as their voices would reverberate around the valleys.
It paid off well. Chauhan’s range is indeed as wide as those hills, and his vast repertoire encompasses everything from classical, pop and fusion, along with the romantic ballads that are Bollywood staples. The soft-spoken singer confesses that unlike many of his contemporaries, he was entirely self-taught.
“Fortunately – or unfortunately – I had no formal training in music,” he says. “But it’s always been a part of me. I have always sung for myself. It never occurred to me to become a professional musician. I studied science and did my masters in geology. I wanted to join the civil service or the Indian army – I even trained for that – but not for singing on stage.”

He may be selling out concert halls these days, but for many years he often faced empty auditoriums where he and his posse rehearsed. “Our criteria was how good the sound was – it had to have a hint of echo – and we’d play anywhere. There weren’t many, if any, professional places where we could sing. I come from a beautiful, small state where it’s all about nature. We had no money, maybe just enough to pay the rent, but when you’re stringing along with your bros, that’s freedom,” he says.
These days, Chauhan is too busy to sing with many of the other performers he admires. “I love to sing with others – but most of my duets are recorded separately, and often in separate places. Everything is brought together by technology. So when I hit the stage with another female singer, for example, sometimes it’s the first time I have met them in person,” he says with a laugh.

While he is well aware that he has a loyal following among the young indie-Hindi-pop crowd, Chauhan himself prefers to listen to singers from the 1960s and ‘70s. “As any Indian male singer will tell you, the love we have for Kishore Kumar [the iconic playback singer who died in 1987] borders on worship. The man had unbelievable range – he did soft numbers, rock, anthems; he acted, he produced … he rocked the stage.”

And this is perhaps what the next generation will be saying about Chauhan in years to come.

Mohit Chauhan, May 10, 7.30pm, Kitec, 1Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, HK$288- HK$1,500, HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288

More at SCMP.com

NOTE: My first feature for 48 hours, the new magazine by South China Morning Post. Joy of byline...!  

Shankar Mahadevan in Concert: Indian singer, composer, TV Star and Reality TV Judge in Hong Kong

Normally when Indian singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan visits Hong Kong, it’s for a private performance. But the star has announced a one-off concert in the city for his loyal legion of fans, who he loves to connect with through social media.

“Well, I have a fan page which has about 730,000-plus followers,” said the star, who is also a judge of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (an Indian talent show similar to The X-Factor). “I joined quite recently and originally wasn’t that active. But now it’s a great way to inform people about events, about my music academy, and get their feedback. When you see how many young people are taking part in reality shows via social media, it’s great to know that interest in Indian music is alive and well with the youth.”

Mahadevan had his own star encounter earlier this year when he performed with soul legends Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.

“Walking up the stage to sing with my musical heroes, the ones I’ve looked up to my entire life – what can I say? I was representing India for a jazz festival at the United Nations and all these luminaries were on the same dais. To have Stevie Wonder on the piano, sing with him and Chaka Khan. Amazing!”

Mahadevan will be performing on Sunday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets are available through hkticketing.com.

Shankar Mahadevan Live In Hong Kong
Sunday, 7 Oct 2012 at 7pm
Tickets: HK$300-HK$1500
HKCEC - Hall 5G (Harbour Road Entrance)
Tickets: www.hkticketing.com 

Queen of the Night: Interview with Italian Jazz Singer Laura Fygi

As the first glittering name on the marquee, jazz singer Laura Fygi left quite an impression at the launch of CHINA ROUGE. The chanteuse shares a few notes, of the musical kind, with P.Ramakrishnan.

She seems a little flustered at our arrival. “An interview? There’s a shoot too?” she asks – surprised to see our photographer lumbering through the door with his equipment. “I’m not ready.”

But she looks more than ready. Dressed in a shimmering cocktail dress, her large eyes kohled, with a great big smile (albeit a slightly reluctant one at first), Laura Fygi looks as though she was born for the stage. As the shoot begins – and less than half an hour before she is due to walk the red carpet at the grand opening of CHINA ROUGE – she is all of a sudden the consummate professional. The camera loves her.

“I’ve been to Macau before – I came to old, old Macau, not this modern city. I came for a concert so many years ago, and it was nothing like this,” she says, waving a manicured hand around at her luxurious suite at the Banyan Tree Macau. “It’s gorgeous here. It’s like out of a fairy tale. I saw CHINA ROUGE in the afternoon – it took my breath away… It’s another world in there.”

Indeed it is. As Fygi opens the night with the classic Dream a Little Dream of Me, she has the audience in the palm of her hand. And she knows how to work a room, easily receiving applause and kisses from an appreciative audience. We speak again after the show, when she shares more about her life as a performer.

“I work off the energy of the crowd; there was an electric vibe in the air, especially as it was the first night. Opening night has its own thrills and anticipation,” she says. “When the audience is willing to participate, it’s more fun. In every country I go to, perform in, it’s a new audience and new relationship. Perhaps an Asian crowd is a little shier at first, especially on the microphone, but they’re eager. The CHINA ROUGE crowd was wonderful.”

