Why Bhupinder Singh distanced himself from Hindi songs in the 80s. On Tuesday Trivia
India Today
Legendary singer Bhupinder Singh passed away on July 18 in Mumbai. In this week's Tuesday Trivia, we tell you why the singer distanced himself from Hindi songs in the 80s.
Veteran playback and ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh passed away on July 18 in Mumbai. He had Covid-related complications and suspected colon cancer, said his singer-wife Mitali Mukherjee. He was 82. Bhupinder Singh made us feel the feels with songs such as Dil Dhoondta Hai, Naam Gum Jaayega, Ek Akela Is Shaher Mein and Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar Aaj Bhi Hai, among others.
Despite delivering back-back hits, there was a time in his career when he distanced himself from Hindi playback singing. In this week's Tuesday Trivia, we tell you why.
Back in the 70s, a song's success relied on its tune and the lyrics. However, as years passed, film music became more commercialised, which upset Bhupinder. In the mid-80s, after getting married to Mitali, he distanced himself from Hindi films and started singing ghazals.
In an interview with an entertainment portal, Bhupinder explained, "I didn't leave Hindi film music because I wasn't getting offers. The truth is that the kind of music they wanted me to do did not suit my style or my temperament. In the 80s, songs lost their relevance and just became one more part of a Hindi film. And for me, a song without the depth of lyrics is a song without soul. That's why I have distanced myself from Hindi films."
He further added, "If the music director insisted on unnecessary innovations, then I would simply refuse to sing. I insist on the purity of lyrics and examine the depth of poetry I lend my voice to."
In his career spanning three decades, Bhupinder worked with legends like RD Burman, Khayyam and Laxmikant-Pyarelal, among others. He also played the guitar for songs like Dum Maro Dum, Chura Liya, Chalte Chalte and Mehbooba O Mehbooba.
Here are some of his famous songs:
