“Music has been my best investment ”
(PIA TORELLI) |
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Ahead of his Dubai performance at Madinat Jumeirah tonight, the celebrated Indian singer speaks about success, money, horses and retirement – and what he thinks of the future of the genre he helped popularise.
A few years ago, you said you will one day write your dream ghazal that people will remember for ever. Are you still waiting for inspiration? It is still a dream. I have been writing so many songs but I have not experienced that one ghazal and neither have I sung it. So for now it is still a dream. You have been singing for more than 30 years. Looking back, which period of your career would you consider your best?
You have sold millions of albums and sung for hundreds of Bollywood films over the years. Who manages your money for you and what has been the best investment you have ever made? I do not have money (laughs). I get some tips from friends and acquaintances. Sixty per cent of all my earnings are in mutual funds and the rest are invested in private equity. I also indulge in a bit of luxury sometimes because I am passionate about horses. I own a few racing horses at my home in Mumbai. I have not invested in Dubai and do not have any plans yet. I think this city needs much bigger fish than me.
I have already put my foot down about those kind of videos. I understand it is a part of publicity and the need to reach more buyers. But I do not like it and I will not do it again. Some of my best selling albums have been bhajans (Hindu religious songs), which have gone on to sell more than four million units. You can sell anything you want through good publicity but it will only have a lifespan of about a month. At the end of the day, you should only be worried about quality. You have made statements in the media about your objection to Pakistani artists being allowed to perform in India, when Indian artists do not have the same privileges. Do you still hold that view? Yes, definitely. Pakistani artists are free to live and perform anywhere in India, while they are exempt from income taxes. A lot of Pakistani artists I know are surviving on the Indian market and many of them have made their homes there. Where does the future of ghazals lie? Have you ever worried about its longevity? The future of ghazal singing is very safe. It is a 700-year-old art and it continues to grow. I am only a bit worried about the continuation of the tradition as it is now because not a lot of people are coming forward. Ghazal as a tradition is safe however, and I do not worry about it. Different genres of music have come and gone yet ghazal music remains the same only ghazal singers will fade. You are still going strong at 67. I’ll know after tonight’s performance if I’m still going strong (laughs). I have given myself three years and have decided not to do anymore public performances after that. I want to concentrate on teaching, composing and recording. Jagjit Singh Singer
Jagjit Singh, 67, is one of India’s most beloved singers. He has been credited with bringing ghazal music – an ancient musical style once enjoyed only by the elite to the masses. of India’s highest civilian accolades.
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