Booked for two opening nights at CHINA ROUGE, Fygi enraptured the audience with her mellifluous tone. Sticking to jazz standards for her set list, it’s no surprise to learn who Fygi’s favorite artists are. “For me, Julie London is the singer. The greatest. Ever,” she gushes, adding, “These days I’ve been listening to a lot of Michael Bublé in the car, especially his covers of classics and some of his new songs that have that old flavor. Frank Sinatra is another perpetual favorite.”

As she reels off the names of timeless singers and songs, Fygi herself seems to have taken on a timeless aura. She looks easily a decade younger than her age, 56, and the multi-faceted performer is versatile enough to tackle giant, orchestral numbers alongside smooth jazz songs. Stretching out on a divan at the door to her suite, she poses à la Cleopatra – perched on one arm, her body reclining across cushions. Of Egyptian and Dutch parentage, equally at home singing in English or French, and now with a Chinese song in her repertoire, Fygi embodies the axiom that music has no borders.

“When I saw the large Chinese paintings and the calligraphy, I knew I’d fit right in on the CHINA ROUGE stage. It’s so gorgeous, so beautiful – it’s got the vibe of a certain era in China that I’ve read about in novels, seen in old movies,” she says. “I’m doing pretty well in China – for the last 10 years, I’ve been coming. I’ve sung in English and French – I’m most comfortable with those languages, or even Spanish and Portuguese. Singing a Chinese song was a challenge – I don’t speak Chinese. I’ve had to learn; it’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Someone told me what the words mean: that’s really important to me. If you don’t know what you’re singing, how can you emote?”

Fygi’s music is certainly a multicultural product; still, the level of success she has been enjoying recently in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau seems surprising.

“It’s about the music. I happened to be successful in other countries already, and when I was first asked to sing in China, it was exciting,” she says. “I wanted to know how people would react. Every new country is exciting. I know they like the songs, as they’ve bought the records – but am I the person they think I am? When I’m up there, live on stage, will the audience go for it?”

As she made her way up there, that star-lit night in Macau, to face a new audience at a new venue, what was going through her mind? “I can’t remember,” she says. “But then I can’t remember much about shows gone by; I don’t focus on the past. I can’t even remember my first concert ever. I have fond memories of a show at the Royal Theater in Amsterdam with the Metropole Orchestra; I played the lead in Victor Victoria in Singapore – those were memorable times, but I don’t remember individual shows. They’re all great – I’m always having fun!”

As Galaxy Entertainment’s Vice Chairman Francis Lui mentioned on opening night, one of his favorite all-time singers is Fygi. Has she been surprised to find herself so popular on this side of the world? “No, I’m not surprised – I’m totally worth it!” she says with a laugh. As she is whisked away by her entourage, her parting note says it all: “You know, my last album was called The Best is Yet to Come.”

Evidently it is a motto she lives by.

PLAY LIST: Detroit Diamond, Rap Artist

What I’m listening to: apart from my own new disc, International Diamonds, I’m always listening to classic tracks by Snoop Dogg, Tupac
Shakur and Nas. Other all-time favourites are Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.

What I’m reading: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, and Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers front man Anthony Kiedis. Kiedis’ book was hard to put down and inspiring in so many ways.

What I’m watching: CSI: Miami – I love the way they brighten the colours
and make the city really stand out. The last fim I really enjoyed was
Inception – it’s brilliant how it explores different layers of reality.

Where I’m surfing: I try to stay in tune with what’s going on in the world
of hip hop at worldstarhiphop.com. It keeps me updated on the game.
Also YouTube – mainly to watch my own videos.

Detroit Diamond’s International Diamonds album is now available as a free
download at datpiff.com

(As told to P. Ramakrishnan)

KK in HK: Interview with one of the Greatest Indian Singers and Vocal Prodigy KK aka Krishnakumar Kunnath

For his first live show in Hong Kong, tonight, Indian singer KK (real name Krishnakumar Kunnath) plans to rock. One of India’s most versatile singers, he has the distinction of being equally at ease with a soft love song as he is with a rocking Bollywood number.

“I am a really bad example for aspiring singers as I rarely practise, don’t do my riyaaz [rehearsing scales],” he said. “I get the song, just sing it and go home.”

With no aspirations to be a playback singer in Bollywood, he surprised himself with his steady climb to stardom in India. He has been nominated for a best-singer award every year since 1999.

An opponent of the instant fame promised by reality television shows, KK has rejected lucrative offers to be a judge. “The kids want to be famous within the span of a series, make instant money and then, when the hype and dust settles, they don’t know where to go,” he said, adding that he had met many contestants. “I tell them to relax, do the work, build their own repertoire of songs, and then slowly hit the live-show circuits. I understand the lure of the money, but they’ve got to think long term.”

Having shied away from the camera, we wonder how he’s going to face the Hong Kong crowd. (Tues, May 1) “It’s a conundrum. I don’t like it when cameras are on me, but I love performing live on stage. The connect with the audience, that instant reaction, that’s something else.”

KK will perform tonight in the Jockey Club Auditorium at Polytechnic University, tickets HK$450-HK$1,200. For enquiries call Red Peppers Entertainment on 9037 8869 or 9461 3676.

P. Ramakrishnan
(e-mail: ramakrishnanp at hotmail dot com!)

The Beat Goes On: Interview with Hong Kong's very own Jack Byrne

All of 21, Irishman Jack Byrne is tripping the light fantastic with his eclectic tastes in music as the new hot DJ in town. Between gigs, KEE exchanged some notes, of the musical kind.

Words: P.Ramakrishnan
Images: Tim Cheng


What are you listing to right now?

Right this very moment, I'm listening to "Must I Go (Waifs & Strays 2 Drops of Acid Remix)" by Teva, mind bending! Currently I've been listening to a lot of deep house, producers such as Jamie Jones and Maceo Plex are amongst my favorites. Recently I've been finding a lot of underground house music, it has that element of freshness to it that I love and it's really good to relax to.



What was the first cd you ever bought?

There are a few CD's I think could have been my first but to be 100% honest I can't remember, when I was really young there were always house CD's and cassette tapes lying around at home, playing in the kitchen or in the car when driving to my grandparent's house on the weekends. When I got a bit older these CD's and tapes all ended up in my room. When it came to buying CD's I used to go to a shop and listen to almost the whole disk before I decided whether I really wanted to buy it or not, it was something very personal to me, spending time and money making sure I was buying something really worthwhile.

What sort of music do you like to play? Who's been an influence?

As I have grown up my taste in music has changed drastically, I have always had a passion for house music, however I go through phases listening to all different genres of music which I believe has helped me develop my current sound when DJ-ing. When I play, there needs to be momentum, I can't keep playing the same mood for a whole night, I like to feel as though music is constantly building as the night goes on. Deep house, tech house, funky, nu-disco, techno, electro… These are amongst my favourite styles to play however it's the way in which they are delivered which I find the most important.

It’s been a much traveled tour of Asia and UK as a youngster, but is Hong Kong finally home? What have you seen and learned behind the scenes?

Yeah, Hong Kong is home. Working behind the bar at Drop for the past year I have seen the way in which the resident DJ's (Joel Lai, Eric Byron, Janva Tam & Tai Pan Dan) are able to read the crowd and are able to entertain the customers. I would definitely say listening to these DJ's for the past year has helped me learn how to improve my skills as a young DJ. I would not have had such a passion for my music if it weren't for my upbringing. My parents used to go to Ministry of Sound warehouse parties in the early 90's and there was always really good music playing in the kitchen or in the car when growing up in London.


What do you hate to hear at a club? What do you love?

When it comes to music I can be such a snob. Not a fan of anything which could be considered commercial or mainstream, even as a child growing up if there was pop music on TV I would switch to the news. I have no problem with nightclubs playing such styles of music, it's what a large percentage of people enjoy and it's the reason they go out clubbing, However,personally it isn't my style. I love being in a club and hearing something fresh that I haven't heard before that makes me go "WWAAHH!! WHAT IS THIS!?". I enjoy being around like-minded people who all enjoy similar music and don't go out looking for anything in particular, just to enjoy the music and have a wild night.


What are you surfing?

Facebook! I'll share a track or two on my wall, Beatport, YouTube and a few small promotional music websites such as The Fresh Beat are usually where I spend most of my time if I'm surfing the net.


What are you reading right now?

When I was younger I used to read quite a lot of non-fiction, biographies and autobiographies in particular, I find peoples accounts on past occurrences really interesting. Iggy Pop's autobiography was full of bright and fascinating stories, I highly recommend it to anybody… willing to keep an open mind.

Pakistani singing star Khan excited to be making his HK debut

It’s shaping up to be a great year for music lovers with yet another international artist coming to town. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, 37, one of Pakistan’s best-known singers, will perform with his troupe at the Convention and Exhibition Centre next Friday. [Mar 9].

“I’m very excited to sing in Hong Kong for the first time ever,” Khan said. “It’s always a pleasure to sing to a new audience. Music is the only thing that unites us, brings us together. It’s in our blood; it’s in our soul. When I see an international audience hear our music, when they don’t understand a word, then you know there’s more to it than meets the ear.”

Nephew of the legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who lent his voice to the Oscar-winning film Dead Man Walking, the young Khan comes from a house filled with music. Sine Khan had no son of his own, Rahat was deemed heir-apparent to the legendary household, continuing a legacy of singers than spans back 600 years. On YouTube, there is a 12-year-old Nusrat singing a love song at a concert with his famed uncle.

“If you teach a child to sing Twinkle, twinkle little star, do they really understand what they’re saying?” he said with a laugh. “It was just the same with me. I sang a love song, comparing a beautiful woman to a rose. The words were given, the tune was given, and I sang it. I didn’t know what I was singing about until years later.”

Tickets are priced from HK$300 to HK$2,000 and available through HK Ticketing

P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp @ hotmail. com)

Aasha Bhosle: The Essence of Star Power

Indian singing legend credits her great success to a strong work ethic writes P.Ramakrishnan.

As if singer Asha Bhosle wasn't legendary enough - and we don't use the term lightly - she received some extra heavy metal for her overcrowded trophy room this month. Not only was she honoured at the 10th Pune International Film Festival for her "outstanding contribution to Indian cinema", but the Mumbai media house, Screen, also presented her with a lifetime achievement award.

Bhosle, 78, has at least 31 other such similar felicitations, including a Grammy nomination and a BBC lifetime achievement award (presented by then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2002). So when Bhosle herself is asked how many trophies line her cabinets, she sounds genuinely perplexed.

"I have no idea," she says, laughing, and turning to ask her son, Anand: "Do you know how many? Well, the most memorable awards were the national awards given to me by the president of India [in 1981, 1986 and a Padma Vibhushan award, the second highest civilian award, granted by President Pratibha Patil in 2008]. The rest, well, it's nice to be mentioned.

"But I have to confess one thing: everything came late to me in life."

Bhosle's achievements are ever-more remarkable as the younger sibling to India's "nightingale", Lata Mangeshkar. Two legendary singers born to the same household, mellifluous careers mired in mumblings of who's better. "I received everything 20 years after it was due to me - fame, recognition, awards," she says. "And the other half of my life got lost in the pointless conversation about who was better: me or my elder sister."

Like the rivalry between operatic divas Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, with loyalties divided by fanatics, composers and producers, the rivalry between the Mangeshkar siblings has filled pages of Indian print since the 1940s. But it's an issue Bhosle refuses to address today, after years of supposed musical riffs and rifts. "I respect and love my sister. We meet for every family function. What others say, who is bothered?"

If it's hard to pinpoint who's greater, it's easier to note who has sung more. A few months ago, Guinness World Records officially acknowledged Bhosle as the most recorded artist in the history of music. She was awarded a certificate for "the most studio recordings [singles] for recording up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs and in over 20 Indian languages since 1947".

And Bhosle is still upping the record, as she's in the studio often and tours annually. Clad in her trademark sparkling saris, her hair pinned in a matriarchal bun, her arms and neck festooned with diamonds and pearls, the grandmother of five will be hitting the stage in Hong Kong on February 23 at the Cultural Centre.

Bhosle has performed with artists ranging from Nelly Furtado to Boy George, and even collaborated with boy band Code Red in the 1990s. While some of the names have faded into irrelevance, Bhosle's spotlight hasn't dimmed. She remains one of India's highest-paid singers and the nation's current crop of singing stars literally bow when she walks into a room. Think of Aretha Franklin in a sari, with a strong adherence to traditional Indian values.

Bhosle has sung cabaret songs, classical music, pop, disco and devotional songs in different languages - her vast repertoire performed with a vocal prowess of three octaves.

Why her singing contemporaries' voices have wilted with time while she remains a force to be reckoned with is no mystery. "Perhaps it's because I work just as hard now as when I started," she says. "I haven't forgotten the days of struggle. I know it takes 100 paisa to make a rupee. For years, I travelled great distances on foot and train from home to the studio. For the longest time, I made about 100 rupees [HK$15.30 today] a month. I remember the day I got 2,000 rupees for a recording. It was like I'd won the lottery.

"Today's singers get on a reality show and make hundreds of thousands a year. I have no issue with that, but what kind of fame is it? They still sing our old songs ... They have to make it on their own merit, not as pale imitations. Temporary fame is fleeting."

When asked who she likes among the current crop of singers, Bhosle politely evades the question. "I have no time to listen to [new] songs," she says. "I'm so busy recording or doing TV shows [judging musical reality shows in Mumbai] or on tour. But when travelling, I listen to the old songs. And keeping aside all the politics, I often listen to Pakistani poets and singers, such as Ghulam Ali and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan."

Bhosle strikes an elegiac note when she reminisces about her recordings with other singers from the 1950s and '60s - Kishore Kumar ("Who was the funniest person I've ever met and one of the most gifted"), Mohammed Rafi ("the greatest vocal range and a kind man") and Mukesh ("the perfect gentleman. They say you can't be a good singer if you're not a good person - well, he was a great singer and a greater person").

The current work ethic has changed, as well. "We had a full orchestra and had to perfect a song in one take," Bhosle says. "There were days of rehearsals. If there was a minor error or wrong note, we had to start all over again. And, for the most part, we all got along, as there had to be camaraderie among the musicians. We worked long, long hours. Today, well, you'll be surprised to know that often my so-called duets were recorded in one country, my co-singer in another, and it's all mixed together. And auto-tune, it's the funniest thing I've seen. We're now in an era where you don't have to be a remotely competent singer to sing."

This will be her third concert in Hong Kong, and her memories of the city reflect those of many other tourists.

"I went to Hong Kong in 1986 and in 1989 for shows at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. I remember shopping in Hong Kong after my shows, getting chiffon saris, things for my three children. I don't remember much else. At this age, my interest in shopping has gone, but music hasn't left me, and I haven't left music."

Eternal Asha, Feb 23, 8pm, Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, HK$300-HK$1,200, Urbtix. Inquiries: 6019 0621

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Jan 29, 2012


Pic Caption: An Indian national treasure, Asha Bhosle has been entertaining with her records and live shows for decades.

My life: Shreya Ghoshal: Accomplished Singer of note and Reality TV Show Winner is The Voice of Youth

One of Bollywood's most recognisable voices talks to P.Ramakrishnan ahead of her scheduled performance last night at PolyU, Hong Kong. 

FIRST NOTES
Although I first became known as a singer through Sa Re Ga Ma [an early Indian version of American Idol] as an 11-year-old, I'd been singing since I started talking. I learned from my parents - we are a very musically and culturally aware family. Though our family is Bengali, my childhood memories are of growing up in Rawatbhata in Rajasthan. It's in a remote area and cut off from the township, so I was surrounded by a lot of traditional and cultural activities. We had no connections to show business - my family is full of scientists and engineers- but my parents were very encouraging about my interest in music. One of my earliest memories is singing in a hall when I was about five. My teacher took me to this boring concert and asked me to sing a song from a film. I sang Aur Iss Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai ["what else is in my heart?"] and the entire audience burst into applause after just two lines. I'll never forget that moment - it was like the first experience of love, but from an audience. My father wanted me to be properly trained as a singer. To him, this was more important than fame and fortune. My family values education and academic achievement above all, so when I got to Mumbai, in 1997, I focused on learning. I wasn't looking for fame or glamour, unlike millions who come to Mumbai to make it in the film industry. I had no aspirations to be in cinema and I still don't.

REALITY CHEQUE

In Mumbai, I took lessons from legendary musical director Kalyanji and also learned about classical Indian music. The belief that Mumbai is all about pop songs and Bollywood is wrong- there are many incredible teachers in the city. I think learning is a constant process, even if I don't go to one particular guru anymore. I still practise, but not every day; with concerts, recordings and shooting for the TV show [as a judge on India's X Factor], I'm happily but constantly busy. The main difference I notice between youngsters of today and from when I was an aspiring singer is the level of confidence. The amount of intelligence and presence on stage now is incredible. Even while still in their teens they know how to win over an audience. But there's also an innocence lost, the beauty of naivety has gone as the current generation is fed on reality TV, which didn't exist when I was growing up. When I see parents trying to groom a child for stardom, sometimes it's a bit too much. The new generation doesn't seem to know the wonder of music, they aren't seeking enlightenment, there's no appreciation of how profound music can be. Now it's all about ratings, concerts and money. When I was a kid, I didn't do concerts for big pay cheques.

THE FAME GAME

My life changed after producer/director Sanjay Leela Bhansali discovered me on television. He came to our house and offered me an opportunity to sing in his magnum opus Devdas [2002], the biggest musical at the time. I was going to be a playback singer [providing pre-recorded vocals] for the beautiful Aishwarya Rai. I couldn't believe it. The songs were rooted in classical music and I was thrilled. At the time, Aishwarya was facing a lot of flak in the media and a lot of rumours and gossip, but she was so unaffected by it that I feel I learned something from her - to ignore the riff-raff. I've learned not to read any press about myself, good or bad. I've never been a victim of malicious gossip - well, if I have, I'm blissfully ignorant. I've never had a PR person. I've never wanted to be on a scroll on a newsreel. I'm not a manipulator of self-publicity and have stayed rooted to my family and music. I hope my singing alone will bring me all that I deserve.

MUMBAI MAYHEM

Although I'm just 27, I feel old. I've seen so much. But those who say I haven't had to struggle are exaggerating. My father ran from pillar to post in the early days. My family faced troubles that I wish to wipe from my memory, as I don't want to mull on the past. Songs that were promised, payments that were never made, songs I sang that other people ended up recording over, I've seen it all. I do remember the people who treated me badly, but I forgive and try to forget. I think I've grown a bit thick-skinned after my years in Mumbai. In this industry, if you aren't strong, you'll get eaten up. After all my rounds on the reality shows, the performances, the applause, the concerts, the struggle began after reality TV. Gaining success was easy, maintaining it was not. Although doing concerts and performing on stage is great fun- especially with audience interaction - true Indian music is not about performance. There's a belief in our culture that music is for personal and divine growth, a form of spirituality that makes us one with the lord. When I study and practise classical music, I close my eyes and sing for no one but me. There's a certain magic to that, which is lost on the new generation. With certain kinds of reality shows - with their dramatic cuts and staged wars- the new generation is being prevented from developing a voice to find this form of divinity.

REEL LIFE

I've been offered roles in films but I've turned every one of them down. When I met the great Indian actress Rekha, she grabbed my face and told me that I must do films. Another time I was recording a song in Chennai and a producer said I reminded him of legendary Indian actress Sridevi- I love her, but I don't think it was a valid comparison. [Bhansali] jokes with me that we'll make a film, but as my mentor and guardian I know he won't. I won't sacrifice my music - and doing films would take me away from music. I've worked hard for everything I've achieved. I won't be a mediocre actress when I can be a good singer.

See earlier features:

• My day with Shreya Ghoshal and my photographer: Pre concert pics
• Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal in Hong Kong for a concert 
• My life: Sunidhi Chauhan
• My life: Carmit Bachar
• My life: Priyanka Chopra
• Shreya Ghoshal lands in Hong Kong

Bollywood singer Shreya in town for one-off concert

Celebrations for Diwali will begin early this year for Hong Kong’s Indian community, when they gather tomorrow (Sat/Oct 1) night to hear the angelic voice of Shreya Ghoshal, who will be performing a one-off concert in the Jockey Club Auditorium at Polytechnic University. Indian New Year falls on October 26 this year.

As one of Bollywood’s most recognised singers – having won an incredible 46 popular awards won over the past 10 years for songs in numerous languages – Ghoshal is also a judge on India’s X Factor, a role that beams her into the homes of potentially a billion Indians.

“Judging the show has been great fun,” said Ghoshal, 27, who herself was a reality show contestant as a teenager. “I was never confident contestant as a child, and felt so shy getting up on stage, but kids today – they dance, wink at the audience, they work the cameras. I’m amazed by them!”

Just 16 when she started singing for Bollywood films (she won her first National Award, handed to her by India’s president, at 17), she has found fame and fortune in her work.

“I’m an ol’ pro. I feel so old! I think working in Mumbai has aged me,” she said

Though she’s only been in Hong Kong before en route to other destinations, she says she’s looking forward to hitting the tourist attractions – and some recommendations she got on Facebook. Ghoshal has a whopping 3.1 million followers on the social networking site and fans have recommended a few hot spots for her to check out.

“But I’d like to do it in peace with my family and friends, so am not letting you know when and where I’m hitting Hong Kong.”

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com

Paris, Je T'aime

For Francophiles and lovers of art, opera, music and dance, fashion, food and wine, there's nothing quite like Le French May, the annual celebration of all things French. Hong Kong plays host to some of the best acts from France, so here's P.Ramakrishnan's sneak peek at the highlights of what's coming up.

Frankly Speaking: Interview with Grammy nominee Howard McCrary in Hong Kong

Having toured and performed the world over with the biggest names in the music industry - Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire - singer and Grammy nominee Howard McCrary graces Hong Kong for a series of live performances. P.Ramakrishnan accompanied the professional crooner as he spoke of and sang about the musical greats.

-- Special thanks to the fab team at The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

My life: Sunidhi Chauhan: Indian Singer rocks Hong Kong

Having kicked off her Asian tour in Hong Kong, one of India's most prolific singers talks to P.Ramakrishnan about her musical heroes. Pictures by Douglas Pieterse. Shot exclusively for South China Morning Post.

SMALL STEPS

I was five years old [when] my dad’s friend said to him, “There’s a show for the local community [in Delhi], let her go up on stage and sing. It’ll be cute. She’s so little - people will love it”. At first my father didn’t agree. Then he said fine and he knelt down on his knees, said to me, right before the show, “Go right there in the middle of the stage, sing your song to the mic, and then come back.” That’s exactly what I did. I didn’t notice the applause, see the audience (the stage lights were too bright). There was no fear. I liked to sing but which child doesn’t? I had no concept of whether I was good or not.

But after that show, people kept going up to my parents to say, “You’ve got something here, she can really sing. You must pay attention to it”. Since then, I’ve been singing on stages, small and big. And I’ve never been in awe of performing. Because my first experience was so casual and matter-of-fact - go to the centre, sing, come back, that’s the approach I took for years after. Other singers moved and danced along. I was painfully shy, finally at one show, I started moving along and dancing a bit to the song, I started enjoying the experience of being on stage, years later.

FANATICAL BEHAVIOUR

The only time I slightly panicked was at Hisar (a small state in North India). There were around 100,000 people there and I was the only singer with my troupe of musicians. They wanted to hear the song “Beedi”, which was a rage that year. I usually save it for the finale, as it leaves an impact, but the people started chanting for that song. It kept getting louder, so I finally told my background musicians, lets change it up and for the fifth song, I started singing the intro to the song. The crowd went wild – they torpedoed towards the stage, broke the barricades. It was manic. Thank God we had cops and security, I was escorted out – the show ended right there. I’ve never seen that kind of frenzy for anything. I don’t know how I feel about it, happy they loved the song or in alarmed at the reaction.


HITS AND MISSES

I can never really tell when a song’s going to be a hit or a flop. When I sang “Dhoom”, it was for a film with a cast that wasn’t that famous (at the time), it became a rage. In India, if the film is a hit, the song becomes a hit, I mostly sing for films so if its well picturised on a lead actress, the chances of it becoming a rage is stronger. But times are changing with music videos focusing on singers, with reality TV appearances, singers are more recognizable, a song can run on its own merit.

I love to sing soft, melodic, romantic numbers, but I keep getting the pop hits that you hear in clubs everywhere. Not that I’m complaining, but I do love to sing every genre of song. I have no favourite music director or co-singer, I genuinely like them all. From [Oscar winner] A.R. Rehman, who’s the most humble, soft-spoken soul I’ve met in the industry, to the newcomer music directors or co-singers. I have no qualms about singing for anybody, with anybody.


LEARNING TO LET GO

Politics in the music industry in Bollywood’s there. There’s no denying it – although I try to block it out. There have been instances, when I’ve sung a song, recorded it for a film… and then months later, I can see/hear that some other singer’s done the version on the album. I don’t know what happens behind the scenes, you hear things, but I’ve learnt to let it go. I feel, it’s their loss.

The tabloids in India are part and parcel of the game. It really doesn’t bother me what they say or write. A major film magazine wrote that I was dying to get married and settle down – none of that was true. They make up entire features and interviews and I’ve never thought of suing them. The headache of long legal processes, who has the time? I’m recording songs for multiple films, have concerts around the world, music-videos to shoot, I’m judging on reality tv shows, where’s the time, money, energy to waste on the rubbish they print?


REAL LIFE

Joining Indian Idol as a judge has been wonderful. I’ve had so much fun and its great to encourage and support the new generation of singers. I don’t see them as competition. There are over a billion Indians, more than 400 films made each year, most of them musicals, there’s room for every singer, I feel anyone can sing and I love to hear that I’ve inspired the newcomers. It means a lot to me. I must confess, I love the bad singers too. That part’s the most fun – the auditions with the tone deaf. The delusional ones make for great television viewing and I’m always sad when the audition process is done. It gets serious very quickly, the funny parts end.

Reality TV shows get a lot of flack, but how can I possibly say anything against it? It launched off my career. There’s a youtube clip of me online when I first won Meri Awaaz Suno [Listen to my Voice], which was one of the original reality show on National Indian television. I was 10 or 11… competing with other singers who were older, trained and I think most were in college or had professional careers. I’m wearing a ribbon in my hair, a brown knee-length skirt. I sang a classic song Tu Chanda [You’re the Moon], which was originally sung by Lata Mangeshkar – who was the head judge at the finale. My idol, my world, when I won the competition, I had to go up and receive the trophy from her, the living legend… and I burst out crying. Winning the competition or the cheque or the contract to sing for a studio didn’t mean as much then as being blessed by Lataji. She’s a goddess. The petite, 70-year-old (at the time) Goddess gave me a warm hug and it meant the world to me. When I see it now, I still get gooseflesh. That moment changed by life.


CELINE, WHITNEY, LATA AND AASHA

There was no formal training, no in-born passion to be a singer, I never thought like that. I liked singing, I would listen to tapes of legendary Indian singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Aasha Bhosle and mimic what they sing. I’d play the audio tape of the film Lekin, again and again, and emulate the Mangeshkar sisters who sang in the album. Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston are other singers that inspire me. The control of their voice as they reach high octaves, the passion they exude when they sing is great. I love Jennifer Lopez too, her music videos, her fashion, her dancing. The singing.. well, I love her. Can I leave it at that? [She giggles].


I used to mimic Lata Mangeshkar, Aasha Bhosle, and I can mimic other singers and actresses too. I used to perform it as an act in my shows, until too many people… fans of theirs started getting offended. My intention wasn’t to hurt anyone, make fun of them, but people took it wrong. So I’ve stopped. I’m not here to hurt anyone, just want them to enjoy music, so I used to copy their styles. Now, I have a huge catalogue of my own songs – I have no idea how many? 2000? Maybe more.


Working with Enrique Iglesisas was wonderful. I wanted to collaborate with other singers and when this opportunity came up, I grabbed it. He’s so humble, so enthusiastic about music. The bigger the star, the more humble they’ve been. We recorded the song partly in LA and part in Mumbai – the music video was also shot in LA and some parts in India, this fusion of styles. The original idea was different and how its come out is different, but collaborations evolve and grow. I feel it’s a first step for what’s ahead.

ENCORE ENCORE

Last time I came to Hong Kong [five years ago], I performed with one of my favourite co-singers KK. We had a blast of a time, the audience was amazing. Last night, even more so. The show was brilliant, I loved the fact people got up and danced on the aisles. At first, the audience seemed shy to move, but by the fourth song, they got into it. The requests for encores were wonderful. Awards, money, fame… nothing beats a great audience reaction.

Interview courtesy of Jade Group.

Outtakes from shoot.
All images Copyright Douglas Pieterse.

My life: Carmit Bachar: Life After The Pussycat Dolls: Interview in Hong Kong with Singer/Dancer Carmit!

Following a bittersweet departure from The Pussycat Dolls, the "Smile ambassador" has been re-igniting her career in Hong Kong, writes P.Ramakrishnan. 

A South China Morning Post exclusive for Post magazine. 

JUMPING FOR JOY I was born and raised in Encino, California, and I'm a mix of Israeli, Dutch, Indonesian and Chinese. Both my parents danced and acted, and I was an audience to their talents. I was always upside down doing handstands as a child - a bundle of energy - so my mum sent me to gymnastics classes. I also did ballet and dance. After watching the 1984 Olympics, I fell in love with rhythmic gymnastics and started competing professionally. I competed internationally for 10 years and even made fifth place in the United States Olympic trials [in 1992]. I had a dance background and loved creating new elements, and I think the audience liked my performance more than my routine. I gave up gymnastics and started performing.

CATS OUT OF THE BAG When we first started, The Pussycat Dolls was more of an underground act, it was the cool thing in [Los Angeles] that few people knew about and we played gigs in The Viper Room and The Roxy. This sensual, burlesque act was conceptualised way back in 1995 but most people think it's relatively new. In 2003, we signed a record deal that brought the group into the limelight but the Dolls had been around long before. The original group was Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and me. When we were performing, celebrities came to be a part of the show. It was more risqué in the early days, we didn't sing live, we lip-synched and we had amazing guest stars like Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani join in.

THEN CAME GWEN When Gwen joined, the fame aspect grew considerably. I was choreographing for [Stefani's band] No Doubt - I've had many avatars - as an independent artist and, when I met Gwen, I said, 'If you ever want to be a part of the Dolls, let me know.' Six months go by, she came to check out the show and, at the end, she came backstage and said, 'I'm jealous. I want to be in it. I love it!' And then we based the show all around her and her music. Gwen was the quintessential Pussycat Doll, really sophisticated and classic. And she has this perfect combination of beauty and rock 'n' roll and sex appeal. She brought something new to the show. It was so great, we went on tour as an opening act for No Doubt. We had a ball.

SPLIT DECISION I left the group in 2008. The split came naturally. Girls have come and gone over the years, some bitterly, some not. Groups are a difficult thing; the relationship goes through a lot. We enjoyed the perks together, we suffered the losses together. We developed bonds but ... some personalities don't mesh in the long run. Nicole did lead the group and was often seen as 'the face' ... but each member had value. Well, I really don't want to focus on the negative but let me just say when things are good, no one leaves a multiplatinum-record-selling group. It's sort of unfortunate, we all worked hard, we had a wide fan base, Nicole was always experimenting and made the group a bigger success but ... many of us did feel that no one should be taken for granted. It affects your experience. After a while, I was happy to leave.

HONG KONG CONNECTION I was in Hong Kong in December for a charity show and I met Ann Tsang [of Antithesis records] and [rapper] Detroit Diamond. I had met Ann before but this time she said, 'We have to work on something together'. Before I knew it, we were all at a studio working together. The synergy was amazing. I love working here in Hong Kong, it's fast, it's efficient.

I've been to the city many times. It's like New York on speed. It's got some amazing qualities - fashion, food, the whole lifestyle. It is so multicultural. I remember coming here years ago, when I was with the group, and thinking, 'I'm definitely coming back soon'. I feel this strange connection to Asia - my mother was born in Indonesia, my grandmother is part Chinese - and I have Chinese tattoos on my back.

IDOL GOSSIP As much as I love LA, I like leaving it on occasion, too. Living in the heartland of gossip and tabloid culture, my personal life is speculated on but I don't really care to talk much about it. At the moment, my personal life is me and my mother. The tabloids often get it very wrong. Like they did in the early days of American Idol, when I went to support [the reality show's most famous runner up] Adam Lambert [see The Review].

When I left the group, my intention wasn't to go solo. I wanted to go out and create and produce - and that's how The Zodiac Show came into being. It's an underground live-performance show that I co-founded as an outlet for both established and new singers, dancers, rappers, poets and performing artists to come together on stage to display their true passion and talent. It's a multiple-genre thing that I can't fully describe. Rap, aerial fire shows, opera, drag queens, everything on stage, all united on one platform. Dita von Teese, Macy Gray, Grammy winners and producers all collaborating. It's my passion project. Adam Lambert was in The Zodiac Show for years - long before Idol - so, of course, we've been friends for a long time. During the show, I went to support him and you can see me in the audience on the Idol re-runs.

CRACKING SMILES Beyond the music, the show, the documentary [about The Zodiac Show], my involvement with Operation Smile, as a 'Smile ambassador', is very important to me. I was born with a cleft lip and palate and I experienced rejection at every corner. But I understand why; this business is about image. I had a scar on my lip after my surgery and people would look and ask, 'What's that?' But it became part of my character. One in 600 children in the US are born with this condition. In America, we have surgery, which takes just 45 minutes, but in Third World countries, there is nowhere to go. I teamed up with the charity to benefit children born with the condition by offering arts education and inspiration for them to live their dreams.